हरि अनन्त हरि कथा अनन्ता — Word-by-Word Meaning
हरि अनन्त हरि कथा अनन्ता
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
हरि
Hari
Lord Hari (Vishnu / Rama, the remover of sins and sorrows)
अनन्त
Ananta
Infinite, endless, boundless
हरि कथा
Hari Katha
The stories / glories of Hari
अनन्ता
Ananta
(Are also) endless, infinite
कहहिं
Kahahin
(They) narrate, tell
सुनहिं
Sunahin
(They) listen, hear
बहुबिधि
Bahu-Bidhi
In many ways / in countless manners
सब संता
Sab Santa
All the saints (the holy ones)
रामचन्द्र के चरित
Ramachandra Ke Charita
The deeds / acts (charitra) of Sri Ramachandra
सुहाए
Suhae
Charming, beautiful, delightful
कलप कोटि लगि
Kalapa Koti Lagi
Even for ten million (countless) kalpas / aeons
जाहिं न गाए
Jahin Na Gae
Cannot be sung (to the end); cannot be fully described
Complete Translation
हरि अनन्त हैं और हरि की कथाएँ भी अनन्त हैं; सब सन्त उन्हें अनेक प्रकार से कहते और सुनते हैं। श्रीरामचन्द्र के सुहावने (सुन्दर) चरित ऐसे हैं कि करोड़ों कल्पों तक गाने पर भी उनका अन्त नहीं आता।
Origin & History
Source: Ramcharitmanas of Goswami Tulsidas (Bala Kanda)
Author: Goswami Tulsidas
Period: 16th century CE
In the Bala Kanda of the Ramcharitmanas, Tulsidas, before and during his narration, reflects on the boundless nature of the Lord and His stories. In the dialogue tradition of the text, the truth that 'Hari is infinite and Hari's stories are infinite' is voiced to convey that no scripture or singer can ever exhaust the glory of Sri Rama. The couplet has become one of the most cherished and oft-quoted lines about the inexhaustibility of hari-katha.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is 'Hari Anant Hari Katha Ananta' from?▼
It is a famous couplet (chaupai) from the Bala Kanda of Goswami Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas. It is widely quoted to express the endlessness of the Lord and of His sacred stories.
What is the meaning of the verse?▼
It means that Lord Hari is infinite and so are His stories, told and heard by saints in many ways; and that the charming deeds of Sri Ramachandra could never be fully sung even in countless aeons.
Why is this verse often recited before a katha?▼
Because it sets the right humble and joyful mood — acknowledging that the Lord's glory is limitless and that any katha is but a drop of an endless ocean. It invites the listener to receive the stories with reverence and love.
What does it teach the devotee?▼
It teaches humility before God's infinitude and encourages an ever-fresh delight in hearing and singing the Lord's glories, since there is always more to know and praise of Sri Rama and Hari.
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