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Re: Correct way to pronounce ILA?
depends on the orgin of the namebut i would guess ee-luh
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For your info, ILA is also an ancient Indian feminine name. It refers to the Godess of wealth "LAKSHMI".It is pronounced as "ee Lah". I write the L in upper case according to ITRANS convention to signify that it should be pronounced with a retroflex.
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The sanskrit i'DA or i'LA is actually a very old word going back to vedic times at the very least. In root it is connected with meanings to cause to move, pour, and flow, and the word meant refreshing drink in both literal and metaphorical sense (e.g. इळा विश्वस्मै भुवनाय जायते यत्पर्जन्यः पृथिवीं रेतसावति etc.) and by extension applied to food or nourishment in general, or principal arteries in the body. It has been applied to many goddesses: that of sacred speech (flowing praise), daughter of Manu and mother of Pururavas, Maitravaruni, Durga, etc. The connection with Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, though post vedic, is obvious through the meaning.The i is short with a stress, the rest the other post explains. I doubt, however, that this is the name the original poster was asking about. Posts should always state the ethnicity and gender of the name, if known.
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