वने रणे शत्रुजलाग्निमध्ये — Word-by-Word Meaning
वने रणे शत्रुजलाग्निमध्ये
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
वने
vane
in a forest
रणे
raṇe
in battle, in war
शत्रु-जल-अग्नि-मध्ये
śatru-jala-agni-madhye
amid enemies, water and fire
महार्णवे
mahārṇave
in the great ocean
पर्वतमस्तके वा
parvata-mastake vā
or on a mountain top (peak)
सुप्तम्
suptam
(one who is) asleep
प्रमत्तम्
pramattam
heedless, intoxicated, off guard
विषमस्थितं वा
viṣama-sthitaṁ vā
or placed in a difficult, perilous situation
रक्षन्ति
rakṣanti
protect, guard, keep safe
पुण्यानि
puṇyāni
meritorious deeds, the fruits of good actions
पुराकृतानि
purā-kṛtāni
performed in the past, done earlier (in former times)
Complete Translation
वन में, युद्ध में, शत्रुओं, जल और अग्नि के बीच, महासागर में या पर्वत की चोटी पर; सोते हुए, असावधान या किसी विषम (संकटपूर्ण) स्थिति में पड़े हुए — पूर्व में किए गए पुण्य ही मनुष्य की रक्षा करते हैं। यह श्लोक पुष्टि करता है कि संचित पुण्य ही सबसे निश्चित रक्षक है, जो वहाँ भी हमारी रक्षा करता है जहाँ कोई अन्य सहायता नहीं पहुँच सकती।
Origin & History
Source: Subhashita (classical Sanskrit niti verse)
Author: Unknown (traditional subhashita)
Period: Classical Sanskrit literature
This verse is part of the vast Subhashita tradition of Sanskrit niti — concise, memorable teachings on dharma and right living preserved across countless anthologies. With its sweeping list of perils survived under the shelter of one's own past merit, it has become one of the most cited verses on the protective power of punya, the fruit of good deeds done in former times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Vane Rane Shatru-Jalagni-Madhye teach?▼
It teaches that the merit of one's past good deeds (punya) protects a person everywhere — in forests, battles, amid enemies, water or fire, on the ocean or a mountain, even while asleep or off guard. Accumulated good karma is the surest protector.
Is this a subhashita or from a scripture?▼
It is a celebrated subhashita (wise saying) of classical Sanskrit niti literature, widely quoted in anthologies and discourses on the protective power of good deeds and the law of karma.
How can this verse be used in daily life?▼
Many recite it before travel or any risky task, both to invoke courage and to remind themselves to keep accumulating good deeds, trusting that righteous action quietly safeguards us when nothing else can.
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