Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 17 · Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 17.13 विधिहीनमसृष्टान्नं मन्त्रहीनमदक्षिणम्
श्लोक 17.13
विधिहीनमसृष्टान्नं मन्त्रहीनमदक्षिणम् ।
श्रद्धाविरहितं यज्ञं तामसं परिचक्षते ॥
vidhihīnamasṛṣṭānnaṃ mantrahīnamadakṣiṇam |
śraddhāvirahitaṃ yajñaṃ tāmasaṃ paricakṣate ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
जो यज्ञ विधि के बिना, अन्नदान के बिना, मंत्रों के बिना, दक्षिणा के बिना और श्रद्धा के बिना किया जाता है, उसे तामसी कहा जाता है।
Meaning in English
Sacrifice done without following the rules, without distributing food, without sacred chants, without offering gifts to the priests and without faith is called tamasic.
Bhagavad Gita 17.13 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| विधिहीनम् | vidhi-hīnam | without proper method |
| असृष्टान्नम् | asṛṣṭa-annam | without distribution of food |
| मन्त्रहीनम् | mantra-hīnam | without sacred chants |
| अदक्षिणम् | adakṣiṇam | without offering to the priests |
| श्रद्धाविरहितम् | śraddhā-virahitam | devoid of faith |
| यज्ञम् | yajñam | sacrifice |
| तामसम् | tāmasam | tamasic |
| परिचक्षते | paricakṣate | they declare |
Explanation
Sacrifice performed without regard to proper method, in which no food is distributed, no sacred chants are recited, no fee is given to the officiants and which is empty of faith, is declared to be tamasic. Such worship is careless, stingy and lifeless, done mechanically or not truly done at all.
Each element points to something essential: method gives form, food shared with others gives generosity, mantra gives meaning, dakṣiṇā honours those who serve, and śraddhā gives life to the whole. Shankara explains asṛṣṭānnam as without giving food to brahmins and others. Commentators often highlight the absence of faith as the decisive lack. Read broadly, the verse describes any religious or communal act carried out with indifference, neglecting both its spirit and its duty to others.
भावार्थ
जो यज्ञ विधि के बिना, अन्न-दान के बिना, मन्त्रों के बिना, दक्षिणा के बिना और श्रद्धा से रहित होकर किया जाता है, उसे तामसी यज्ञ कहते हैं। श्रद्धा के बिना बड़ा अनुष्ठान भी खोखला है।
Living it today
If you perform a ritual or community event, include generosity and sincerity. Without them, even a large ceremony becomes empty.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 17.13?
Sacrifice performed without regard to proper method, in which no food is distributed, no sacred chants are recited, no fee is given to the officiants and which is empty of faith, is declared to be tamasic. Such worship is careless, stingy and lifeless, done mechanically or not truly done at all.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 17.13?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 17 (Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 17.13 in daily life?
If you perform a ritual or community event, include generosity and sincerity. Without them, even a large ceremony becomes empty.
Reflected on verse 17.13?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.