Sarpah Krurah Khalah Krurah — Word-by-Word Meaning
सर्पः क्रूरः खलः क्रूरः
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
सर्पः
sarpaḥ
a snake, serpent
क्रूरः
krūraḥ
cruel, dangerous
खलः
khalaḥ
a wicked person, a scoundrel
क्रूरः
krūraḥ
cruel
सर्पात्
sarpāt
than a snake
क्रूरतरः
krūrataraḥ
more cruel, more dangerous
खलः
khalaḥ
the wicked person
मन्त्रौषधिवशः
mantrauṣadhi-vaśaḥ
subdued by spells and medicinal herbs
सर्पः
sarpaḥ
the snake
खलः
khalaḥ
the wicked person
केन
kena
by what (means)
निवार्यते
nivāryate
is controlled, is warded off, is restrained
Complete Translation
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.
Origin & History
Source: Sanskrit Subhashita (niti tradition; cited in Chanakya Niti literature)
Author: Anonymous (traditional niti subhashita)
Period: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Sarpah Krurah Khalah Krurah mean?▼
It means: 'A snake is cruel and a wicked man is cruel, but the wicked man is crueller; for a snake can be controlled by spells and herbs, while by what can a wicked man be restrained?' The wicked are more dangerous than serpents.
Why is the wicked person called more dangerous than a snake?▼
Because a snake's venom can be neutralised by mantras and medicinal herbs, but there is no charm or remedy that can cure or restrain the malice of a truly wicked person.
Where does this shloka come from?▼
It is a well-known Sanskrit subhashita from the niti tradition, widely cited among the Chanakya Niti verses and collections of practical wisdom on character and caution.
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