Janani Janmabhumishcha Swargadapi Gariyasi — Word-by-Word Meaning
जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
अपि
api
even, although
स्वर्णमयी
svarṇamayī
made of gold, golden
लङ्का
laṅkā
Lanka (the golden city of Ravana)
न मे रोचते
na me rocate
does not please me, does not appeal to me
लक्ष्मण
lakṣmaṇa
O Lakshmana (Rama's brother)
जननी
jananī
mother
जन्मभूमिः
janma-bhūmiḥ
motherland, the land of one's birth
च
ca
and
स्वर्गात्
svargāt
than heaven
अपि
api
even
गरीयसी
garīyasī
greater, weightier, more venerable
Complete Translation
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.
Origin & History
Source: Ramayana tradition (Subhashita)
Author: Attributed to the Ramayana tradition
Period: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who spoke the verse Janani Janmabhumishcha?▼
It is traditionally attributed to Lord Rama, spoken to his brother Lakshmana after the victory over Ravana, when the golden city of Lanka lay before them. Rama declares that mother and motherland are greater than heaven, and even golden Lanka does not appeal to him.
What does 'Swargadapi Gariyasi' mean?▼
It means 'greater (or weightier) even than heaven.' The verse uses it to say that one's mother and one's motherland are more venerable and precious than heaven itself — the highest praise in the Indian tradition.
Why is this verse so famous in India?▼
Because it expresses, in a single elegant line, the profound Indian ideal of love and duty toward one's mother and homeland. It is widely quoted in patriotic, cultural and educational settings as the essence of devotion to one's roots.
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