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subhashitawisdombhartrhariniti-shataka

Durjanah Parihartavyah (Shun the Wicked Though Learned)

दुर्जनः परिहर्तव्यः in English · English

🕉️ hindu·📿 3× repetitions·🕐 Morning reflection, or while contemplating one's friendships and associations·📜 Bhartrhari Niti Shataka
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हिन्दी / देवनागरीతెలుగుதமிழ்ಕನ್ನಡമലയാളംગુજરાતીবাংলাଓଡ଼ିଆਪੰਜਾਬੀEnglishසිංහල𑌗𑍍𑌰𑌨𑍍𑌥

✦ Meaning

This sharp verse from Bhartrhari's Niti Shataka warns against keeping the company of a wicked person merely because he is learned. Just as a serpent is no less deadly for wearing a jewel on its hood, an evil-natured man remains dangerous however polished his knowledge. The verse teaches discernment in choosing one's company, placing good character far above mere learning or outward brilliance.

Origin & Story

Bhartrhari Niti Shataka · Bhartrhari · Classical Sanskrit literature (c. 5th century CE)

The Niti Shataka is the first of Bhartrhari's three celebrated centuries of verse, gathering a hundred epigrams on conduct, wisdom and the ways of the world. Among its many verses on character and discernment, this shloka uses the unforgettable image of a jewel-adorned serpent to warn that an evil-natured person, however learned, must be shunned — for knowledge cannot make a wicked heart safe.

✦ As told in scripture

Teachers of niti recall this verse whenever brilliance is mistaken for goodness, reminding students that the most dangerous people are often the most accomplished. It is said that one who heeds this warning is spared much sorrow, for they judge a companion by character rather than by cleverness alone.

The Mantra

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durjanaḥ parihartavyo vidyayālaṅkṛto'pi san। maṇinā bhūṣitaḥ sarpaḥ kim asau na bhayaṅkaraḥ॥

Meaning:A wicked person should be shunned even though he is adorned with learning. A serpent decorated with a jewel on its hood — is it any the less fearsome for that? The verse warns that knowledge alone does not make a person safe to keep company with; an evil nature remains dangerous however learned it may appear.

Word-by-Word Meaning

Click any word to hear its pronunciation

durjanaḥ🔊a wicked person, an evil-natured man
parihartavyaḥ🔊should be avoided, must be shunned
vidyayā🔊with learning, with knowledge
alaṅkṛtaḥ🔊adorned, decorated
api san🔊even though being (so)
maṇinā🔊with a jewel, with a gem
bhūṣitaḥ🔊adorned, decorated (on its hood)
sarpaḥ🔊a serpent, a snake
kim asau🔊is it (that one)...?
na bhayaṅkaraḥ🔊not frightening, not dangerous

Benefits of Chanting दुर्जनः परिहर्तव्यः

✦

Teaches discernment in choosing one's company and friends

✦

Warns that learning without good character can still be dangerous

✦

Places virtue and integrity above mere knowledge or cleverness

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Offers a vivid, unforgettable image — a jewelled yet deadly serpent

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Encourages caution against charming but ill-natured people

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A short, memorable verse for reflection on character and good company

How to Chant दुर्जनः परिहर्तव्यः

Repetitions3times
Best TimeMorning reflection, or while contemplating one's friendships and associations

Recite the verse slowly, holding the striking image of a serpent crowned with a jewel yet no less deadly. Reflect on how true safety lies in good character, not in brilliance alone, and let it sharpen your discernment in choosing the company you keep. It is often quoted in teachings on niti (practical wisdom) and the importance of good association (satsanga).

Frequently Asked Questions

This page shows the complete दुर्जनः परिहर्तव्यः written in the English script — the same Sanskrit/Hindi verses, transliterated character-by-character so you can read and chant comfortably. Tap any line (or the ▶ button) to hear it recited aloud.
Yes — only the script changes; the words and their meaning are the original. The verse-by-verse meaning, benefits and how-to-chant guidance on this page apply exactly the same.
It is a celebrated subhashita from the Niti Shataka of Bhartrhari, his classical century of verses on ethics and worldly wisdom. It is one of the most quoted shlokas on discernment and the choice of good company.
That a wicked person should be avoided even if he is learned, because knowledge does not tame an evil nature. The image of a jewelled serpent shows that outward adornment or brilliance does not lessen the danger of a bad character.
No — Bhartrhari greatly praises learning elsewhere. The point here is that learning must be joined to good character. Knowledge in the hands of a wicked person is like a jewel on a serpent: impressive, but not to be trusted or kept close.

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