यज्ञशिष्टाशिनः सन्तो — भोजन मन्त्र — Word-by-Word Meaning
यज्ञशिष्टाशिनः सन्तो — भोजन मन्त्र
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
यज्ञशिष्ट
yajna-shishta
the remnants of sacrifice; food consecrated by being first offered (prasada)
अशिनः
ashinah
those who eat
सन्तः
santah
the good, the righteous
मुच्यन्ते
muchyante
are freed, are released
सर्वकिल्बिषैः
sarva-kilbishaih
from all sins / impurities
भुञ्जते
bhunjate
they eat / consume
ते तु
te tu
but they (on the other hand)
अघं
agham
sin, impurity (verily eat sin)
पापाः
papah
the sinful ones
ये पचन्ति
ye pachanti
who cook / prepare
आत्मकारणात्
atma-karanat
for their own sake alone (selfishly, without offering)
Complete Translation
जो सज्जन यज्ञ से शेष बचे (पहले भगवान को अर्पित किए हुए) अन्न को खाते हैं, वे सब पापों से मुक्त हो जाते हैं; परन्तु जो पापी केवल अपने लिए ही पकाते हैं, वे तो पाप ही खाते हैं।
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 3, Verse 13
Author: Veda Vyasa (words of Sri Krishna)
Period: Ancient (Mahabharata / Bhagavad Gita)
In the third chapter of the Gita, on the path of selfless action, Sri Krishna explains the cycle of yajna by which the world is sustained. In this verse He declares that the good, who eat only what remains after offering to the Divine, are released from all sins, while those who cook for themselves alone consume sin. From this teaching arises the cherished Hindu custom of offering every meal to God as naivedya and partaking of it as prasada, so that eating itself becomes a sacrifice and a means of purification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Yajna Shishtashinah Santo from?▼
It is verse 3.13 of the Bhagavad Gita, spoken by Lord Krishna in the chapter on Karma Yoga. It explains why Hindus offer food to God before eating it as prasada.
What does yajna-shishta mean?▼
Yajna-shishta means 'the remnants of sacrifice' — food that has first been offered to God (as naivedya) and then taken as prasada. Eating such consecrated food is said to free one from sin, whereas cooking and eating only for oneself, without offering, brings impurity.
How is this verse used in daily life?▼
It is the basis of the daily practice of offering food to the Divine before eating. Many recite it at mealtime, alongside Brahmarpanam (Gita 4.24) and Aham Vaishvanaro Bhutva (Gita 15.14), to eat in a sacrificial, grateful spirit.
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