Udyamena Hi Sidhyanti — Word-by-Word Meaning
उद्यमेन हि सिध्यन्ति
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
उद्यमेन
udyamena
by effort, by industrious exertion
हि
hi
indeed, surely
सिध्यन्ति
sidhyanti
are accomplished, succeed
कार्याणि
kāryāṇi
tasks, undertakings, goals
न
na
not
मनोरथैः
manorathaiḥ
by mere wishes or daydreams
न हि
na hi
surely not
सुप्तस्य
suptasya
of the sleeping (one)
सिंहस्य
siṁhasya
of the lion
प्रविशन्ति
praviśanti
enter, walk into
मुखे
mukhe
into the mouth
मृगाः
mṛgāḥ
deer, animals (prey)
Complete Translation
It is by effort indeed that tasks are accomplished, never by mere wishes; for deer do not walk on their own into the mouth of a sleeping lion. However mighty one may be, success comes only to those who exert themselves and act.
Origin & History
Source: Hitopadesha (Subhashita)
Author: Narayana Pandita (compiler of the Hitopadesha)
Period: Classical Sanskrit literature (c. 9th–12th century CE)
The Hitopadesha weaves practical wisdom into animal fables to instruct young princes. This verse belongs to its store of niti-shlokas on effort and prudence, immortalising the truth that fortune favours the industrious through the unforgettable picture of a sleeping lion that no prey will ever feed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Udyamena Hi Sidhyanti mean?▼
It means 'tasks are accomplished by effort indeed, not by mere wishes.' The verse stresses that hard work and action, not daydreaming, lead to success.
What is the meaning of the lion and deer image?▼
Even the mighty lion, king of the forest, would starve if it simply slept — deer will never wander into its mouth on their own. So too, no matter how capable a person is, results come only through active effort.
Where is this verse found?▼
It is a famous niti-shloka (Subhashita) from the Hitopadesha, a classical Sanskrit collection of instructive fables, and is quoted throughout the wider Subhashita literature.
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