Chala Lakshmis Chalah Pranah — Word-by-Word Meaning
चला लक्ष्मीश्चलाः प्राणाः
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
चला
calā
fleeting, unsteady, ever-moving
लक्ष्मीः
lakṣmīḥ
wealth, fortune, prosperity
चलाः
calāḥ
fleeting, transient (plural)
प्राणाः
prāṇāḥ
the life-breaths, life itself
चलम्
calam
fleeting, impermanent
जीवितयौवनम्
jīvita-yauvanam
life and youth
चलाचलम्
calācalam
fleeting and unstable, transient and ever-changing
इदम्
idam
this, all this
सर्वम्
sarvam
everything, the whole world
कीर्तिः
kīrtiḥ
fame, glory, good reputation
यस्य
yasya
of whom, whoever has
सः
saḥ
he, that one
जीवति
jīvati
lives, truly lives on
Complete Translation
Wealth is fleeting, the life-breaths are fleeting, life and youth are fleeting; all this world is transient and unstable — only he truly lives whose fame (good name) endures. The verse teaches that since all worldly things pass away, lasting glory earned through noble deeds is the one thing that gives life true meaning.
Origin & History
Source: Subhashita (Sanskrit niti and vairagya literature)
Author: Traditional (anonymous wisdom verse)
Period: Classical Sanskrit literature
This verse belongs to the Subhashita tradition of reflective sayings on the fleeting nature of worldly life. Composed to awaken detachment and noble aspiration, it lists in quick succession the things people hold most dear — wealth, life, youth — and shows each to be unsteady, before turning the listener toward the one enduring treasure: an honourable name won through good deeds, by which a person lives on long after death.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Chala Lakshmis Chalah Pranah?▼
It means 'wealth is fleeting, the life-breaths are fleeting, life and youth are fleeting.' Since all worldly things are transient, the verse concludes that only the person whose fame and good name endure truly lives on.
What is the central teaching of this verse?▼
That everything in the world — riches, life, youth — is impermanent, and the only thing that lasts is the glory earned through noble deeds. It urges us to build a lasting good name rather than cling to passing possessions.
Where does this verse come from?▼
It is a famous Subhashita of the Sanskrit niti and vairagya tradition, widely quoted on the themes of impermanence and the abiding value of kirti (fame). Such verses are preserved in classical anthologies of moral and reflective sayings.
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