Bhagavad Gita 18.73 — Nashto Mohah Smritir Labdha — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १८.७३ — नष्टो मोहः स्मृतिर्लब्धा
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
अर्जुनः उवाच
arjunaḥ uvācha
Arjuna said
नष्टः मोहः
naṣhṭaḥ mohaḥ
my delusion is destroyed
स्मृतिः लब्धा
smṛitiḥ labdhā
memory (true understanding) is regained
त्वत्प्रसादात्
tvat-prasādāt
by Your grace
मया
mayā
by me
अच्युत
achyuta
O Achyuta, the infallible One (Krishna)
स्थितः अस्मि
sthitaḥ asmi
I am (firmly) established
गतसन्देहः
gata-sandehaḥ
free from doubt
करिष्ये
kariṣhye
I shall act; I will carry out
वचनं तव
vachanaṁ tava
Your word; Your instruction
Complete Translation
Arjuna said: My delusion is destroyed and I have regained true understanding through Your grace, O Achyuta (Krishna). I am firmly established, free from doubt; I will act according to Your word.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 73
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the eighteenth chapter, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, after Krishna has imparted the entire teaching and asked whether Arjuna's delusion is dispelled, Arjuna gives this reply. Addressing Krishna as Achyuta, he affirms that his confusion is gone, his understanding restored by grace, and that he will now act according to the Lord's word — the resolution that completes the Gita.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Arjuna declare in Bhagavad Gita 18.73?▼
Arjuna declares that his delusion has been destroyed and that, by Krishna's grace, he has regained true understanding. Now free from all doubt and firmly established in wisdom, he resolves to act according to the Lord's instruction.
Why is this verse considered the climax of the Gita?▼
It shows that Krishna's teaching has fully succeeded. Arjuna, who began in despair and confusion, ends free of delusion and doubt, ready to do his duty. This transformation from grief to clarity is the very purpose of the entire dialogue.
What does 'nashto mohah smritir labdha' mean?▼
It means 'my delusion is destroyed and my memory (true understanding) is regained'. Arjuna recognises that the confusion born of attachment has vanished and that, by grace, he has recovered the knowledge of his true self and his duty.
What is the significance of 'karishye vachanam tava'?▼
'Karishye vachanam tava' means 'I will act according to Your word'. This is Arjuna's resolve to follow Krishna's guidance. It models the proper culmination of spiritual learning: not mere understanding, but the firm commitment to live by it.
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