Bhagavad Gita 11.33 — Tasmat Tvam Uttishtha — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ११.३३ — तस्मात्त्वमुत्तिष्ठ
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
तस्मात्
tasmāt
therefore
त्वम्
tvam
you
उत्तिष्ठ
uttiṣhṭha
arise; stand up
यशः लभस्व
yaśho labhasva
attain glory; win fame
जित्वा शत्रून्
jitvā śhatrūn
having conquered the enemies
भुङ्क्ष्व
bhuṅkṣhva
enjoy
राज्यं समृद्धम्
rājyaṁ samṛiddham
a prosperous kingdom
मया एव
mayā eva
by Me alone
एते निहताः
ete nihatāḥ
these have been slain
पूर्वम् एव
pūrvam eva
already; even before
निमित्तमात्रम्
nimitta-mātram
merely an instrument
भव
bhava
become; be
सव्यसाचिन्
savya-sāchin
O Savyasachi (Arjuna, who can shoot with both hands)
Complete Translation
Therefore arise and win glory! Conquer your enemies and enjoy a prosperous kingdom. These have already been slain by Me; be you merely an instrument, O Savyasachi (Arjuna).
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11, Verse 33
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the eleventh chapter, Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga, having shown that the cosmic form is Time itself devouring all the warriors, Krishna calls Arjuna to arise and fight. He declares that the foes are already slain by the divine will and that Arjuna should be merely its instrument — a teaching at the heart of selfless, surrendered action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Krishna tell Arjuna in Bhagavad Gita 11.33?▼
Krishna urges Arjuna to arise, win glory, conquer his enemies and enjoy the kingdom. He reveals that the opposing warriors have already been slain by the divine will, and calls Arjuna to be merely an instrument of that will.
What does 'nimitta-matram bhava' mean?▼
'Nimitta-matram bhava' means 'become merely an instrument'. Krishna teaches Arjuna to act as an instrument of the divine will, performing his duty fully while recognising that the Lord is the real doer and the true power behind all events.
Why does Krishna call Arjuna 'Savyasachi'?▼
'Savyasachi' means one who can shoot arrows skilfully with both hands. Krishna addresses Arjuna by this heroic name to remind him of his prowess and to rouse him to rise and act as the great warrior he truly is.
What is the deeper spiritual lesson of this verse?▼
It teaches the art of selfless action: doing one's duty with full effort while surrendering the sense of doership and the results to God. By becoming a willing instrument of the Divine, one acts powerfully yet remains free from ego and anxiety.
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