Bhavanti Namras Taravah Phalodgamaih
भवन्ति नम्रास्तरवः फलोद्गमैः
Also known as: bhavanti namras taravah phalodgamaih · bhavanti namrah taravah · anuddhatah satpurushah samriddhibhih · bhartrhari shloka on humility
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✦ Meaning
This beloved verse from Bhartrhari's Niti Shataka teaches that humility is the natural mark of greatness. Just as fruit-laden trees bend low and water-filled clouds sink toward the earth, truly noble and benevolent people grow more modest, not prouder, as their fortunes rise. It is one of Sanskrit literature's most quoted illustrations of the link between abundance, generosity and humility.
Origin & Story
Niti Shataka of Bhartrhari (Subhashita) · Bhartrhari · Classical Sanskrit literature (c. 5th century CE)
In his Niti Shataka, Bhartrhari repeatedly praises the character of the sajjana, the truly good person. Here he turns to nature for his lesson: the heavily fruiting tree and the water-bearing cloud both bend humbly toward the earth. From these images he draws the principle that the benevolent grow more modest as they grow more prosperous, making humility the very signature of a generous soul.
✦ As told in scripture
Teachers of niti often recount how this verse alone has softened proud hearts, for once a person truly sees the bowing tree and the descending cloud as mirrors of the noble soul, arrogance in prosperity begins to feel unnatural and humility becomes its own quiet reward.
The Mantra
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भवन्ति नम्रास्तरवः फलोद्गमैः नवाम्बुभिर्भूमिविलम्बिनो घनाः। अनुद्धताः सत्पुरुषाः समृद्धिभिः स्वभाव एवैष परोपकारिणाम्॥
bhavanti namrās taravaḥ phalodgamaiḥ navāmbubhir bhūmi-vilambino ghanāḥ। anuddhatāḥ sat-puruṣāḥ samṛddhibhiḥ svabhāva evaiṣa paropakāriṇām॥
Meaning:Trees bow low under the burden of their fruit; rain-laden clouds hang down close to the earth with fresh water; and noble people remain unassuming in the midst of their prosperity — for this very humility is the natural disposition of those who live to benefit others. Bhartrhari draws on nature itself to show that true greatness expresses itself through gentleness, not arrogance.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Bhavanti Namras Taravah Phalodgamaih
Cultivates humility and grace, especially in times of success and abundance
Teaches that true greatness reveals itself through gentleness, not pride
Inspires a spirit of selfless service (paropakara) toward others
A beautiful nature-based meditation for daily character reflection
Counters arrogance and ego as one grows in wealth, status or knowledge
A timeless verse for value education and self-cultivation
How to Chant Bhavanti Namras Taravah Phalodgamaih
Recite the verse and picture its three images — the fruit-laden tree bowing, the rain cloud sinking low, the noble person staying humble in prosperity. Let each image deepen your resolve to remain unassuming and generous. It is best used as a contemplative reminder to meet success with humility and to serve others quietly.