Mahabharata Shanti Parva – शवः कार्यम अद्य कुर्वीत पूर्वाह्ने चापराह्निकम

Shloka (श्लोक)

शवः कार्यम अद्य कुर्वीत पूर्वाह्ने चापराह्निकम
न हि परतीक्षते मृत्युः कृतं वास्य न वा कृतम
कॊ हि जानाति कस्याद्य मृत्युसेना निवेक्ष्यते

⚡ Quick Meaning

One should engage in their duties today, as death is relentless and does not wait for anyone.

Translations

English Translation

This verse encourages focusing on one’s work today rather than postponing it. It highlights death’s inevitability, indicating that it does not discriminate or delay; thus, each person must act in the present moment without knowledge of how much time is left.

हिंदी अनुवाद

यह श्लोक आज के कार्यों को करने के लिए प्रेरित करता है, न कि उन्हें टालने के लिए। यह मृत्यु की अनिवार्यता को उजागर करता है, यह बताता है कि यह किसी के लिए भी, समय नहीं रुकती; इस प्रकार, हर व्यक्ति को वर्तमान क्षण में कार्य करना चाहिए जबकि यह नहीं पता कि कितना समय शेष है।

Commentary

Context

This verse, rooted in Shanti Parva, accentuates the urgency of life and the importance of immediate action in the face of inevitable mortality. It reflects on the unpredictability of death.

Meaning

The overarching theme of the shloka is the necessity of making use of the present time to fulfill duties. It is a reminder that procrastination can lead to missed opportunities.

Application

In practical terms, this shloka can motivate people in their everyday lives to take action towards their goals. It encourages a strong work ethic and the understanding that time is precious.