Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 17 · Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 17.22 अदेशकाले यद्दानमपात्रेभ्यश्च दीयते
श्लोक 17.22
अदेशकाले यद्दानमपात्रेभ्यश्च दीयते ।
असत्कृतमवज्ञातं तत्तामसमुदाहृतम् ॥
adeśakāle yaddānamapātrebhyaśca dīyate |
asatkṛtamavajñātaṃ tattāmasamudāhṛtam ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
जो दान अनुचित स्थान और समय में, अयोग्य लोगों को, बिना सम्मान के या तिरस्कार के साथ दिया जाता है, वह तामसी कहा गया है।
Meaning in English
A gift given at the wrong place and time, to unworthy people, without respect or with contempt, is declared tamasic.
Bhagavad Gita 17.22 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| अदेशकाले | adeśa-kāle | at the wrong place and time |
| यत् | yat | which |
| दानम् | dānam | gift |
| अपात्रेभ्यः च | apātrebhyaḥ ca | and to unworthy recipients |
| दीयते | dīyate | is given |
| असत्कृतम् | asatkṛtam | without respect |
| अवज्ञातम् | avajñātam | with contempt |
| तत् | tat | that |
| तामसम् | tāmasam | tamasic |
| उदाहृतम् | udāhṛtam | is declared |
Explanation
A gift given at the wrong place and time, to unworthy recipients, without respect or with contempt, is declared tamasic. Here giving is careless and even insulting: it lacks judgement about where help belongs and wounds the dignity of the one who receives it.
Shankara explains apātra as those unfit to receive, such as people who would misuse the gift, and asatkṛta as given without kind words or courtesy. Avajñāta means given with disdain. Commentators stress that the manner of giving matters as much as the gift itself: a donation thrown at someone with contempt does harm alongside any help. Together, 17.20–22 form a complete ethics of charity, combining motive, judgement and respect.
भावार्थ
जो दान अनुचित स्थान और समय पर, अयोग्य व्यक्तियों को, बिना सम्मान के और तिरस्कार के साथ दिया जाता है, वह तामसी कहा गया है। दान का ढंग भी उतना ही महत्त्वपूर्ण है जितना दान।
Living it today
How you give matters as much as what you give. Offer help with respect, and the recipient keeps their dignity along with the gift.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 17.22?
A gift given at the wrong place and time, to unworthy recipients, without respect or with contempt, is declared tamasic. Here giving is careless and even insulting: it lacks judgement about where help belongs and wounds the dignity of the one who receives it.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 17.22?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 17 (Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 17.22 in daily life?
How you give matters as much as what you give. Offer help with respect, and the recipient keeps their dignity along with the gift.
Reflected on verse 17.22?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.