Mattah Parataram Nanyat — Word-by-Word Meaning
मत्तः परतरं नान्यत्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
मत्तः
mattaḥ
than Me
परतरं
parataraṃ
higher, superior, greater
नान्यत्
nānyat
nothing else (na anyat)
किञ्चिदस्ति
kiñchid-asti
anything at all exists
धनञ्जय
dhanañjaya
O Dhananjaya (Arjuna, winner of wealth)
मयि
mayi
in Me, upon Me
सर्वम् इदं
sarvam idaṃ
all this (the entire universe)
प्रोतं
protaṃ
is strung / woven together
सूत्रे
sūtre
on a thread
मणिगणा इव
maṇi-gaṇā iva
like clusters of gems / beads
Complete Translation
There is nothing whatsoever higher than Me, O Dhananjaya (Arjuna). All this (the whole universe) is strung upon Me like clusters of gems on a thread.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 7 (Jnana Vijnana Yoga), verse 7
Author: Spoken by Lord Krishna; part of the Mahabharata (Veda Vyasa)
Period: Classical antiquity (part of the Mahabharata)
In the seventh chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna begins to reveal his divine glories (vibhuti) and his nature as the Supreme. Having described the eightfold material and the higher spiritual nature, he affirms in this verse that he himself is the highest reality, beyond which nothing exists, and that all creation is woven through him. The image of gems strung on a thread became one of the most quoted illustrations of God's all-pervading presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is 'Mattah Parataram Nanyat' from?▼
It is verse 7.7 of the Bhagavad Gita, in the chapter on knowledge and realization (Jnana Vijnana Yoga), spoken by Lord Krishna to Arjuna.
What does the verse mean?▼
Krishna declares that nothing whatsoever is higher than Him, and that the entire universe is strung upon Him 'like clusters of gems on a thread' — a famous image of God as the one support and inner thread of all existence.
What is the significance of the 'gems on a thread' image?▼
The thread (sutra) that holds many gems together symbolizes the Divine as the unseen unifying reality pervading and supporting the countless diverse forms of creation. The gems are visible; the thread within is one and hidden, just as God pervades all.
Why is this verse important in devotion?▼
It establishes Vishnu/Krishna as the Supreme Being (Para Brahman) and the ground of all that exists, providing the basis for whole-hearted, single-pointed devotion and surrender to the one Lord.
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