Bhagavad Gita 1.45 — Aho Bata Mahat Papam — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १.४५ — अहो बत महत्पापम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
अहो बत
aho bata
alas! how sad!
महत् पापम्
mahat pāpam
a great sin
कर्तुम्
kartum
to commit; to perform
व्यवसिताः
vyavasitāḥ
have resolved; are prepared
वयम्
vayam
we
यत्
yat
because; in that
राज्यसुखलोभेन
rājya-sukha-lobhena
out of greed for royal pleasures
हन्तुम्
hantum
to kill
स्वजनम्
sva-janam
one's own kinsmen
उद्यताः
udyatāḥ
prepared; intent upon
Complete Translation
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.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Verse 45
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arjuna lamenting in Bhagavad Gita 1.45?▼
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.
Why does Arjuna call the war a 'great sin'?▼
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.
How does this verse fit into the Gita's message?▼
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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