अलंकार (Alankaar) is a figure of speech which means ornaments or adornments. Just like a woman use ornaments to enhance her beauty, Alankar are used in Hindi language essentially to enhance the beauty of a poem.

Alankar are broadly classified in two groups, these are:

1. शब्दालंकार (Shabdalankar, it came from two word Shabdh (Word) + Alankar (Ornaments)) – Certain specific words that create an ornamental effect in a verse/poem.

2. अर्थालंकार (Arthalankar, it came from two word Artha (Meaning) + Alankar (Ornaments)) – The meaning of words that creates a required enhancement.

Most common शब्दालंकार (Shabdalankar) that you might find in the Hindi poetry are:

1. अनुप्रास (Anupras) (Alliteration) – When a consonant word repeats serially more than once.

Example: घेर घेर घोर गगन।. Here, consonant word “घ ” is repeated three times.

2. यमक (Yamak) (Homonym) – when same word repeats more than once but each time its meaning is different.

Example: सजना है मुझे सजना के लिए। Here, “सजना” means to make up as well as a lover.

3. श्लेष (Shlesh) (Pun) – when a word is used once but it gives more than one meaning.

Example: मधुबन की छाती को देखो, सूखी इसकी कितनी कलियाँ। Here, “कलियाँ” means the flower that is not fully blossomed/Young children. Poet wants to describe a scene where a “मधुबन” (garden) is lacking, both in blossoming flowers and young children.

Most common अर्थालंकार (Arthalankar) that you might find in the Hindi poetry are:

1. उपमा (Upma) (Simile) – when a person or thing is compared in words with a similar but famous or well known person or thing or place.

Example: ताज महल सा घर। House like the Taj Mahal. Here, “घर” (house) is compared with a building which is famous for its beauty.

2. रूपक (Rupak) (Metaphor) – when a word is used for something to which it is not literally applicable but in order to suggest a resemblance.

Example: पायो जी मैंने राम-रतन धन पायो। Here, “राम” (Ram, Hindu god) is suggested metaphorically as “रतन” (precious stones) and “धन” (money) .

3. अतिश्योक्ति (Atishyokti) (Hyperbole) – when a word is used to exaggerate something or someone, to evoke a strong feelings or to create a strong impression.

Example: दिल बादल बने, आँखें बहेने लगी। Here, “दिल″ (heart) is exaggerated to “बादल″ (cloud). The dramatic effect of this exaggeration would be, आँखें (eyes) that can tear as rain from the heart which has turned into clouds (in pain).