Bhagavad Gita 11.44 — Tasmat Pranamya Pranidhaya Kayam
Bhagavad Gita 11.44 — Tasmat Pranamya Pranidhaya Kayam in English · English
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✦ Meaning
Humbled and awestruck by the cosmic form, Arjuna prostrates fully before Krishna and begs forgiveness for any past familiarity, recalling how he had treated the Lord casually as a friend. He appeals to three intimate relationships — father and son, friend and friend, lover and beloved — pleading that the Lord forgive him as tenderly as these forgive one another. The verse is a moving expression of humility, devotion and the loving bond between God and devotee.
Origin & Story
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11, Verse 44 · Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva) · Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the eleventh chapter, Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga, after the overwhelming vision of the universal form, Arjuna is filled with humility. Realizing the supreme majesty of his friend and charioteer, he prostrates and asks Krishna to forgive any past familiarity, appealing to the Lord's love as that of a father, a friend and a beloved.
✦ As told in scripture
The bhakti tradition treasures this verse as proof that the Supreme Lord delights to be loved intimately, and that He forgives the lapses of His devotees as tenderly as a father forgives a child — for divine love, once awakened, overlooks every fault of the loving heart.
The Mantra
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tasmāt praṇamya praṇidhāya kāyaṁ prasādaye tvām aham īśham īḍyam piteva putrasya sakheva sakhyuḥ priyaḥ priyāyārhasi deva soḍhum
Meaning:Therefore, bowing down and prostrating my body, I beg Your grace, O adorable Lord. As a father bears with his son, a friend with his friend, and a lover with his beloved, so should You, O God, bear with me and forgive me.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Bhagavad Gita 11.44 — Tasmat Pranamya Pranidhaya Kayam
A beautiful verse for offering humble prostration and seeking forgiveness
Teaches the devotee to approach God with both reverence and intimacy
Models sincere repentance for any lapse in devotion or conduct
Reveals the tender, forgiving relationship between the Lord and His devotee
Cultivates humility, surrender and a softened, loving heart
Comforting to recite when seeking the Lord's grace and pardon
How to Chant Bhagavad Gita 11.44 — Tasmat Pranamya Pranidhaya Kayam
Chant this verse while offering heartfelt obeisance to the Lord, ideally bowing or prostrating. As you recite, let go of pride and ask forgiveness for any shortcoming, taking refuge in the Lord's love as a child to a father or a friend to a friend. It is especially fitting as a kshama-prarthana (prayer for forgiveness) at the close of worship, softening the heart in humble devotion.
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