Kakah Krishnah Pikah Krishnah
काकः कृष्णः पिकः कृष्णः
Also known as: kakah krishnah pikah krishnah · kakah krishnah pikah krishnah ko bhedah pika kakayoh · crow and cuckoo shloka · vasanta kale samprapte kakah kakah pikah pikah · true character is revealed shloka
Read in your language / script
✦ Meaning
Kakah Krishnah Pikah Krishnah is a famous and witty Subhashita about discerning true character. The crow and the cuckoo look identical — both black — but when spring comes, the cuckoo's sweet song sets it apart while the crow only caws. The verse teaches that appearances can deceive, and that the real worth of a person is revealed over time through their words and deeds.
Origin & Story
Subhashita (Sanskrit niti tradition) · Anonymous (classical Subhashita) · Classical Sanskrit literature
This much-loved verse belongs to the Subhashita tradition, where profound moral truths are conveyed through vivid and often humorous imagery. Using the everyday sight of the look-alike crow and cuckoo, it became a favourite teaching that appearances deceive and that time alone unveils true character.
✦ As told in scripture
Generations of teachers have used this verse to console the overlooked, assuring them that, like the cuckoo silent through winter, those of genuine worth need only await their 'spring' — for true merit, once it finds its voice, can never be mistaken for the common crow.
The Mantra
Tap any line — or the ▶ button — to hear it recited
काकः कृष्णः पिकः कृष्णः को भेदः पिककाकयोः। वसन्तकाले सम्प्राप्ते काकः काकः पिकः पिकः॥
kākaḥ kṛṣṇaḥ pikaḥ kṛṣṇaḥ ko bhedaḥ pika-kākayoḥ। vasanta-kāle samprāpte kākaḥ kākaḥ pikaḥ pikaḥ॥
Meaning:The crow is black, the cuckoo is black — what difference is there between cuckoo and crow? But when spring arrives, the crow is shown to be a crow and the cuckoo a cuckoo. Outwardly the good and the worthless may look alike, but in time, by their voice and conduct, their true nature is revealed.
Word-by-Word Meaning
Click any word to hear its pronunciation
Benefits of Chanting Kakah Krishnah Pikah Krishnah
Teaches the wisdom of judging by conduct and merit, not mere appearance
Reminds that time inevitably reveals the true nature of people
Encourages cultivating genuine worth rather than outward show
A memorable lesson on discernment (viveka) in choosing company
Highlights the value of sweet, beneficial speech over harsh noise
A witty, easily-remembered verse perfect for moral instruction
How to Chant Kakah Krishnah Pikah Krishnah
Recite the verse and dwell on its gentle humour and deep lesson. Reflect on the cuckoo and the crow as a reminder that true character cannot be hidden forever — it emerges in one's 'spring,' through speech and action. Use it to inspire authenticity in yourself and discernment in judging others.