The Bhagavad Gita addresses important philosophical and theological concepts, such as the nature of God, the self (Atman), dharma (duty/righteousness), and the ultimate goal of human life—moksha (liberation). It has been highly revered by millions of followers and continues to be a guiding text in Hindu philosophy.
Below is a verse-by-verse breakdown of the Bhagavad Gita, summarizing the essence of each chapter and verse.
Bhagavad Gita: Verse by Verse Breakdown
Chapter 1: Arjuna Vishada Yoga (The Yoga of Arjuna's Dejection)
Verse 1.1
Arjuna, the great warrior, is faced with the moral dilemma of fighting in the war. He turns to Krishna for guidance, filled with doubts and sorrow.
Verse 1.2-1.25
Arjuna speaks about his reluctance to fight, stating that the war will lead to the destruction of family, society, and traditions. He expresses his grief over the deaths that will occur.
Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga (The Yoga of Knowledge)
Verse 2.1-2.12
Krishna begins his teachings to Arjuna, telling him that his sorrow is misplaced. He emphasizes that the soul is eternal and cannot be destroyed.
Verse 2.13-2.30
Krishna speaks of the imperishable nature of the self (Atman) and encourages Arjuna to rise above his emotions and perform his duties without attachment.
Verse 2.31-2.46
Krishna explains the concept of Dharma (righteous duty) and how Arjuna must perform his Kshatriya duty as a warrior in the battle without hesitation.
Verse 2.47-2.50
Krishna introduces the path of Karma Yoga, the yoga of selfless action, where one acts without attachment to the results.
Verse 2.51-2.72
Krishna elaborates on the importance of controlling desires and explains how the yogi, who is dedicated to selfless action, achieves peace and liberation.
Chapter 3: Karma Yoga (The Yoga of Action)
Verse 3.1-3.16
Krishna explains to Arjuna that everyone must engage in action. However, actions should be performed without attachment to the fruits of those actions.
Verse 3.17-3.35
Krishna stresses the importance of performing one’s prescribed duties (Svadharma) without being motivated by personal gain.
Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga (The Yoga of Knowledge and Renunciation of Action)
Verse 4.1-4.12
Krishna talks about the eternal nature of the knowledge he is imparting and how it has been passed down through generations.
Verse 4.13-4.24
He explains the importance of performing sacrificial actions and how such actions lead one to divine wisdom.
Verse 4.25-4.42
Krishna explains that one should perform actions in a detached way, offering the results to the divine and maintaining spiritual discipline.
Chapter 5: Karma Sanyasa Yoga (The Yoga of Renunciation of Action)
Verse 5.1-5.12
Krishna explains the difference between the path of selfless action (Karma Yoga) and renunciation (Sannyasa), highlighting that selfless action is superior.
Verse 5.13-5.29
He further elaborates on the concept of performing one's duties with a sense of detachment and the path to liberation through selfless work.
Chapter 6: Dhyana Yoga (The Yoga of Meditation)
Verse 6.1-6.10
Krishna explains the practice of meditation and its importance in attaining self-realization.
Verse 6.11-6.47
He describes the benefits of controlling the mind, the difficulties in achieving mental discipline, and how to focus on meditation for spiritual growth.
Chapter 7: Jnana Vijnana Yoga (The Yoga of Knowledge and Wisdom)
Verse 7.1-7.12
Krishna speaks of the two kinds of knowledge: material (Jnana) and spiritual (Vijnana). He encourages Arjuna to cultivate wisdom through devotion.
Verse 7.13-7.30
He describes how everything in the universe is a manifestation of his divine energy and how those who understand this achieve liberation.
- Bhagavad Gita 7.13
- Bhagavad Gita 7.14
- Bhagavad Gita 7.15
- Bhagavad Gita 7.16
- Bhagavad Gita 7.17
- Bhagavad Gita 7.18
- Bhagavad Gita 7.19
- Bhagavad Gita 7.20
- Bhagavad Gita 7.21
- Bhagavad Gita 7.22
- Bhagavad Gita 7.23
- Bhagavad Gita 7.24
- Bhagavad Gita 7.25
- Bhagavad Gita 7.26
- Bhagavad Gita 7.27
- Bhagavad Gita 7.28
- Bhagavad Gita 7.29
- Bhagavad Gita 7.30
Chapter 8: Aksara Brahma Yoga (The Yoga of the Imperishable Absolute)
Verse 8.1-8.12
Krishna explains the nature of the imperishable soul, and the process of death, and how one can achieve liberation by focusing on the Supreme Being.
