A semiconductor light emitting apparatus includes a solid-state light emitting device and a wavelength converter that converts primary light emitted by the solid-state light emitting device into secondary light at a loner-wavelength. The wavelength converter is an inorganic compact that includes a transparent wavelength conversion layer containing phosphor having a garnet crystal structure. The phosphor contains a constituent element group composed of at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Y, La, Gd, Tb, and Lu. Part of the constituent element group is substituted by Ce3+ and the amount of Ce3+ is 1 atomic % less of the entire constituent element group. As a result, a high-power and highly reliable semiconductor light emitting apparatus suitable as a point light source is provided. In addition, such a semiconductor light emitting apparatus is manufactured through a simple application of traditionally used practical technicians.