केयूराणि न भूषयन्ति पुरुषम् — Word-by-Word Meaning
केयूराणि न भूषयन्ति पुरुषम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
केयूराणि
keyūrāṇi
armlets, bracelets (worn on the upper arm)
न भूषयन्ति
na bhūṣayanti
do not adorn, do not beautify
पुरुषम्
puruṣam
a person, a man
हाराः
hārāḥ
necklaces, garlands
चन्द्रोज्ज्वलाः
candrojjvalāḥ
bright as the moon (gleaming pearl necklaces)
न स्नानम्
na snānam
nor bathing (cleansing the body)
न विलेपनम्
na vilepanam
nor anointing with fragrant paste (sandal etc.)
न कुसुमम्
na kusumam
nor flowers
न अलङ्कृताः मूर्धजाः
na alaṅkṛtā mūrdhajāḥ
nor decorated, well-dressed hair
वाणी एका
vāṇī ekā
speech alone, refined language by itself
समलङ्करोति
samalaṅkaroti
fully adorns, truly beautifies
या संस्कृता धार्यते
yā saṁskṛtā dhāryate
that which is well-cultivated (refined) and well held / spoken
क्षीयन्ते
kṣīyante
perish, wear out, are destroyed
खलु भूषणानि
khalu bhūṣaṇāni
indeed (all such material) ornaments
सततम्
satatam
always, constantly, ever
वाग्भूषणम् भूषणम्
vāg-bhūṣaṇaṁ bhūṣaṇam
the ornament of (good) speech is the (real) ornament
Complete Translation
बाजूबन्द मनुष्य को सुशोभित नहीं करते, न चन्द्रमा के समान उज्ज्वल हार, न स्नान, न चन्दनादि का लेप, न पुष्प, और न सजे-सँवारे केश। केवल संस्कारयुक्त (परिष्कृत) वाणी ही मनुष्य को सच्चे अर्थ में सुशोभित करती है। शेष सभी आभूषण तो नष्ट हो जाते हैं, किन्तु वाणी का आभूषण ही निरन्तर रहने वाला सच्चा आभूषण 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 (Shatakatraya), gathering a hundred epigrams on right conduct, wisdom and the ways of the world. Among its verses on the worth of learning and character, this shloka contrasts perishable bodily ornaments with the imperishable ornament of cultivated speech, exalting refined language as the truest beauty of a human being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the verse Keyura Na Bhushayanti come from?▼
It is a celebrated subhashita from the Niti Shataka of Bhartrhari, a classical Sanskrit collection of a hundred verses on ethics and worldly wisdom. It is one of the most quoted verses on the value of good speech.
What is the central teaching of this shloka?▼
That no external ornament truly beautifies a person — only refined, well-cultivated speech does. Since material adornments decay but graceful speech endures, the ornament of speech (vag-bhushanam) is praised as the one real and everlasting ornament.
What does 'samskrita vani' mean here?▼
It means speech that is refined, cultivated and well-formed — language polished by learning, courtesy and good values. The verse celebrates such speech as the highest adornment a human being can wear.
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