Vrikshams Chhittva Pashun Hatva — Word-by-Word Meaning
वृक्षांश्छित्त्वा पशून् हत्वा
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
वृक्षान्
vṛkṣān
trees
छित्त्वा
chittvā
having cut down, having felled
पशून्
paśūn
animals, beasts
हत्वा
hatvā
having killed, having slain
कृत्वा
kṛtvā
having made, having created
रुधिरकर्दमम्
rudhira-kardamam
a mire of blood, mud mixed with blood
यदि
yadi
if
एवम्
evam
in this way, thus, by such means
गम्यते
gamyate
one goes, is reached, is attained
स्वर्गम्
svargam
heaven, the celestial world
नरकः
narakaḥ
hell, the infernal world
केन
kena
by what (means), by what deed
Complete Translation
If heaven is to be reached by felling trees, slaughtering animals and making a mire of blood, then by what deed is hell to be reached? This pointed verse questions the cruelty of rituals and acts that destroy life, and upholds compassion and non-violence as the true path of dharma.
Origin & History
Source: Subhashita (Sanskrit niti literature)
Author: Traditional (anonymous wisdom verse)
Period: Classical Sanskrit literature
This verse belongs to the Subhashita tradition of incisive moral sayings and is frequently cited in the great Indian discourse on ahimsa. It echoes the spirit of the Mahabharata's teaching that 'ahimsa paramo dharmah' — non-violence is the highest virtue — by confronting the listener with the stark contradiction of trying to win heaven through the destruction of life, and so steering the heart toward compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Vrikshams Chhittva Pashun Hatva?▼
It asks: if one reaches heaven by cutting down trees, killing animals and making a mire of blood, then by what deed does one reach hell? It is a powerful rhetorical challenge to violence done in the name of religion, affirming non-violence as true dharma.
What value does this verse promote?▼
It promotes ahimsa — non-violence and compassion toward all living beings. By exposing the contradiction of seeking heaven through cruelty, it teaches that reverence for life, not slaughter, is the genuine path of righteousness.
Where does this verse come from?▼
It is a celebrated Subhashita of the Sanskrit niti tradition, often quoted in discussions of ahimsa and the critique of violent ritual. Its spirit aligns closely with the Mahabharata's repeated teaching that non-violence is the highest dharma.
Ready to start chanting?
See Benefits & How to Chant →