Understanding Justice Katju’s Interpretation of the Sanskrit Shloka: A Critique of Authority in India
Introduction to Justice Katju's Interpretation of the Sanskrit Shloka
The Essence of the Shloka: A Reflection on Authority and Power.
Explore Justice Markandey Katju's analysis of a powerful Sanskrit shloka, highlighting the false sense of authority and power among today's leaders in India. Discover the deeper meaning behind the verses and their relevance to modern leadership.
This Sanskrit shloka is descriptive of most people in authority in India today
By Justice Markandey Katju:
"Jaanaami Nagesh tava prabhaavam
Kanthastitah garjasi Shankarasysa
Sthaanam pradhaanam na cha balam pradhaanam
Dwaarasthitah ko api na singhah ? "
जानामि नागेश तव प्रà¤ावम्
कण्ठस्थितः गर्जसि शंकरस्य
स्थानम् प्रधानम् न च बलम प्रधानम्
द्वारस्थितः कोअपि न सिंघः
i. e.
O King of the Serpents I know your powers
You are hissing only because you are sitting on Lord Shiva's neck
It is the position one occupies which is important, not one's own strength
At one's own door who is not a lion? "
(Justice Katju is a retired judge of the Supreme Court of।ndia. These are his personal views)
