श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ११.५३ — नाहं वेदैर्न तपसा — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ११.५३ — नाहं वेदैर्न तपसा
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
न अहम्
na aham
not I
वेदैः
vedaiḥ
by study of the Vedas
न तपसा
na tapasā
nor by austerity; penance
न दानेन
na dānena
nor by charity
न च इज्यया
na cha ijyayā
nor by sacrifice or ritual worship
शक्यः
śhakyaḥ
possible; able
एवंविधः
evaṁ-vidhaḥ
in this form; like this
द्रष्टुम्
draṣhṭum
to be seen; to behold
दृष्टवान् असि
dṛiṣhṭavān asi
you have seen
माम्
mām
Me
यथा
yathā
as
Complete Translation
जैसा तुमने मुझे देखा है, इस प्रकार के (विश्व) रूप में मैं न वेदों के अध्ययन से, न तप से, न दान से और न यज्ञ से ही देखा जा सकता हूँ।
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11, Verse 53
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the eleventh chapter, Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga, after revealing and then withdrawing His universal form, Krishna explains its rarity. He tells Arjuna that such a vision cannot be gained through Vedic study, austerity, charity or sacrifice — leading into His declaration that only exclusive devotion can reveal Him thus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Krishna say in Bhagavad Gita 11.53?▼
Krishna tells Arjuna that the cosmic universal form he has just seen cannot be beheld merely through the study of the Vedas, austerities, charity or sacrifices. Such a vision is exceedingly rare and not attained by external practices alone.
If not by Vedas or sacrifice, then how can the Lord be seen?▼
The very next verse (11.54) gives the answer: only by single-minded, exclusive devotion (ananya bhakti) can the Lord be truly known, seen and entered. This verse prepares the ground by showing the limits of other means.
Does this verse reject the Vedas and rituals?▼
It does not reject them but places them in perspective. Vedic study, austerity, charity and sacrifice are valuable, yet by themselves they cannot grant the direct vision of the Lord's supreme form. That vision comes through loving devotion, which the Gita exalts as the highest path.
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