कस्त्वं कोऽहं कुत आयातः — Word-by-Word Meaning
कस्त्वं कोऽहं कुत आयातः
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
कस्त्वं
Kastvam
Who are you?
कोऽहं
Koham
Who am I?
कुत आयातः
Kuta ayatah
From where have I come?
का मे जननी
Ka me janani
Who is my mother?
को मे तातः
Ko me tatah
Who is my father?
इति
Iti
Thus, in this way
परिभावय
Paribhavaya
Reflect deeply, contemplate fully
सर्वम् असारं
Sarvam asaram
All (this is) essenceless, without substance
विश्वं
Vishvam
The world, the universe
त्यक्त्वा
Tyaktva
Having given up, abandoning
स्वप्नविचारम्
Svapna-vicharam
(Seeing it as) a dream-like phenomenon / dream-thought
Complete Translation
तू कौन है? मैं कौन हूँ? कहाँ से आया हूँ? मेरी माता कौन, पिता कौन? इस प्रकार गहराई से विचार कर, और इस समस्त संसार को स्वप्न-सा असार जानकर त्याग दे।
Origin & History
Source: Bhaja Govindam (Moha Mudgara), verse on self-inquiry
Author: Adi Shankaracharya
Period: 8th century CE (circa 788-820)
This verse forms part of Adi Shankaracharya's Bhaja Govindam, the hymn sung in Varanasi to awaken the soul from worldly illusion. Having repeatedly shown the impermanence of all that we cling to, Shankaracharya here gives the seeker the direct practice of Advaita Vedanta — to inquire 'Who am I?' and 'Whence have I come?' — and to see the whole world as a passing dream, releasing it in favour of the eternal Self.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Kastvam Koham Kuta Ayatah' mean?▼
It means 'Who are you? Who am I? From where have I come?' Adi Shankaracharya poses these questions to spur deep self-inquiry, asking us to look beyond our outer identities — including mother and father — to discover our true nature.
How is this verse used for self-inquiry?▼
The central question 'Koham?' (Who am I?) is the heart of atma-vichara. By repeatedly turning the mind to this question and setting aside identification with the body and relationships, the seeker is led toward direct experience of the Self.
Why does the verse call the world a dream (svapna)?▼
Shankaracharya describes the world as 'asaram' (essenceless) and like a dream because, in Advaita Vedanta, the changing world has no independent permanent reality. Recognizing this frees one to give up vain attachment and seek the unchanging Self.
Where is this verse from?▼
It is from Bhaja Govindam (Moha Mudgara) by Adi Shankaracharya, composed in the 8th century CE. It is among the hymn's most profound verses on self-knowledge.
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