Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 9 · Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 9.13 महात्मानस्तु मां पार्थ दैवीं प्रकृतिमाश्रिताः
श्लोक 9.13
महात्मानस्तु मां पार्थ दैवीं प्रकृतिमाश्रिताः ।
भजन्त्यनन्यमनसो ज्ञात्वा भूतादिमव्ययम् ॥
mahātmānastu māṃ pārtha daivīṃ prakṛtimāśritāḥ |
bhajantyananyamanaso jñātvā bhūtādimavyayam ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
परंतु हे पार्थ (पृथा पुत्र)! दैवी स्वभाव का आश्रय लेने वाले महात्मा मुझे सब प्राणियों का आदि और अविनाशी जानकर अनन्य मन से भजते हैं।
Meaning in English
But great souls, O Partha (son of Pritha), who take shelter in divine nature, worship me with undivided minds, knowing me as the imperishable source of all beings.
Bhagavad Gita 9.13 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| महात्मानः | mahātmānaḥ | the great souls |
| तु | tu | but |
| माम् | mām | me |
| पार्थ | pārtha | O Partha |
| दैवीम् | daivīm | divine |
| प्रकृतिम् | prakṛtim | nature |
| आश्रिताः | āśritāḥ | taking refuge in |
| भजन्ति | bhajanti | worship |
| अनन्यमनसः | ananya-manasaḥ | with undistracted minds |
| ज्ञात्वा | jñātvā | knowing |
| भूतादिम् | bhūta-ādim | the origin of beings |
| अव्ययम् | avyayam | imperishable |
Explanation
But the great souls, O Partha, who take refuge in the divine nature, worship me with minds turned to nothing else, knowing me as the imperishable origin of all beings. Their greatness lies in wholehearted devotion. They know him as the source of all.
In contrast to 9.12, Krishna describes the mahatmas. Their nature is daivi, divine, marked by qualities such as fearlessness, compassion and humility that Chapter 16 lists. What makes them great is not power or learning but undivided devotion grounded in knowledge of God as the source of all. Shankara stresses the knowledge; Ramanuja stresses that such souls cannot bear to be without the Lord. The verse redefines greatness: a mahatma is one whose heart is wholly given to the divine.
भावार्थ
परन्तु हे पार्थ, दैवी प्रकृति का आश्रय लेने वाले महात्मा मुझे सब प्राणियों का आदि और अविनाशी जानकर अनन्य मन से मेरा भजन करते हैं। उनकी महानता अनन्य भक्ति में है।
Living it today
True greatness is measured by goodness of heart and steadiness of devotion, not by fame or position. Cultivate the qualities that make a great soul.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 9.13?
But the great souls, O Partha, who take refuge in the divine nature, worship me with minds turned to nothing else, knowing me as the imperishable origin of all beings. Their greatness lies in wholehearted devotion. They know him as the source of all.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 9.13?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 9 (Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 9.13 in daily life?
True greatness is measured by goodness of heart and steadiness of devotion, not by fame or position. Cultivate the qualities that make a great soul.
Reflected on verse 9.13?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.