Janani Janmabhoomischa Swargadapi Gariyasi

National Emblem of Nepal with the National motto written on the red banner.

"Janani Janma-bhoomi-scha Swargadapi Gariyasi" (Devanagari: जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी, IAST: jananī janmabhūmiśca svargādapi garīyasī) is a Sanskrit shloka uttered by Lord Rama in the Hindu epic Ramayana. It is also the national motto of Nepal. It means one's mother (janani) and birthplace (janmabhoomi) are dearer to him/her than heaven (swarga).

Translation

This Sanskrit verse can be translated as "Own Mother and birthplace are beautiful and greater than Heaven."

Context

In the Ramayana, composed by Adi Kavi(Primordial Poet) Valmiki, Lord Rama uttered the verse while addressing his younger brother, Lakshmana after their victory over Ravana, the Rakshasa king of Lanka.

The entire shloka is as follows.

“ अपि स्वर्णमयी लङ्का न मे लक्ष्मण रोचते जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी
("Lakshmana, even this golden Lanka does not appeal to me, mother and birthplace are greater than heaven.")		 ”

After the brothers' victory, Ravana's successor Vibhishana invited the Vanara, and the brothers to enter the City of Lanka and be his guests for some time.

See also

References

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