Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 18 · Moksha Sannyasa Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 18.55 भक्त्या मामभिजानाति यावान्यश्चास्मि तत्त्वतः
श्लोक 18.55
भक्त्या मामभिजानाति यावान्यश्चास्मि तत्त्वतः ।
ततो मां तत्त्वतो ज्ञात्वा विशते तदनन्तरम् ॥
bhaktyā māmabhijānāti yāvānyaścāsmi tattvataḥ |
tato māṃ tattvato jñātvā viśate tadanantaram ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
भक्ति के द्वारा वह मुझे तत्त्व से जान लेता है कि मैं कौन हूँ और कितना हूँ। फिर मुझे तत्त्व से जानकर वह तुरंत मुझमें प्रवेश कर जाता है।
Meaning in English
Through devotion one comes to know me in truth, what I am and how great I am. Then, having known me in truth, one enters into me.
Bhagavad Gita 18.55 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| भक्त्या | bhaktyā | through devotion |
| माम् | mām | me |
| अभिजानाति | abhijānāti | one knows |
| यावान् | yāvān | how great |
| यः च अस्मि | yaḥ ca asmi | and who I am |
| तत्त्वतः | tattvataḥ | in truth |
| ततः | tataḥ | then |
| माम् | mām | me |
| तत्त्वतः | tattvataḥ | in truth |
| ज्ञात्वा | jñātvā | having known |
| विशते | viśate | enters |
| तदनन्तरम् | tad-anantaram | thereafter |
Explanation
Through devotion one comes to know me in truth — how great I am and who I am. Then, having known me truly, one enters into me. Devotion here is not mere feeling: it becomes a way of knowing, and that knowing culminates in union with the Divine.
The verse joins bhakti and jñāna: devotion leads to true knowledge, and knowledge to union. Shankara takes 'enters into me' as becoming one with the Lord, nothing remaining separate. Ramanuja reads it as attaining the Lord and enjoying communion with him while remaining a distinct self. Madhva likewise rejects identity and speaks of entering into the Lord's presence. The phrase 'how great and who I am' recalls 11.54, where Krishna said he can be known and entered only by undivided devotion.
भावार्थ
भक्ति के द्वारा मनुष्य मुझे तत्त्व से जानता है कि मैं कितना हूँ और कौन हूँ। फिर मुझे तत्त्व से जानकर वह तुरन्त मुझमें प्रवेश कर जाता है। भक्ति ही सच्चे ज्ञान का द्वार है।
Living it today
Love opens doors that analysis alone cannot — approach what you want to understand with respect and care, not just curiosity.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 18.55?
Through devotion one comes to know me in truth — how great I am and who I am. Then, having known me truly, one enters into me. Devotion here is not mere feeling: it becomes a way of knowing, and that knowing culminates in union with the Divine.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 18.55?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 18 (Moksha Sannyasa Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 18.55 in daily life?
Love opens doors that analysis alone cannot — approach what you want to understand with respect and care, not just curiosity.
Reflected on verse 18.55?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.