This chaupai appears in the Balakanda section of Shri Ramcharitmanas.

A richly dressed false ascetic receiving offerings from devotees, his lamplit shadow on the wall revealing a hidden demonic form

लखि सुबेष जग बंचक जेऊ। बेष प्रताप पूजिअहिं तेऊ॥ उघरहिं अंत न होइ निबाहू। कालनेमि जिमि रावन राहू॥

This verse (chaupai) is found at the beginning of Balakanda, discussing the significance of satsang (association with the righteous).
Meaning : Even those who are deceivers, when they appear in good (saintly) attire, are honored by the world due to the power of their appearance. However, one day, they are inevitably exposed. Their deception cannot last forever, just as it happened with Kalanemi, Ravana, and Rahu.

Context: where this chaupai appears in Shri Ramcharitmanas

At the beginning of Balkand, Goswami Tulsidas describes the glory of saints and the nature of the wicked. He observes that impostors who put on the beautiful garb of a saint are also worshipped in this world because of that garb. But in the end their deceit is exposed and does not last, as happened with Kalnemi, Ravan, and Rahu.

Read the complete episode containing this chaupai in Shri Ramcharitmanas, also known as the Tulsi Ramayana.

Read the full episode in Shri Ramcharitmanas

Transliteration

Lakhi Subesh Jag Banchak Jeu. Besh Pratap Pujiahin Teu.. Ugharahin Ant Na Hoi Nibahu. Kalnemi Jimi Ravan Rahu..

In Latin script this chaupai is also written as “Ugharahin Ant Na Hoi Nibahu” or “Ughare Ant Na Hoi Nibahu”. The spelling varies; the verse is the same.

Word meanings

  • Lakhi = seeing
  • Subesh = beautiful (saintly) garb
  • Banchak = impostor, deceiver
  • Besh pratap = by the power of the garb
  • Pujiahin = are worshipped
  • Ugharahin = are exposed
  • Nibahu = lasting to the end
  • Jimi = just as

As a Shalaka answer

This is a cautionary answer. What the matter or person appears to be on the surface is not what it is within, so do not trust appearances. Success is doubtful, so examine everything carefully before proceeding.

Questions about this chaupai