Bhagavad Gita Kinchidadhita — Word-by-Word Meaning
भगवद्गीता किञ्चिदधीता
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
भगवद्गीता
Bhagavad-gita
The Bhagavad Gita
किञ्चित् अधीता
Kinchit adhita
Studied even a little
गङ्गाजल
Ganga-jala
The water of the Ganga
लवकणिका
Lava-kanika
A tiny drop / particle
पीता
Pita
Drunk, sipped
सकृत् अपि
Sakrit api
Even once
येन
Yena
By whom
मुरारि-समर्चा
Murari-samarcha
Worship of Murari (Vishnu)
क्रियते
Kriyate
Is performed / done
तस्य
Tasya
With him / for him
यमेन
Yamena
By Yama (the lord of death)
न चर्चा
Na charcha
There is no argument / contention
Complete Translation
One who has studied even a little of the Bhagavad Gita, sipped even a single drop of Ganga's water, and worshipped Murari (Vishnu) even once — with such a person, Yama, the lord of death, holds no argument.
Origin & History
Source: Bhaja Govindam (Moha Mudgara), composed by Adi Shankaracharya
Author: Adi Shankaracharya
Period: 8th century CE (circa 788-820)
Tradition holds that Shankaracharya composed Bhaja Govindam in Varanasi on seeing an aged scholar laboring over Sanskrit grammar instead of seeking the Divine. The hymn urges the mind to turn to Govinda before death. This verse offers its tender assurance — that even a little devotion to the Gita, the Ganga and the Lord Murari is enough to place one beyond the reach of Yama.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hymn is this verse from?▼
It is one of the celebrated verses of Bhaja Govindam (also called Moha Mudgara), composed by Adi Shankaracharya as a call to turn the mind toward God.
What does 'Bhagavad Gita Kinchidadhita' mean?▼
It means that one who has studied even a little of the Bhagavad Gita, drunk even a drop of Ganga water, and worshipped Vishnu even once is no longer subject to the argument of Yama, the lord of death.
What is the message of the verse?▼
That even small, sincere acts of devotion carry immense power — they free the devotee from the fear of death and lead toward liberation. It encourages everyone to begin, however modestly.
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