Tvadiyam Vastu Govinda — Offering (Samarpana) Mantra — Word-by-Word Meaning
त्वदीयं वस्तु गोविन्द — समर्पण मन्त्र
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
त्वदीयं
tvadiyam
that which is yours, belonging to You
वस्तु
vastu
thing, object, substance (the offering)
गोविन्द
govinda
O Govinda (Vishnu/Krishna)
तुभ्यम् एव
tubhyam eva
to You alone
समर्पये
samarpaye
I offer, I dedicate / surrender
गृहाण
grihana
please accept, receive
सुमुखः भूत्वा
sumukhah bhutva
becoming well-pleased / gracious-faced
प्रसीद
prasida
be pleased, bestow your grace
परमेश्वर
parameshvara
O Supreme Lord
Complete Translation
O Govinda, this thing which is already Yours, I offer back to You alone. Being gracious, please accept it, and bestow Your grace upon me, O Supreme Lord.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Samarpana (offering) shloka used in puja
Author: Traditional
Period: Classical
This verse is among the most widely used offering-mantras in Hindu worship. At the moment of presenting naivedya or any article to the deity, the devotee recites it, surrendering the offering to Govinda as something that was His all along. It captures the essence of bhakti and the teaching of the Gita — that one should offer all one does, eats and gives to the Lord. By giving back to God what is already His, the worshipper lets go of pride and possessiveness, and the offering is fulfilled in love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Tvadiyam Vastu Govinda?▼
It means: 'O Govinda, this thing which is already Yours, I offer back to You alone; be gracious and accept it, and bless me, O Supreme Lord.' It is the verse used to offer anything to God, acknowledging that everything already belongs to Him.
When is this Samarpana mantra used?▼
It is recited while offering naivedya (food) and other articles to the deity during puja, and can be used before meals or whenever one wishes to dedicate something to God. It is the offering-verse that completes worship in a spirit of surrender.
Why offer to God what is already His?▼
The verse teaches the truth of non-possession: nothing is truly ours; all things come from and belong to the Divine. By offering 'His own back to Him,' the devotee gives up ego and ownership, and the simple act becomes pure devotion and surrender.
Ready to start chanting?
See Benefits & How to Chant →