Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 16 · Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 16.17 आत्मसम्भाविताः स्तब्धा धनमानमदान्विताः
श्लोक 16.17
आत्मसम्भाविताः स्तब्धा धनमानमदान्विताः ।
यजन्ते नामयज्ञैस्ते दम्भेनाविधिपूर्वकम् ॥
ātmasambhāvitāḥ stabdhā dhanamānamadānvitāḥ |
yajante nāmayajñaiste dambhenāvidhipūrvakam ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
अपने को ही बड़ा मानने वाले, अकड़े हुए, धन और मान के नशे में चूर वे लोग दिखावे के लिए, विधि को छोड़कर केवल नाम के यज्ञ करते हैं।
Meaning in English
Self-important, stubborn and intoxicated with wealth and pride, they perform sacrifices only in name, out of show, without following the prescribed rules.
Bhagavad Gita 16.17 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| आत्मसम्भाविताः | ātma-sambhāvitāḥ | self-admiring |
| स्तब्धाः | stabdhāḥ | stubborn, unbending |
| धनमानमदान्विताः | dhana-māna-mada-anvitāḥ | intoxicated by wealth and pride |
| यजन्ते | yajante | they perform sacrifices |
| नामयज्ञैः | nāma-yajñaiḥ | with sacrifices in name only |
| ते | te | they |
| दम्भेन | dambhena | with ostentation |
| अविधिपूर्वकम् | avidhi-pūrvakam | without following the rules |
Explanation
Self-admiring and stubborn, intoxicated by the pride of wealth, they perform sacrifices that are sacrifices in name only, out of ostentation and without regard for the prescribed method. Their worship is a performance to be seen, lacking both sincerity and proper form.
Nāma-yajña can mean sacrifice in name alone or sacrifice done to make a name. Shankara reads it both ways. The verse links the inner attitude of pride with outer religious acts, a theme that chapter 17 will develop in detail with its threefold classification of worship, austerity and charity. Commentators note that the Gita's objection is not to ritual itself but to ritual emptied of humility and faith, a point that resonates with saints across traditions who criticised show over substance.
भावार्थ
अपने को ही श्रेष्ठ मानने वाले, अकड़ से भरे, धन और मान के नशे में चूर वे लोग केवल नाम के लिए, दिखावे से और विधि की परवाह किए बिना यज्ञ करते हैं।
Living it today
Worship and service lose their meaning when done to be seen. Try one act of devotion or kindness this week that no one else will know about.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 16.17?
Self-admiring and stubborn, intoxicated by the pride of wealth, they perform sacrifices that are sacrifices in name only, out of ostentation and without regard for the prescribed method. Their worship is a performance to be seen, lacking both sincerity and proper form.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 16.17?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 16 (Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 16.17 in daily life?
Worship and service lose their meaning when done to be seen. Try one act of devotion or kindness this week that no one else will know about.
Reflected on verse 16.17?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.