Bhagavad Gita 14.27 — Brahmano Hi Pratishthaham — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १४.२७ — ब्रह्मणो हि प्रतिष्ठाऽहम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
ब्रह्मणः
brahmaṇaḥ
of Brahman, the Absolute
हि
hi
indeed, only
प्रतिष्ठा
pratiṣhṭhā
the foundation, basis, abode
अहम्
aham
I (Krishna, the Supreme)
अमृतस्य
amṛitasya
of the immortal
अव्ययस्य
avyayasya
of the imperishable, immutable
च
cha
and
शाश्वतस्य
śhāśhvatasya
of the eternal
धर्मस्य
dharmasya
of dharma, righteousness
सुखस्य
sukhasya
of bliss, happiness
ऐकान्तिकस्य
aikāntikasya
absolute, unending, unchanging
Complete Translation
For I am the very foundation of Brahman — of the immortal and immutable, of the eternal dharma, and of absolute, unending bliss.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 14, Verse 27
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the fourteenth chapter, Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga, Krishna describes the three gunas — sattva, rajas and tamas — that bind the soul, and the marks of one who transcends them. He teaches that such a person, by unswerving devotion, becomes fit to merge in Brahman. This concluding verse reveals that He Himself is the foundation of that immortal Brahman and of absolute, eternal bliss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 14.27?▼
Krishna declares that He is the foundation (pratishtha) of the immortal and imperishable Brahman, of the eternal dharma, and of absolute, unending bliss. It establishes the Lord as the very basis of the Absolute and the source of the highest happiness.
How can Krishna be the basis of the formless Brahman?▼
The verse reconciles the personal and impersonal aspects of the Divine. The Supreme Lord is the ground and support of even the attributeless Brahman, much as the sun is the source of its own radiance — pointing to the Lord as the ultimate reality from which Brahman shines.
What does 'absolute bliss' (aikantika sukha) refer to?▼
It refers to unbroken, unconditional happiness that does not depend on the senses or change with circumstances. Unlike worldly pleasures that come and go with the gunas, this bliss is eternal and is grounded in God Himself.
Where does this verse fall in the Gita?▼
It is the final verse of the fourteenth chapter, Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga, which explains the three modes of material nature. After teaching how to rise above the gunas through devotion, Krishna concludes with this revelation of Himself as the foundation of the immortal Brahman and supreme bliss.
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