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Bhagavad Gita 1.45 — Aho Bata Mahat Papam

Bhagavad Gita 1.45 — Aho Bata Mahat Papam in English · English

🕉️ hindu·📿 1× repetitions·🕐 During study of the first chapter of the Gita, in contemplative self-reflection·📜 Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Verse 45
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हिन्दी / देवनागरीతెలుగుதமிழ்ಕನ್ನಡമലയാളംગુજરાતીবাংলাଓଡ଼ିଆਪੰਜਾਬੀEnglishසිංහල𑌗𑍍𑌰𑌨𑍍𑌥

✦ Meaning

In a moment of intense remorse, Arjuna laments that he and his companions are prepared to commit a grievous sin by slaying their own relatives out of greed for a kingdom's pleasures. The verse lays bare his self-reproach and his sense that such a war is driven by base motives. It deepens the despondency (vishada) that fills the first chapter and that Krishna will transform through His teaching.

Origin & Story

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Verse 45 · Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva) · Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)

In the first chapter, Arjuna Vishada Yoga, near the end of his lament, Arjuna is overcome with remorse. He cries out that they are about to commit a great sin by killing their own people out of greed for a kingdom — one of the final expressions of his despair before he casts down his bow and Krishna's teaching begins.

✦ As told in scripture

Sages note that Arjuna's horror of sin and his readiness to renounce a kingdom rather than harm his own reveal a deeply righteous heart — and it was precisely such moral sensitivity that made him worthy to receive the Lord's supreme teaching.

The Mantra

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aho bata mahat pāpaṁ kartuṁ vyavasitā vayam yad rājya-sukha-lobhena hantuṁ sva-janam udyatāḥ

Meaning:Alas! How strange that we have resolved to commit a great sin, being prepared to slay our own kinsmen out of greed for the pleasures of a kingdom.

Word-by-Word Meaning

Click any word to hear its pronunciation

aho bata🔊alas! how sad!
mahat pāpam🔊a great sin
kartum🔊to commit; to perform
vyavasitāḥ🔊have resolved; are prepared
vayam🔊we
yat🔊because; in that
rājya-sukha-lobhena🔊out of greed for royal pleasures
hantum🔊to kill
sva-janam🔊one's own kinsmen
udyatāḥ🔊prepared; intent upon

Benefits of Chanting Bhagavad Gita 1.45 — Aho Bata Mahat Papam

✦

Encourages honest self-examination of one's motives before acting

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Warns against actions driven by greed for pleasure and power

✦

Reveals Arjuna's conscience and aversion to sin

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Reminds the seeker to weigh righteousness above worldly gain

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Sets up the contrast for Krishna's teaching on selfless duty

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Inspires reflection on remorse as a step toward wisdom

How to Chant Bhagavad Gita 1.45 — Aho Bata Mahat Papam

Repetitions1times
Best TimeDuring study of the first chapter of the Gita, in contemplative self-reflection

Recite this verse while studying Chapter 1, feeling the weight of Arjuna's remorse as he reproaches himself for being willing to sin out of greed. Reflect honestly on your own motives in life's struggles. Let this self-examination prepare you for Krishna's teaching, which lifts action above greed and attachment into the realm of selfless duty and devotion.

Frequently Asked Questions

This page shows the complete Bhagavad Gita 1.45 — Aho Bata Mahat Papam written in the English script — the same Sanskrit/Hindi verses, transliterated character-by-character so you can read and chant comfortably. Tap any line (or the ▶ button) to hear it recited aloud.
Yes — only the script changes; the words and their meaning are the original. The verse-by-verse meaning, benefits and how-to-chant guidance on this page apply exactly the same.
Arjuna laments that he and his side are prepared to commit a great sin by killing their own relatives merely out of greed for the pleasures of a kingdom. It is a moment of deep remorse and self-reproach.
Seeing the conflict as motivated by greed for royal pleasures rather than righteousness, Arjuna feels that slaying his own kinsmen for such a cause would be a grievous sin. His grief and attachment lead him to this conclusion before Krishna offers a higher perspective.
It deepens the despondency of the first chapter and sets the stage for Krishna's teaching. The Gita ultimately shows that duty performed selflessly, without greed or attachment, is not sin but the path of righteousness — transforming Arjuna's anguish into wisdom.

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