श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ७.१४ — दैवी ह्येषा गुणमयी — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ७.१४ — दैवी ह्येषा गुणमयी
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
दैवी
daivī
divine
हि
hi
certainly, indeed
एषा
eṣhā
this
गुण-मयी
guṇa-mayī
consisting of the three modes of nature (sattva, rajas, tamas)
मम
mama
My
माया
māyā
divine illusion, the deluding energy
दुरत्यया
duratyayā
very difficult to overcome, hard to cross
माम्
mām
unto Me
एव
eva
alone, certainly
ये
ye
who
प्रपद्यन्ते
prapadyante
surrender, take refuge
मायाम् एताम्
māyām etām
this illusion
तरन्ति
taranti
cross over, transcend
ते
te
they
Complete Translation
यह दैवी, त्रिगुणमयी मेरी माया बड़ी दुस्तर है। परन्तु जो पुरुष केवल मेरी ही शरण में आते हैं, वे इस माया को पार कर जाते हैं।।
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7, Verse 14
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the seventh chapter, Jnana-Vijnana Yoga, Krishna unveils knowledge of his divine nature and energies. Explaining why most do not recognize him, he reveals that his maya, woven of the three modes, deludes the world and is supremely hard to overcome — yet he assures Arjuna that those who surrender to him alone are carried safely across this illusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main teaching of Bhagavad Gita 7.14?▼
Krishna teaches that his divine illusion (maya), made of the three modes of material nature, is extremely difficult to overcome. The one sure way to transcend it is to surrender exclusively to him; those who take refuge in him alone cross safely beyond maya.
What is 'maya' in this verse?▼
Maya is the Lord's own divine energy that veils his true nature and deludes souls into identifying with material existence. Composed of the three gunas — sattva, rajas and tamas — it is 'duratyaya', nearly impossible to overcome by one's own strength.
How can one cross beyond maya?▼
Not by force of personal effort alone, but by wholehearted surrender to the Lord. The verse says those who take refuge in Krishna 'alone' (mam eva) cross over the illusion. Devotion and surrender invite the grace that lifts the soul above maya's grip.
Why is this verse important for devotees?▼
It is one of the clearest assurances in the Gita that surrender to God is the path to liberation. While it honestly admits how powerful illusion is, it removes all despair by promising that refuge in the Lord guarantees passage beyond it.
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