Understanding Bahuvrihi: The Power of Compound Words in Sanskrit

Bahuvrihi is a Sanskrit term that refers to a type of compound word in which the meaning of the second component is "explained" or "defined" by the first component. In other words, the second component is a bahuvrihi if its meaning is derived from the first component rather than being a separate concept.

For example, in the compound word "rice-eater" (rice-kha), the word "rice-eater" is a bahuvrihi because the meaning of "rice-eater" is derived from the word "rice". The word "rice" explains or defines the meaning of "rice-eater", rather than "rice-eater" being a separate concept with its own meaning.

Bahuvrihis are commonly used in Sanskrit to create compound words that convey complex ideas or concepts. They are often used in literature and poetry to add depth and nuance to the language, and to create vivid imagery and metaphors.