Bhagavad Gita 18.62 — Tam Eva Sharanam Gachchha — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १८.६२ — तमेव शरणं गच्छ
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
तम्
tam
to Him (the Lord)
एव
eva
alone; only
शरणं गच्छ
śharaṇaṁ gachchha
take refuge; surrender
सर्वभावेन
sarva-bhāvena
with your whole being; wholeheartedly
भारत
bhārata
O Arjuna, descendant of Bharata
तत्प्रसादात्
tat-prasādāt
by His grace
परां शान्तिम्
parāṁ śhāntim
supreme peace
स्थानम्
sthānam
the abode; the state
प्राप्स्यसि
prāpsyasi
you shall attain
शाश्वतम्
śhāśhvatam
eternal; everlasting
Complete Translation
Take refuge in Him alone with your whole being, O Arjuna. By His grace you shall attain supreme peace and the eternal abode.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 62
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the eighteenth chapter, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Krishna reveals that the Supreme Lord resides in the hearts of all beings, guiding them by His power. He then lovingly urges Arjuna to surrender to that indwelling Lord with his whole being, promising supreme peace and the eternal abode through divine grace — a teaching that anticipates the Gita's final word on surrender.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bhagavad Gita 18.62 ask the devotee to do?▼
Krishna asks Arjuna to take refuge in the Lord alone, with his whole being. This is a call to complete, wholehearted surrender, after which one attains supreme peace and the eternal abode by the Lord's grace.
What does 'sarva-bhavena' mean?▼
'Sarva-bhavena' means 'with your whole being' or 'wholeheartedly'. It indicates that the surrender Krishna calls for is total — of thought, feeling and will — not a partial or hesitant turning to the Lord.
What reward is promised in this verse?▼
The verse promises 'param shanti', supreme and lasting peace, and the attainment of 'shashvatam sthanam', the eternal abode. Significantly, these are gained 'tat-prasadat' — by the Lord's grace — emphasising surrender over self-effort.
How does this verse relate to 18.61 and 18.66?▼
In 18.61 Krishna reveals that the Lord dwells in the heart of all beings. This verse (18.62) is the natural response: surrender to that indwelling Lord. It also prepares for the famous 18.66, where Krishna gives His final, supreme call to surrender.
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