यथा ह्येकेन चक्रेण — Word-by-Word Meaning
यथा ह्येकेन चक्रेण
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
यथा
yathā
just as
हि
hi
indeed (emphatic)
एकेन
ekena
by a single (one)
चक्रेण
cakreṇa
wheel
न
na
not
रथस्य
rathasya
of the chariot
गतिः
gatiḥ
motion, movement
भवेत्
bhavet
would happen, can occur
एवम्
evam
in the same way, likewise
पुरुषकारेण
puruṣakāreṇa
by human effort, personal exertion
विना
vinā
without
दैवम्
daivam
destiny, fate, divine providence
न सिध्यति
na sidhyati
is not accomplished, does not succeed
Complete Translation
जैसे एक ही पहिये से रथ नहीं चल सकता, वैसे ही पुरुषार्थ (मानव-प्रयत्न) के बिना दैव (भाग्य) सफल नहीं होता। यह श्लोक भाग्य और प्रयत्न को एक ही रथ के दो पहिये बताता है और सिखाता है कि किसी भी सफलता के लिए दैव और पुरुषार्थ दोनों को साथ मिलकर काम करना पड़ता है।
Origin & History
Source: Hitopadesha (Subhashita)
Author: Narayana Pandita (compiler of the Hitopadesha)
Period: Classical Sanskrit literature (c. 9th–12th century CE)
The Hitopadesha weaves practical wisdom into engaging fables for the instruction of princes. This verse appears in its discussion of effort and destiny, using the everyday image of a chariot to settle the age-old question of fate versus free will in favour of diligent action paired with providence. It remains one of the most quoted Sanskrit verses on the value of effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Yatha Hyekena Chakrena?▼
It means: 'Just as a chariot cannot move on a single wheel, so destiny cannot succeed without human effort.' Fate and effort are likened to the two wheels of one chariot — both are needed for anything to be accomplished.
What is the central teaching of this verse?▼
It teaches that human effort (purushakara) and destiny (daiva) must work together. It rejects passive fatalism, insisting that even a favourable fate bears no fruit unless one strives wholeheartedly.
Where does this shloka come from?▼
It is a celebrated subhashita from the Hitopadesha, the classical Sanskrit collection of moral fables, and is widely quoted in the niti literature on effort, perseverance and success.
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