Vidvattvam Cha Nripatvam Cha
Vidvattvam Cha Nripatvam Cha in English · English
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✦ Meaning
Vidvattvam Cha Nripatvam Cha is a famous subhashita contrasting the honour of a scholar with that of a king. It declares the two can never be equal, because a king is respected only within his own realm, while a learned person is honoured everywhere he goes. It is a celebrated verse on the universal and boundless worth of knowledge.
Origin & Story
Subhashita (classical Sanskrit niti verse) · Unknown (traditional subhashita; also cited in Chanakya-niti) · Classical Sanskrit literature
This verse belongs to the rich Subhashita tradition of Sanskrit niti — concise, elegant teachings on wisdom and right living preserved in many anthologies and also cited among the maxims of the Chanakya-niti. With its crisp contrast between the local honour of a king and the universal honour of a scholar, it has become one of the most beloved verses exalting the boundless worth of knowledge.
✦ As told in scripture
This verse has long inspired the young to choose the path of learning; it is often recounted that scholars honoured in distant lands, far beyond any king's reach, embody its truth that knowledge alone earns respect that knows no frontier.
The Mantra
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vidvattvaṁ ca nṛpatvaṁ ca naiva tulyaṁ kadācana। svadeśe pūjyate rājā vidvān sarvatra pūjyate॥
Meaning:Scholarship and kingship are never equal: a king is honoured only in his own country, but a learned person is honoured everywhere. The verse exalts knowledge above royal power, for the respect commanded by learning knows no borders.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Vidvattvam Cha Nripatvam Cha
Exalts knowledge as commanding universal, borderless respect
Inspires the pursuit of learning over the pursuit of mere power
Reminds that the honour of scholarship outlasts and outreaches authority
Encourages students to value the lasting dignity of wisdom
A motivating verse for learners, teachers and seekers of excellence
A short, memorable verse for reflection on the worth of learning
How to Chant Vidvattvam Cha Nripatvam Cha
Recite the verse with conviction, dwelling on the closing line 'vidvān sarvatra pūjyate' — the learned are honoured everywhere. Reflect on how the respect earned by knowledge crosses every border and outlasts every throne, and let it inspire devotion to learning. It is often quoted to students to kindle aspiration toward scholarship and excellence.
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Read the full Vidvattvam Cha Nripatvam Cha with verse-by-verse meaning, or explore more sacred texts