Bhagavad Gita 16.21 — Tri-vidham Narakasyedam Dvaram
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता 16.21 — त्रिविधं नरकस्येदं द्वारम्
Also known as: tri-vidham narakasya · bhagavad gita 16.21 · gita chapter 16 verse 21 · three gates to hell gita · kama krodha lobha shloka
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✦ Meaning
Krishna issues one of the Gita's sharpest warnings: lust, anger and greed are the three gates to hell, ruinous to the soul. Because they destroy a person's well-being and obstruct the spiritual path, He commands that these three be abandoned. The verse is a powerful teaching on guarding the mind against its most dangerous enemies.
Origin & Story
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16, Verse 21 · Bhagavan Sri Krishna (as recorded by Maharishi Veda Vyasa) · Ancient (part of the Mahabharata, c. 5th–2nd century BCE in present form)
Having contrasted the divine and demoniac natures throughout Chapter 16, Krishna distils the demoniac path into its three deadliest roots — lust, anger and greed — and warns that they are gateways to ruin. The verse is among the most quoted moral teachings of the Gita, echoing the earlier passage (2.62–63) on how desire breeds anger and downfall. It stands as a timeless caution to every seeker.
✦ As told in scripture
Teachers recount that seekers who heeded this warning and renounced lust, anger and greed found the mind suddenly lighter and the path clear; the verse is invoked as a shield whenever these inner enemies threaten to overpower the heart.
The Mantra
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त्रिविधं नरकस्येदं द्वारं नाशनमात्मनः।कामः क्रोधस्तथा लोभस्तस्मादेतत्त्रयं त्यजेत्॥
tri-vidhaṁ narakasyedaṁ dvāraṁ nāśhanam ātmanaḥ kāmaḥ krodhas tathā lobhas tasmād etat trayaṁ tyajet
Meaning:There are three gates to this hell, destructive of the self: lust, anger, and greed; therefore, one should abandon these three.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Bhagavad Gita 16.21 — Tri-vidham Narakasyedam Dvaram
Identifies lust, anger and greed as the three gates to hell
Warns against the inner enemies that ruin the soul (atma-nashanam)
Inspires renunciation of kama, krodha and lobha
Protects the seeker from the chief causes of downfall and bondage
Strengthens self-control and discernment over destructive impulses
A vital teaching for guarding the mind and progressing spiritually
How to Chant Bhagavad Gita 16.21 — Tri-vidham Narakasyedam Dvaram
Recite the verse to firmly remind yourself that lust, anger and greed are 'gates of hell, ruinous to the self.' Whenever one of the three stirs, pause and recall 'tasmād etat trayaṁ tyajet' — therefore abandon these three. Use the chant to strengthen resolve and turn the mind away from these enemies toward steadiness and virtue.
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