वज्रादपि कठोराणि — Word-by-Word Meaning
वज्रादपि कठोराणि
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
वज्रात् अपि
vajrād api
even than a thunderbolt / diamond (vajra)
कठोराणि
kaṭhorāṇi
harder, firmer, more unyielding
मृदूनि
mṛdūni
softer, tenderer, more delicate
कुसुमात् अपि
kusumād api
even than a flower
लोकोत्तराणाम्
lokottarāṇām
of the extraordinary ones, of those who transcend the world (great souls)
चेतांसि
cetāṁsi
the hearts, the minds
कः नु
kaḥ nu
who indeed, who at all
विज्ञातुम्
vijñātum
to understand, to fully comprehend
अर्हति
arhati
is able, is fit, deserves (to be able)
Complete Translation
वज्र से भी कठोर, फिर भी पुष्प से भी कोमल — महान एवं लोकोत्तर पुरुषों के हृदय को भला कौन पूर्णतः समझ सकता है? यह श्लोक इस विस्मय को व्यक्त करता है कि श्रेष्ठतम आत्माएँ विपत्ति में अटूट रूप से दृढ़ और करुणा में अत्यन्त कोमल — दोनों एक साथ होती हैं, जो साधारण समझ से परे एक विरोधाभास है।
Origin & History
Source: Subhashita
Author: Bhavabhuti (from the Uttara Ramacharita)
Period: Classical Sanskrit literature (c. 8th century CE)
Bhavabhuti, one of Sanskrit literature's greatest dramatists, composed the Uttara Ramacharita, dramatising the later life of Rama. This verse from the play has long outlived its original context to become a beloved subhashita, marvelling at the paradoxical hearts of great souls — firmer than a diamond before hardship, yet softer than a flower in their love and compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the verse Vajradapi Kathorani come from?▼
It is a famous verse from the Sanskrit drama Uttara Ramacharita by the great poet-dramatist Bhavabhuti. It is widely quoted as a description of the paradoxical nature of noble, extraordinary souls.
What is the central meaning of this shloka?▼
That the hearts of great souls are simultaneously harder than a diamond — utterly firm in adversity — and softer than a flower in their compassion. This rare combination of strength and tenderness is so extraordinary that no ordinary person can fully comprehend it.
What does 'lokottara' mean?▼
Lokottara means 'beyond the world' — extraordinary, transcendent, out of the ordinary. It describes great souls whose character rises far above common human nature, blending firmness and gentleness in a way that astonishes everyone.
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