Janani Janmabhumishcha Swargadapi Gariyasi
जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी
Also known as: janani janmabhumishcha swargadapi gariyasi · api svarnamayi lanka na me lakshmana rochate · janani janmabhoomi · mother and motherland shloka
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✦ Meaning
This immortal verse records Lord Rama's reply to Lakshmana after victory over Ravana, when the golden splendour of Lanka lay before them. Rama declares that even a city of gold cannot tempt him, because mother and motherland are dearer and weightier than heaven itself. It has become India's most beloved expression of love for one's homeland and the eternal honour owed to one's mother.
Origin & Story
Ramayana tradition (Subhashita) · Attributed to the Ramayana tradition · Ancient itihasa / classical Sanskrit tradition
After Lord Rama defeated Ravana and the resplendent golden city of Lanka stood before him, Lakshmana is said to have admired its splendour and wondered at remaining there. Rama replied with this verse, declaring that even a Lanka of gold held no charm for him, because his mother and his birthland Ayodhya were dearer and greater than heaven. The verse has since become the most quoted Sanskrit expression of love for one's homeland.
✦ As told in scripture
Generations of Indians have drawn courage and devotion from this single verse, and it is often said that the love of homeland it kindles has inspired countless people to serve and sacrifice for their country and to honour their mothers above all worldly riches.
The Mantra
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अपि स्वर्णमयी लङ्का न मे लक्ष्मण रोचते। जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी॥
api svarṇamayī laṅkā na me lakṣmaṇa rocate। jananī janma-bhūmiś ca svargād api garīyasī॥
Meaning:Even this Lanka made of gold does not please me, O Lakshmana; for one's mother and one's motherland are greater even than heaven itself. Spoken by Lord Rama after the conquest of golden Lanka, these words declare that no splendour, however dazzling, can outweigh the love a person owes to their mother and their native land.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Janani Janmabhumishcha Swargadapi Gariyasi
Instills deep love and reverence for one's mother and motherland
Inspires patriotism and devotion to one's native land
Reminds us that no material splendour can outweigh true belonging
Carries the ideal of Lord Rama's character and values into daily life
A stirring verse for national, cultural and family occasions
Encourages gratitude toward the mother who gives us life
How to Chant Janani Janmabhumishcha Swargadapi Gariyasi
Recite the verse with feeling, picturing Rama turning away from golden Lanka with love for Ayodhya and his mother in his heart. Let it deepen your gratitude toward your own mother and homeland. It is most often spoken as an inspiring declaration of values rather than a ritual chant, and is cherished at patriotic and cultural occasions.