Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 17 · Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 17.23 ॐतत्सदिति निर्देशो ब्रह्मणस्त्रिविधः स्मृतः
श्लोक 17.23
ॐतत्सदिति निर्देशो ब्रह्मणस्त्रिविधः स्मृतः ।
ब्राह्मणास्तेन वेदाश्च यज्ञाश्च विहिताः पुरा ॥
oṃtatsaditi nirdeśo brahmaṇastrividhaḥ smṛtaḥ |
brāhmaṇāstena vedāśca yajñāśca vihitāḥ purā ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
ॐ तत् सत्, ये तीन नाम ब्रह्म के बताए गए हैं। इन्हीं से प्राचीन काल में ब्राह्मणों, वेदों और यज्ञों की रचना हुई।
Meaning in English
'Om Tat Sat' is remembered as the threefold designation of Brahman (the Absolute). By it, in ancient times, the Brahmanas, the Vedas and sacrifices were ordained.
Bhagavad Gita 17.23 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ॐ तत् सत् | oṃ tat sat | Om Tat Sat |
| इति | iti | thus |
| निर्देशः | nirdeśaḥ | designation |
| ब्रह्मणः | brahmaṇaḥ | of Brahman |
| त्रिविधः | tri-vidhaḥ | threefold |
| स्मृतः | smṛtaḥ | is declared |
| ब्राह्मणाः | brāhmaṇāḥ | the brahmins |
| तेन | tena | by that |
| वेदाः च | vedāḥ ca | and the Vedas |
| यज्ञाः च | yajñāḥ ca | and sacrifices |
| विहिताः | vihitāḥ | were ordained |
| पुरा | purā | in the beginning |
Explanation
Om Tat Sat: this is declared to be the threefold name of Brahman. By it, in ancient times, the brahmins, the Vedas and the sacrifices were ordained. Krishna now turns to a sacred formula that sanctifies all action. These three words together point to the Absolute, and through them the whole order of worship and knowledge came into being.
This verse opens the final section of the chapter (17.23–28), which explains how Om, Tat and Sat can redeem imperfect acts of sacrifice, austerity and charity. Shankara explains that the formula is a designation (nirdeśa) of Brahman, and that by uttering it any shortcoming in a rite is made good. The phrase Om Tat Sat is still widely used to close rituals, prayers and texts; each chapter colophon of the Gita itself begins with it.
भावार्थ
ॐ, तत्, सत् — ये तीन शब्द ब्रह्म के नाम कहे गए हैं। इन्हीं से प्राचीन काल में ब्राह्मण, वेद और यज्ञ रचे गए। आज भी पूजा, पाठ और ग्रन्थों के अन्त में ॐ तत् सत् कहा जाता है।
Living it today
Begin or end an important task by remembering something higher than yourself. A short sacred word can turn routine work into an offering.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 17.23?
Om Tat Sat: this is declared to be the threefold name of Brahman. By it, in ancient times, the brahmins, the Vedas and the sacrifices were ordained. Krishna now turns to a sacred formula that sanctifies all action. These three words together point to the Absolute, and through them the whole order of worship and knowledge came into being.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 17.23?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 17 (Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 17.23 in daily life?
Begin or end an important task by remembering something higher than yourself. A short sacred word can turn routine work into an offering.
Reflected on verse 17.23?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.