Bhagavad Gita 9.13 — Mahatmanas Tu Mam Partha — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता 9.13 — महात्मानस्तु मां पार्थ
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
महात्मानः
mahā-ātmānaḥ
the great souls
तु
tu
but
माम्
mām
Me
पार्थ
pārtha
Arjuna, son of Pritha
दैवीं प्रकृतिम्
daivīm prakṛitim
divine nature/energy
आश्रिताः
āśhritāḥ
taking shelter of
भजन्ति
bhajanti
engage in devotion, worship
अनन्यमनसः
ananya-manasaḥ
with mind fixed exclusively (on Me)
ज्ञात्वा
jñātvā
knowing
भूतादिम्
bhūta-ādim
the origin of all creation
अव्ययम्
avyayam
imperishable, inexhaustible
Complete Translation
But the great souls, O Arjuna, partaking of My divine nature, worship Me with a single-minded devotion, knowing Me as the imperishable source of all beings.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9, Verse 13
Author: Bhagavan Sri Krishna (as recorded by Maharishi Veda Vyasa)
Period: Ancient (part of the Mahabharata, c. 5th–2nd century BCE in present form)
The ninth chapter, called the most confidential knowledge (Raja Vidya), unfolds Krishna's supreme nature and the glory of devotion to Him. Having described how the foolish deride the Lord in human form, Krishna turns with affection to the mahatmas who recognise His true greatness and worship Him with undivided hearts. This verse stands as one of the Gita's defining portraits of the great devotee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a mahatma according to Bhagavad Gita 9.13?▼
A mahatma (great soul) is one who, sheltering in the divine nature, worships Krishna with an undistracted mind, knowing Him to be the imperishable source of all beings. Great-souledness is defined here by knowledge-filled, exclusive devotion.
What is ananya bhakti?▼
Ananya bhakti is 'non-other' devotion — worship with the mind fixed exclusively on the Divine, not divided among many objects of desire. This verse holds it up as the hallmark of the mahatma.
How does this verse combine knowledge and devotion?▼
The mahatmas worship 'knowing Me as the imperishable origin' (jnatva bhutadim avyayam). True devotion here is illumined by knowledge of God's supreme, eternal nature — bhakti and jnana united.
What precedes this verse in Chapter 9?▼
Just before, in verse 9.11, Krishna laments that the foolish deride Him when He appears in human form, not knowing His supreme nature. Verse 9.13 then contrasts them with the great souls who do recognise and lovingly worship Him.
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