Ayuh Karma Cha Vittam Cha (Five Things Fixed Before Birth) — Word-by-Word Meaning
आयुः कर्म च वित्तं च
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
आयुः
āyuḥ
lifespan, the length of one's life
कर्म
karma
one's actions / destined deeds and occupation
च
ca
and
वित्तम्
vittam
wealth, material fortune
विद्या
vidyā
knowledge, learning, education
निधनम्
nidhanam
death, the manner and time of one's end
एव च
eva ca
and (emphatic) — indeed also
पञ्च
pañca
five
एतानि
etāni
these (things)
हि
hi
indeed, for (an emphatic/explanatory particle)
सृज्यन्ते
sṛjyante
are created, are ordained, are fixed
गर्भस्थस्य
garbhasthasya
of the one (still) in the womb
एव
eva
only, even (emphatic)
देहिनः
dehinaḥ
of the embodied being, of the living creature
Complete Translation
Lifespan, one's destined deeds, wealth, knowledge, and the time of death — these five are ordained for an embodied being even while it is still in the womb. Chanakya teaches that the essential outlines of one's life are settled before birth, so the wise neither grow vain over fortune nor break down in anxiety over what is destined.
Origin & History
Source: Chanakya Niti
Author: Chanakya (Vishnugupta / Kautilya)
Period: Ancient India (c. 4th–3rd century BCE)
Chanakya, the strategist and minister who helped found the Mauryan empire, compiled terse niti verses on ethics, prosperity and the conduct of life. This verse from his opening chapter sets a foundational tone: by declaring that lifespan, deeds, wealth, learning and death are fixed before birth, he frames human striving within an acceptance of destiny, teaching the seeker to remain calm, humble and free of fear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does 'Ayuh Karma Cha Vittam Cha' come from?▼
It is a celebrated verse from the first chapter of the Chanakya Niti (also called Niti Darpana), the collection of aphorisms attributed to Chanakya (Kautilya / Vishnugupta), the ancient teacher of ethics and statecraft.
What are the five things fixed before birth according to this verse?▼
Aayu (lifespan), karma (destined deeds and occupation), vitta (wealth), vidya (knowledge or learning), and nidhana (the time and manner of death). Chanakya says all five are determined for a being while it is still in the womb.
Does this verse teach fatalism or laziness?▼
No. Chanakya elsewhere strongly praises effort (udyama). This verse teaches acceptance of what is beyond control so the mind stays free of greed and dread; it is meant to remove anxiety, not effort. One still acts diligently, but without breaking down over outcomes that are destined.
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