Maranantani Vairani — Word-by-Word Meaning
मरणान्तानि वैराणि
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
मरणान्तानि
maraṇāntāni
ending with death, lasting only until death
वैराणि
vairāṇi
enmities, hostilities, feuds
निर्वृत्तम्
nirvṛttam
fulfilled, accomplished, brought to completion
नः
naḥ
our
प्रयोजनम्
prayojanam
purpose, object, aim
क्रियताम्
kriyatām
let it be done, let it be performed
अस्य
asya
his (Ravana's)
संस्कारः
saṁskāraḥ
funeral rites, last sacraments
मम
mama
mine, of me
अपि
api
also, too, as well
एषः
eṣaḥ
this one, he (Ravana)
यथा
yathā
just as, in the same way as
तव
tava
yours (Vibhishana's)
Complete Translation
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.
Origin & History
Source: Valmiki Ramayana, Yuddha Kanda
Author: Maharishi Valmiki
Period: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the verse Maranantani Vairani come from?▼
It is from the Valmiki Ramayana, spoken by Sri Rama to Vibhishana in the Yuddha Kanda after the death of Ravana, when Vibhishana initially hesitated to perform the last rites for his elder brother.
What does 'maranantani vairani' mean?▼
It means 'enmities end with death.' Rama declares that all hostility is dissolved by death, and therefore Ravana, now fallen, should be honoured with proper funeral rites as a relative of Vibhishana and, by extension, of Rama himself.
Why is this verse so admired?▼
Because it captures the supreme magnanimity of Sri Rama — that even a sworn enemy, once defeated and dead, deserves dignity and respect. It has become a timeless teaching on forgiveness, non-vindictiveness and the largeness of a truly noble heart.
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