Bhagavad Gita 1.32 — Na Kankshe Vijayam Krishna — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १.३२ — न काङ्क्षे विजयं कृष्ण
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
न काङ्क्षे
na kāṅkṣhe
I do not desire
विजयम्
vijayam
victory
कृष्ण
kṛiṣhṇa
O Krishna
न च राज्यम्
na cha rājyam
nor a kingdom
सुखानि च
sukhāni cha
nor pleasures
किम् नः
kiṁ naḥ
what use to us
राज्येन
rājyena
of a kingdom
गोविन्द
govinda
O Govinda (Krishna)
किम् भोगैः
kiṁ bhogaiḥ
what use are pleasures
जीवितेन वा
jīvitena vā
or even life
Complete Translation
I do not desire victory, O Krishna, nor a kingdom, nor pleasures. Of what use is a kingdom to us, O Govinda, or pleasures, or even life itself?
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Verse 32
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the first chapter, Arjuna Vishada Yoga, as his grief deepens, Arjuna renounces all desire for the fruits of war. Addressing Krishna as Govinda, he declares that victory, kingdom, pleasures and even life hold no value for him if won by slaying his own people — words of despair that set the stage for Krishna's transforming teaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Arjuna say in Bhagavad Gita 1.32?▼
Arjuna tells Krishna that he desires neither victory, nor kingdom, nor pleasures. He asks what use a kingdom or pleasures or even life could be when they must be gained by destroying his own kinsmen.
Is this the detachment the Gita praises?▼
Not quite. Arjuna's renunciation here springs from grief and attachment, a kind of despair. Krishna later teaches true detachment — performing one's duty wholeheartedly while being unattached to the results — which is very different from giving up out of sorrow.
Why does Arjuna call Krishna 'Govinda' here?▼
'Govinda' is an affectionate name of Krishna, meaning one who gives delight, protector of cows and the senses. Even amid his despair, Arjuna addresses the Lord with love and intimacy, revealing his deep bond with Krishna.
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