Consonants of Gurmukhi Alphabet (35 Akhar) Illustrated

Gurmukhi Akhar - Vowel Holders and Consonants

The Gurmukhi script of Gurbani has 35 akhar, or consonants, identical to the Punjabi alphabet including three vowel holders and 32 consonants. Each character represents a phonetic sound. Alphabetical order of the Gurmukhi script is based on groupings having certain similarities and is arranged in a grid (not shown) of five horizontal and seven vertical rows with specific properties. Each letter has a combination of characteristics depending on its horizontal and vertical position. Some letters are pronounced with the tongue touching the back of the upper teeth or curled back to touch just behind the ridge on the roof of the mouth. Letters may be pronounced with a puff of air or require holding air back. Some characters have a nasal sound.

Significance in Scripture

Verses of Gurbani have spiritual significance in Sikh scripture and contain metaphoric passages in which letters figure. Written spellings of letters in translations vary.