Bhagavad Gita 11.18 — Tvam Aksharam Paramam — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ११.१८ — त्वमक्षरं परमं वेदितव्यम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
त्वम्
tvam
You
अक्षरम्
akṣharam
the imperishable
परमम्
paramam
the Supreme
वेदितव्यम्
veditavyam
worthy of being known
त्वम्
tvam
You
अस्य विश्वस्य
asya viśhvasya
of this universe
परं निधानम्
paraṁ nidhānam
the supreme support; resting place
त्वम्
tvam
You
अव्ययः
avyayaḥ
imperishable; changeless
शाश्वतधर्मगोप्ता
śhāśhvata-dharma-goptā
the protector of the eternal dharma
सनातनः
sanātanaḥ
eternal; everlasting
त्वम्
tvam
You
पुरुषः
puruṣhaḥ
the Supreme Person
मतः मे
mataḥ me
is my conviction
Complete Translation
You are the imperishable, the Supreme to be realized; You are the ultimate resting place of this universe. You are the changeless protector of the eternal dharma; You are the everlasting Supreme Person — this is my conviction.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11, Verse 18
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the eleventh chapter, Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga, after Krishna grants the divine eye and reveals His universal form, Arjuna pours forth a series of glorifications. Here he proclaims the Lord to be the imperishable Absolute, the support of the universe, the protector of eternal dharma, and the everlasting Supreme Person.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Arjuna declare about Krishna in Bhagavad Gita 11.18?▼
Arjuna declares Krishna to be the imperishable Supreme worthy of realization, the ultimate resting place of the universe, the changeless protector of the eternal dharma, and the everlasting Supreme Person — his firm conviction on beholding the cosmic form.
What does 'akshara' mean in this verse?▼
'Akshara' means the imperishable or changeless reality. Arjuna identifies Krishna with this supreme, indestructible Absolute, while also affirming Him as the personal Supreme Being — uniting the impersonal and personal aspects of God.
What is 'shashvata-dharma-gopta'?▼
'Shashvata-dharma-gopta' means the protector or guardian of the eternal dharma. Arjuna recognises Krishna as the one who eternally upholds and safeguards righteousness, echoing the Lord's own promise to protect dharma across the ages.
How can this verse be used in devotion?▼
It is an excellent verse of praise to chant in worship or meditation. Reciting it helps the devotee contemplate God as the imperishable, eternal support of all existence and the supreme goal of knowledge, deepening both reverence and steadiness of mind.
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