Twameva Mata Cha Pita Twameva — Word-by-Word Meaning
त्वमेव माता च पिता त्वमेव
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
त्वमेव
Tvameva
You alone (tvam eva) — addressed to God as the one source of all
माता च पिता
Mata cha Pita
Mother and father — God as both parents of the devotee
बन्धुश्च सखा
Bandhush-cha Sakha
Kinsman and friend
विद्या द्रविणम्
Vidya Dravinam
Knowledge and wealth
देव देव
Deva Deva
O God of gods — the supreme Lord (Vishnu / the Divine)
Complete Translation
You alone are my mother, and you alone my father; you alone my kinsman, and you alone my friend.
You alone are knowledge, and you alone my wealth; you alone are my all, O God of gods.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Sanskrit prayer
Author: Traditional
Period: Classical
This single verse is among the most widely recited prayers in the Hindu world — a complete act of surrender in four lines. By declaring God to be mother, father, friend, kinsman, knowledge, wealth and all, the devotee lets go of every lesser support and rests in the Divine alone. Simple enough for a child and deep enough for a sage, it closes countless pujas and aartis across India.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Twameva Mata Cha Pita Twameva' mean?▼
It means: 'You alone are my mother and my father, you alone my kinsman and my friend; you alone are my knowledge and my wealth; you alone are my everything, O God of gods.' It is a prayer of total surrender, declaring God to be the source of all relationships and all support.
When is the Twameva Mata prayer recited?▼
It is recited daily — in the morning, before meals, before a journey, and especially at the close of puja and aarti as a prayer of surrender. It is one of the first prayers many children are taught.
Which god is the Twameva Mata prayer addressed to?▼
It is a universal prayer addressed to one's chosen deity (Ishta Devata) — most often Lord Vishnu or Krishna, and sometimes the Guru — as 'Deva Deva' (God of gods). Its spirit is universal, fit to be offered to the Divine in any form.
What is the meaning and importance of this shloka?▼
The shloka expresses sharanagati — complete surrender — by acknowledging that every role a human being depends on (parent, friend, teacher, provider) is ultimately fulfilled by God alone. Reciting it cultivates humility, trust and the peace of knowing one is never without refuge.
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