Maranantani Vairani
मरणान्तानि वैराणि
Also known as: maranantani vairani · maranantani vairani nirvrittam nah prayojanam · enmity ends with death shloka · rama ravana funeral rites verse · ramayana forgiveness shloka
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✦ Meaning
Maranantani Vairani is one of the most ennobling verses of the Valmiki Ramayana, spoken by Sri Rama to Vibhishana over the body of the slain Ravana. It declares that all enmity comes to an end with death, and so the fallen enemy deserves to be honoured with full and proper funeral rites. The verse has become a celebrated maxim on magnanimity, forgiveness and the dignity owed even to a defeated foe.
Origin & Story
Valmiki Ramayana, Yuddha Kanda · Maharishi Valmiki · Ancient (Ramayana, Treta Yuga tradition)
After Ravana was slain in the great war, his brother Vibhishana — who had joined Rama's side — was overcome with grief and hesitation, unsure whether to perform the funeral rites of one who had been so wicked. Sri Rama then spoke these words, reminding Vibhishana that enmity dies with the body, that their purpose was now complete, and that Ravana, as Vibhishana's brother, was no less Rama's own kin in death and so deserved full and honourable last rites.
✦ As told in scripture
It is said that by these words Sri Rama transformed a moment of bitter victory into one of compassion, and Vibhishana, his grief consoled, performed Ravana's last rites with full honour — a deed forever remembered as the very measure of Rama's dharma and grace.
The Mantra
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मरणान्तानि वैराणि निर्वृत्तं नः प्रयोजनम्। क्रियतामस्य संस्कारो ममाप्येष यथा तव॥
maraṇāntāni vairāṇi nirvṛttaṁ naḥ prayojanam। kriyatām asya saṁskāro mamāpy eṣa yathā tava॥
Meaning:Enmities last only until death; with his death our purpose is fully accomplished. Let his funeral rites now be performed — for he is as much mine as he is yours. These are the words spoken by Sri Rama to Vibhishana after Ravana fell, urging that the fallen foe be honoured with proper last rites.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Maranantani Vairani
Teaches the noble ideal that enmity should not outlive the one who is gone
Inspires magnanimity and forgiveness even toward those who have wronged us
Cultivates inner peace by encouraging the release of long-held hatred
Embodies the dharmic principle of honouring even a fallen adversary
A powerful reflection for reconciliation and the healing of bitter feuds
Reminds the reciter of Sri Rama's grace and largeness of heart as the ideal of conduct
How to Chant Maranantani Vairani
Recite the verse slowly, contemplating Sri Rama's magnanimity toward Ravana. Reflect on any enmity or grievance you carry and consciously release it, recognising that hostilities are meant to end and not to be nursed. The verse is especially meaningful when one wishes to forgive, to honour someone who has passed, or to set down a long-held bitterness.