यस्यास्ति वित्तं स नरः कुलीनः — Word-by-Word Meaning
यस्यास्ति वित्तं स नरः कुलीनः
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
यस्य
yasya
of whom, the one who
अस्ति
asti
there is, possesses
वित्तम्
vittam
wealth, money, riches
स नरः
sa naraḥ
that man, he
कुलीनः
kulīnaḥ
well-born, of noble family
पण्डितः
paṇḍitaḥ
learned, a scholar
श्रुतवान्
śrutavān
well-versed in scriptures, knowledgeable
गुणज्ञः
guṇajñaḥ
a connoisseur, one who appreciates merit
स एव वक्ता
sa eva vaktā
he alone is the eloquent speaker
दर्शनीयः
darśanīyaḥ
handsome, worth looking at
सर्वे गुणाः
sarve guṇāḥ
all virtues, all good qualities
काञ्चनम्
kāñcanam
gold, wealth
आश्रयन्ति
āśrayanti
take refuge in, depend upon, cling to
Complete Translation
जिसके पास धन है वही मनुष्य कुलीन माना जाता है; वही पण्डित, वही शास्त्रज्ञ और गुणों का पारखी कहलाता है; वही वक्ता और वही दर्शनीय (सुन्दर) भी है — क्योंकि सभी गुण तो स्वर्ण (धन) का ही आश्रय लेते हैं। भर्तृहरि व्यंग्यपूर्वक दिखाते हैं कि संसार धनवान पर केवल इसलिए सारे गुण आरोपित कर देता है क्योंकि वह धनी है।
Origin & History
Source: Niti Shataka of Bhartrhari (Subhashita)
Author: Bhartrhari
Period: Classical Sanskrit literature (c. 5th century CE)
Bhartrhari, according to tradition a king who renounced his throne for the contemplative life, composed three Shatakas — collections of a hundred verses each — on ethics (Niti), love (Shringara) and renunciation (Vairagya). The Niti Shataka gathers his keen observations on human conduct, fate, wealth and wisdom. This verse stands among his most quoted, a withering commentary on a world that confuses gold with greatness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who composed Yasyasti Vittam Sa Narah Kulinah?▼
It is from the Niti Shataka of Bhartrhari, the celebrated poet-philosopher whose three Shatakas (Niti, Shringara and Vairagya) are masterpieces of Sanskrit didactic poetry. This verse appears among his reflections on wealth and worldly conduct.
Is this verse praising wealth or criticising society?▼
It is satire, not praise. Bhartrhari uses irony to expose how society wrongly showers every virtue — nobility, learning, eloquence, even beauty — upon a person merely because they are rich. The closing line, 'all virtues take refuge in gold,' is a critique, urging us to look beyond riches.
What is the main lesson of this Subhashita?▼
That true worth lies in character, knowledge and conduct, not in wealth. The verse warns against the human tendency to flatter the rich and to mistake money for merit.
Ready to start chanting?
See Benefits & How to Chant →