न चोरहार्यं न च राजहार्यम् — Word-by-Word Meaning
न चोरहार्यं न च राजहार्यम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
न चोरहार्यम्
na cora-hāryam
cannot be stolen by thieves
न च राजहार्यम्
na ca rāja-hāryam
nor can be seized by a king (the state)
न भ्रातृभाज्यम्
na bhrātṛ-bhājyam
cannot be divided among brothers (as an inheritance)
न च भारकारि
na ca bhāra-kāri
and is not a burden to carry
व्यये कृते
vyaye kṛte
when spent, when given away
वर्धते
vardhate
it grows, increases
एव
eva
indeed, certainly
नित्यम्
nityam
always, ever
विद्याधनम्
vidyā-dhanam
the wealth of knowledge
सर्वधनप्रधानम्
sarva-dhana-pradhānam
the foremost of all forms of wealth
Complete Translation
इसे न चोर चुरा सकते हैं, न राजा छीन सकता है, न भाइयों में बाँटा जा सकता है, और न ही यह ढोने में भार बनता है; तथा व्यय करने (बाँटने) पर यह सदा बढ़ता ही है — विद्या रूपी धन समस्त धनों में श्रेष्ठ है। भौतिक सम्पत्ति के विपरीत, विद्या जितनी बाँटी जाए उतनी ही बढ़ती है और कभी छीनी नहीं जा सकती।
Origin & History
Source: Subhashita (Sanskrit niti tradition)
Author: Anonymous (classical Subhashita)
Period: Classical Sanskrit literature
This verse belongs to the rich Subhashita tradition — pithy moral and reflective sayings preserved and recited for centuries. Among the many shlokas extolling vidya, this one became especially beloved for its vivid comparison of knowledge with material wealth, ranking learning as the supreme and imperishable treasure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Vidya-dhanam Sarva-dhana-pradhanam?▼
It means 'the wealth of knowledge is the foremost of all wealth.' The verse explains why: unlike money, knowledge cannot be stolen, seized or divided, and it actually increases the more it is shared.
Where is this Subhashita from?▼
It is a classic Subhashita (wise saying) from the Sanskrit niti tradition, widely anthologised and recited as a hymn in praise of learning. It is one of the most quoted verses on the value of education.
How can knowledge increase when it is 'spent'?▼
Material wealth diminishes when spent, but knowledge is different — teaching others deepens one's own understanding, and so vidya grows precisely by being given away.
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