Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 8 · Akshara Brahma Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 8.4 अधिभूतं क्षरो भावः पुरुषश्चाधिदैवतम्
श्लोक 8.4
अधिभूतं क्षरो भावः पुरुषश्चाधिदैवतम् ।
अधियज्ञोऽहमेवात्र देहे देहभृतां वर ॥
adhibhūtaṃ kṣaro bhāvaḥ puruṣaścādhidaivatam |
adhiyajño'hamevātra dehe dehabhṛtāṃ vara ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
हे देहधारियों में श्रेष्ठ, नाशवान पदार्थ अधिभूत हैं, विराट पुरुष अधिदैव है, और इस शरीर में मैं स्वयं ही अधियज्ञ हूँ।
Meaning in English
O best of embodied beings, the perishable existence is the adhibhuta; the cosmic Person (Purusha) is the adhidaiva; and I alone, dwelling here in the body, am the adhiyajna.
Bhagavad Gita 8.4 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| अधिभूतम् | adhibhūtam | adhibhuta |
| क्षरः भावः | kṣaraḥ bhāvaḥ | perishable existence |
| पुरुषः | puruṣaḥ | the cosmic Person |
| च | ca | and |
| अधिदैवतम् | adhidaivatam | adhidaiva, the presiding divinity |
| अधियज्ञः | adhiyajñaḥ | adhiyajna, lord of sacrifice |
| अहम् एव | aham eva | I myself |
| अत्र देहे | atra dehe | here in the body |
| देहभृताम् वर | deha-bhṛtām vara | O best of the embodied |
Explanation
Adhibhuta is perishable existence, everything that comes and goes. Adhidaiva is the cosmic Person, the presiding divine principle. And I myself, here in this body, am the adhiyajna, the one to whom all sacrifice is offered, O best of embodied beings.
This completes Krishna's definitions. The material world is changing (kshara); behind the powers of nature stands the cosmic Purusha, often identified with Hiranyagarbha, the first-born of creation; and Krishna himself dwells within each body as the receiver of every offering. Shankara identifies the adhiyajna with Vishnu as the inner witness, and Ramanuja with the Lord as the inner controller (antaryamin) of the soul. Madhva also sees here the Lord's indwelling presence. The point is that God is not only far above but also intimately within.
भावार्थ
हे देहधारियों में श्रेष्ठ, नाशवान् पदार्थ अधिभूत हैं, विराट् पुरुष अधिदैव है, और इस शरीर में मैं स्वयं ही अधियज्ञ हूँ — सब यज्ञों का भोक्ता अन्तर्यामी। अर्थात् ईश्वर दूर ही नहीं, हमारे भीतर भी है।
Living it today
Whatever you offer, in work or worship, is received by the presence within you. Treat your body and heart as a place of offering.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 8.4?
Adhibhuta is perishable existence, everything that comes and goes. Adhidaiva is the cosmic Person, the presiding divine principle. And I myself, here in this body, am the adhiyajna, the one to whom all sacrifice is offered, O best of embodied beings.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 8.4?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 8 (Akshara Brahma Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 8.4 in daily life?
Whatever you offer, in work or worship, is received by the presence within you. Treat your body and heart as a place of offering.
Reflected on verse 8.4?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.