Abhidheya Devi Dasi, the founder of Bhakti Kids Sangha and a mother of two, has recently introduced her book, Varnamala: Garland of Syllables, a child-friendly two-volume series for learning the phonetic sounds of the Sanskrit alphabet from the very beginning. With its thoughtfully curated content, this book is an invaluable resource for parents seeking to introduce their children to Sanskrit—a sacred language central to the Vedic tradition.

Abhidheya Devi Dasi actively conducts workshops, hosts a podcast, and teaches Sanskrit. Inspired by Srila Prabhupada’s desire for children to learn Sanskrit, Abhidheyas encouraged parents to make Sanskrit learning a family endeavor, fostering not just linguistic skills but also a spiritual connection.

The first volume focuses on mastering Sanskrit vowels, their sounds, and numbers one to ten. There is even a handy tracing worksheet at the back to learn how to write the numbers. The second volume builds upon this foundation by delving deeper into the consonants, breaking them down into grouped and ungrouped categories. Both volumes include lots of vocabulary to get you speaking right away. Transliterations and English translations are included, offering an enriching and inclusive learning experience for readers at every level of study.

The beauty of Varnamala: Garland of Syllables lies in its ability to transform what could be a daunting linguistic journey into a delightful learning experience. The syllables are presented as a “garland,” where each sound holds significance and connects to others in a meaningful way. The inclusion of example words and their translations makes it easier for readers to see Sanskrit’s practical applications. The book also celebrates the sacred Sanskrit language, reminding readers that it is the language in which Lord Krishna delivered the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna, thereby adding a powerful purpose to the learning process.

Abhidheya’s attention to linguistic detail is remarkable. She explains complex phonetic concepts in a simple manner. Grouped consonants are organized systematically, moving anatomically from the throat to the lips. Ungrouped consonants, including semi-vowels and sibilants, require distinct pronunciation techniques. Nasal sounds are highlighted, emphasizing the unique vibration produced in the nasal cavity.

Such detailed explanations ensure that learners grasp not only the sounds but also the science behind them. By breaking down the science of sound, the book provides readers with a deeper appreciation of Sanskrit’s sophistication and precision. These big concepts are made easy by giving all these groups animal characters to represent them.

This series is already being used in gurukula classrooms around the world. Appreciating the creativity expressed in designing the book, Kisori Jani Devi Dasi, a Sanskrit teacher, exclaimed, “Amazing Sanskrit books! When teaching primary-aged children, vivid colours, large text, and engaging pictures really grasp the child’s attention.”

Nilambari Devi Dasi, a Sanskrit teacher at the BKG Academy, said, “Abhidheya Mataji’s Sanskrit books use colorful and engaging images to bring the Devanagari letters to life. Teachers can use these books to show their students the correct formation of the letters, understand the sequence of the alphabet, and learn words that start with various letters. I hope Abhidheya mataji continues to provide these much-needed Sanskrit sources to use in the classroom.”

In summary, this two-part series is perfect for parents looking to teach Sanskrit to their children, devotees wanting to deepen their understanding of the language of the Vedas, and anyone interested in learning Sanskrit in a structured, spiritually enriching way. It is a labor of love and devotion crafted to make the sacred language of Sanskrit accessible to all. Abhidheya Devi Dasi’s dedication and expertise shine through on every page, making this two-volume series a must-have for anyone on a journey to learn Sanskrit.

You can purchase Book 1 यहाँ and Book 2 यहाँ. Both books are also available on Amazon worldwide. Australian residents can purchase Book 1 यहाँ and Book 2 यहाँ.

To learn more about Bhakti Kids Sangha, click यहाँ और उनका अनुसरण करें फेसबुक, Instagram, और यूट्यूब.