Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 17 · Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 17.20 दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे
श्लोक 17.20
दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे ।
देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम् ॥
dātavyamiti yaddānaṃ dīyate'nupakāriṇe |
deśe kāle ca pātre ca taddānaṃ sāttvikaṃ smṛtam ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
जो दान केवल यह मानकर कि देना कर्तव्य है, उचित स्थान, समय और योग्य व्यक्ति को, बदले में उपकार की आशा के बिना दिया जाता है, वह सात्त्विक माना गया है।
Meaning in English
A gift given simply because giving is right, to one who can do nothing in return, at the proper place and time and to a worthy person, is considered sattvic.
Bhagavad Gita 17.20 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| दातव्यम् | dātavyam | it ought to be given |
| इति | iti | thus |
| यत् | yat | which |
| दानम् | dānam | gift |
| दीयते | dīyate | is given |
| अनुपकारिणे | anupakāriṇe | to one who does no service in return |
| देशे | deśe | at the right place |
| काले च | kāle ca | and at the right time |
| पात्रे च | pātre ca | and to a worthy recipient |
| तत् | tat | that |
| दानम् | dānam | gift |
| सात्त्विकम् | sāttvikam | sattvic |
| स्मृतम् | smṛtam | is regarded |
Explanation
A gift given simply because giving is right, to someone who cannot return the favour, at the right place, at the right time and to a worthy recipient, is regarded as sattvic. Krishna sets out the marks of pure generosity: a sense of duty, no expectation of return, and good judgement about where, when and to whom.
This verse is often cited as the classic definition of right charity in Hindu tradition. The phrase dātavyam iti, 'it is to be given', parallels yaṣṭavyam eva in 17.11. Shankara explains anupakāriṇe as one who has not helped and is not expected to help in return. Deśa, kāla and pātra show that sattvic giving is thoughtful, not careless. Commentators note that it combines selflessness with discernment, so that the gift truly benefits those who need it.
भावार्थ
जो दान यह मानकर कि देना ही कर्तव्य है, ऐसे व्यक्ति को दिया जाता है जो बदले में कुछ न कर सके, और उचित स्थान, उचित समय तथा योग्य पात्र को दिया जाता है, वह सात्त्विक दान माना गया है।
Living it today
Give to those who cannot repay you, and give wisely: research where your help is most needed and offer it at a time it truly matters.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 17.20?
A gift given simply because giving is right, to someone who cannot return the favour, at the right place, at the right time and to a worthy recipient, is regarded as sattvic. Krishna sets out the marks of pure generosity: a sense of duty, no expectation of return, and good judgement about where, when and to whom.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 17.20?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 17 (Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 17.20 in daily life?
Give to those who cannot repay you, and give wisely: research where your help is most needed and offer it at a time it truly matters.
Reflected on verse 17.20?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.