दुर्जनः परिहर्तव्यः — Word-by-Word Meaning
दुर्जनः परिहर्तव्यः
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
दुर्जनः
durjanaḥ
a wicked person, an evil-natured man
परिहर्तव्यः
parihartavyaḥ
should be avoided, must be shunned
विद्यया
vidyayā
with learning, with knowledge
अलङ्कृतः
alaṅkṛtaḥ
adorned, decorated
अपि सन्
api san
even though being (so)
मणिना
maṇinā
with a jewel, with a gem
भूषितः
bhūṣitaḥ
adorned, decorated (on its hood)
सर्पः
sarpaḥ
a serpent, a snake
किम् असौ
kim asau
is it (that one)...?
न भयङ्करः
na bhayaṅkaraḥ
not frightening, not dangerous
Complete Translation
दुर्जन को त्याग देना चाहिए, भले ही वह विद्या से अलंकृत क्यों न हो। जैसे मणि से सुशोभित सर्प — क्या वह कम भयंकर हो जाता है? यह श्लोक चेतावनी देता है कि केवल विद्या किसी व्यक्ति को संगति योग्य नहीं बना देती; दुष्ट स्वभाव कितना भी विद्वान क्यों न दिखे, भयंकर ही रहता है।
Origin & History
Source: Bhartrhari Niti Shataka
Author: Bhartrhari
Period: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Durjanah Parihartavyah come from?▼
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.
What is the central teaching of this shloka?▼
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.
Does this verse devalue learning?▼
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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