Nindantu Niti-Nipunah — Word-by-Word Meaning
निन्दन्तु नीतिनिपुणाः
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
निन्दन्तु
nindantu
let them blame, let them censure
नीतिनिपुणाः
nītinipuṇāḥ
those skilled in policy and morals, the worldly-wise
यदि वा स्तुवन्तु
yadi vā stuvantu
or else let them praise
लक्ष्मीः समाविशतु
lakṣmīḥ samāviśatu
let fortune (Lakshmi) come and enter (stay)
गच्छतु वा
gacchatu vā
or let her depart, let her go
यथेष्टम्
yatheṣṭam
as she pleases, at will
अद्य एव वा मरणम् अस्तु
adyaiva vā maraṇam astu
or let death come this very day
युगान्तरे वा
yugāntare vā
or in another age (after a long time)
न्याय्यात् पथः
nyāyyāt pathaḥ
from the path of justice, from the righteous road
प्रविचलन्ति पदं न
pravicalanti padaṁ na
do not move (their) step away, do not swerve a single step
धीराः
dhīrāḥ
the steadfast, the resolute and wise
Complete Translation
Let the worldly-wise blame or let them praise; let fortune come and stay or depart at her will; let death come this very day or after an age — yet the resolute never swerve even a single step from the path of justice. The verse celebrates the unshakable integrity of the wise, who hold to righteousness regardless of praise, blame, gain, loss, life or death.
Origin & History
Source: Bhartrhari Niti Shataka
Author: Bhartrhari
Period: Classical Sanskrit literature (c. 5th century CE)
The Niti Shataka is the first of Bhartrhari's three celebrated centuries of verse (Shatakatraya), a hundred epigrams on right conduct and the ways of the world. Among its verses extolling firmness of character, this shloka stands out as the grandest declaration of moral steadfastness, portraying the dhira who clings to justice through every reversal of praise, fortune and life itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the verse Nindantu Niti-Nipunah come from?▼
It is one of the most famous verses of the Niti Shataka by Bhartrhari, a classical Sanskrit collection of a hundred epigrams on ethics and worldly wisdom. It is frequently quoted as the supreme statement of steadfast integrity.
What is the central teaching of this shloka?▼
That the truly resolute (dhira) never abandon the path of justice, no matter what befalls them — whether they are praised or blamed, whether fortune comes or goes, and whether death arrives today or far in the future.
Who are the 'dhirah' praised in this verse?▼
The 'dhirah' are the steadfast, courageous and wise — people of firm character who keep to righteousness with calm resolve, undisturbed by external circumstances or fear of consequences.
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