ब्रह्मार्पणं ब्रह्म हविः — Word-by-Word Meaning
ब्रह्मार्पणं ब्रह्म हविः
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
ब्रह्मार्पणं ब्रह्म हविः
Brahmarpanam brahma havih
The act of offering is Brahman; the oblation is Brahman
ब्रह्माग्नौ ब्रह्मणा हुतम्
Brahmagnau brahmana hutam
offered by Brahman into the fire of Brahman
ब्रह्मैव तेन गन्तव्यं
Brahmaiva tena gantavyam
Brahman alone is to be reached by him
ब्रह्मकर्मसमाधिना
Brahma-karma-samadhina
who is absorbed in action seen as Brahman
Complete Translation
अर्पण ब्रह्म है, हवि (आहुति) ब्रह्म है, ब्रह्मरूपी अग्नि में ब्रह्म के द्वारा हवन किया जाता है; ब्रह्मरूपी कर्म में समाधिस्थ व्यक्ति के द्वारा ब्रह्म ही प्राप्त किया जाता है।
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 4, Verse 24
Author: Veda Vyasa (words of Sri Krishna)
Period: Ancient (Mahabharata / Bhagavad Gita)
This celebrated verse from the Bhagavad Gita (4.24) is recited the world over as the bhojan mantra — the grace said before meals. In it Sri Krishna reveals that for the realised, every act is yajna: the ladle, the oblation, the fire and the offerer are all Brahman, and one absorbed in such vision attains Brahman through action itself. Said before eating, it lifts the simple act of taking food into an offering to the Divine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Brahmarpanam from?▼
It is verse 4.24 of the Bhagavad Gita, spoken by Lord Krishna. It is most widely used as the bhojan mantra — the prayer recited before eating.
What does Brahmarpanam mean?▼
It declares that the offering, the oblation, the fire and the offerer are all Brahman; thus one who sees all action as Brahman attains Brahman. Recited before meals, it turns eating into a sacred act of worship.
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