हरिर्दाता हरिर्भोक्ता — Word-by-Word Meaning
हरिर्दाता हरिर्भोक्ता
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
हरिः
Harih
Lord Hari (Vishnu), the remover of all sins and sorrows
दाता
Data
The giver, the bestower (of food and all things)
भोक्ता
Bhokta
The enjoyer, the one who partakes / experiences
अन्नम्
Annam
The food itself, nourishment
प्रजापतिः
Prajapatih
The lord of all created beings, the sustainer of life
सर्वशरीरस्थः
Sarva-sharira-sthah
Present within all bodies, dwelling in every being
भुङ्क्ते
Bhunkte
Eats, partakes of the food
भोजयते
Bhojayate
Causes (others) to eat, feeds, nourishes
Complete Translation
हरि ही दाता हैं, हरि ही भोक्ता हैं; हरि ही अन्न हैं और हरि ही प्रजापति (समस्त प्राणियों के स्वामी) हैं। सब शरीरों में विराजमान वही हरि भोजन करते हैं और वही हरि (सबको) भोजन कराते हैं।
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Vaishnava bhojana-mantra (grace before meals)
Author: Unknown (traditional)
Period: Classical Vaishnava tradition
This verse belongs to the tradition of bhojana-mantras recited before meals, by which the act of eating is consecrated as an offering to the Lord. Reflecting the Upanishadic vision of the Self as the indweller of all and the Gita's teaching of offering one's food to the Divine, it reminds the devotee that there is nothing apart from Hari — He is the giver, the gift, the receiver and the sustainer of all life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Harir Data Harir Bhokta' mean?▼
It means 'Hari is the giver, Hari is the enjoyer; Hari is the food itself, and Hari is the lord of all beings. Dwelling within every body, it is Hari who eats and Hari who feeds.' It declares that the Lord is the source, substance and recipient of all nourishment.
When is this verse chanted?▼
It is most often chanted as a bhojana-mantra (grace before meals), offering the food to Lord Hari before eating. It can also be remembered at any time as a meditation on the Lord's presence in all beings.
How is this connected to the Bhagavad Gita?▼
It echoes the Gita's teaching that one should offer whatever one eats to the Divine (Bhagavad Gita 9.27). By seeing Hari as giver, food and eater, the act of eating itself becomes a sacred offering free of ego.
Why is the Lord called both eater and feeder?▼
Because Hari dwells within all beings as the indwelling Self. When anyone eats, it is ultimately the Lord within who receives the nourishment; and as the universal sustainer, it is He who feeds all. So He is at once the one who eats and the one who feeds.
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