සර්පඃ ක්රූරඃ ඛලඃ ක්රූරඃ
Sarpah Krurah Khalah Krurah in Sinhala · සිංහල
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Origin & Story
Sanskrit Subhashita (niti tradition; cited in Chanakya Niti literature) · Anonymous (traditional niti subhashita) · Classical Sanskrit literature
Among the niti-shlokas that taught practical wisdom for safe and prudent living, this verse stands out for its sharp comparison between a venomous snake and a wicked man. By noting that the snake is the lesser danger because it can be charmed, it drives home the timeless caution to beware of those whose malice no remedy can cure, and it has long been quoted in the Chanakya tradition.
✦ As told in scripture
Wise counsellors have long invoked this verse to warn kings and ordinary folk alike; many were spared ruin, it is said, by heeding its lesson and keeping the malicious at a safe distance, having learned that no antidote exists for a wicked heart.
The Mantra
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සර්පඃ ක්රූරඃ ඛලඃ ක්රූරඃ සර්පාත්ක්රූරතරඃ ඛලඃ. මන්ත්රෞෂධිවශඃ සර්පඃ ඛලඃ කේන නිවාර්යතේ..
sarpaḥ krūraḥ khalaḥ krūraḥ sarpāt krūrataraḥ khalaḥ। mantrauṣadhi-vaśaḥ sarpaḥ khalaḥ kena nivāryate॥
Meaning:A snake is cruel, and a wicked man is cruel — but the wicked man is crueller than the snake; for a snake can be subdued by spells and herbs, yet by what can a wicked man be controlled? The verse warns that an evil-hearted person is more dangerous than a venomous serpent, since there exists no charm or remedy to restrain his malice.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Sarpah Krurah Khalah Krurah
Teaches discernment and caution in dealing with malicious people
Warns that an evil nature is harder to guard against than physical danger
Encourages keeping a wise distance from the wicked
A vivid, memorable verse for reflection on character and safety
Reinforces the niti principle of protecting oneself from harmful company
Often quoted to counsel prudence and self-protection
How to Chant Sarpah Krurah Khalah Krurah
Recite the verse thoughtfully, weighing its comparison between the snake and the scoundrel. Let it sharpen your discernment and remind you to be cautious and keep a wise distance from those of malicious nature. It is often shared as practical counsel on protecting oneself from harmful people.
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