- Bhagavad Gita 8.1
- Bhagavad Gita 8.2
- Bhagavad Gita 8.3
- Bhagavad Gita 8.4
- Bhagavad Gita 8.5
- Bhagavad Gita 8.6
- Bhagavad Gita 8.7
- Bhagavad Gita 8.8
- Bhagavad Gita 8.9
- Bhagavad Gita 8.10
- Bhagavad Gita 8.11
- Bhagavad Gita 8.12
Verse 8.13-8.28
He describes the importance of devotion and how the practice of remembering the divine at the time of death leads to ultimate liberation.
- Bhagavad Gita 8.13
- Bhagavad Gita 8.14
- Bhagavad Gita 8.15
- Bhagavad Gita 8.16
- Bhagavad Gita 8.17
- Bhagavad Gita 8.18
- Bhagavad Gita 8.19
- Bhagavad Gita 8.20
- Bhagavad Gita 8.21
- Bhagavad Gita 8.22
- Bhagavad Gita 8.23
- Bhagavad Gita 8.24
- Bhagavad Gita 8.25
- Bhagavad Gita 8.26
- Bhagavad Gita 8.27
- Bhagavad Gita 8.28
Chapter 9: Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga (The Yoga of Royal Knowledge and Royal Secret)
Verse 9.1-9.10
Krishna reveals the most confidential knowledge, emphasizing the importance of devotion and surrender to the divine.
- Bhagavad Gita 9.1
- Bhagavad Gita 9.2
- Bhagavad Gita 9.3
- Bhagavad Gita 9.4
- Bhagavad Gita 9.5
- Bhagavad Gita 9.6
- Bhagavad Gita 9.7
- Bhagavad Gita 9.8
- Bhagavad Gita 9.9
- Bhagavad Gita 9.10
Verse 9.11-9.34
He discusses how those who dedicate themselves to his service, with unwavering faith, receive divine grace and are liberated from the cycle of birth and death.
- Bhagavad Gita 9.11
- Bhagavad Gita 9.12
- Bhagavad Gita 9.13
- Bhagavad Gita 9.14
- Bhagavad Gita 9.15
- Bhagavad Gita 9.16
- Bhagavad Gita 9.17
- Bhagavad Gita 9.18
- Bhagavad Gita 9.19
- Bhagavad Gita 9.20
- Bhagavad Gita 9.21
- Bhagavad Gita 9.22
- Bhagavad Gita 9.23
- Bhagavad Gita 9.24
- Bhagavad Gita 9.25
- Bhagavad Gita 9.26
- Bhagavad Gita 9.27
- Bhagavad Gita 9.28
- Bhagavad Gita 9.29
- Bhagavad Gita 9.30
- Bhagavad Gita 9.31
- Bhagavad Gita 9.32
- Bhagavad Gita 9.33
- Bhagavad Gita 9.34
Chapter 10: Vibhuti Yoga (The Yoga of Divine Glories)
Verse 10.1-10.11
Krishna describes his divine manifestations and how everything in the world, both material and spiritual, is a manifestation of his power.
- Bhagavad Gita 10.1
- Bhagavad Gita 10.2
- Bhagavad Gita 10.3
- Bhagavad Gita 10.4
- Bhagavad Gita 10.5
- Bhagavad Gita 10.6
- Bhagavad Gita 10.7
- Bhagavad Gita 10.8
- Bhagavad Gita 10.9
- Bhagavad Gita 10.10
- Bhagavad Gita 10.11
Verse 10.12-10.42
He reveals that his divine essence permeates all of existence, and those who truly understand this view the world with reverence and devotion.
- Bhagavad Gita 10.12
- Bhagavad Gita 10.13
- Bhagavad Gita 10.14
- Bhagavad Gita 10.15
- Bhagavad Gita 10.16
- Bhagavad Gita 10.17
- Bhagavad Gita 10.18
- Bhagavad Gita 10.19
- Bhagavad Gita 10.20
- Bhagavad Gita 10.21
- Bhagavad Gita 10.22
- Bhagavad Gita 10.23
- Bhagavad Gita 10.24
- Bhagavad Gita 10.25
- Bhagavad Gita 10.26
- Bhagavad Gita 10.27
- Bhagavad Gita 10.28
- Bhagavad Gita 10.29
- Bhagavad Gita 10.30
- Bhagavad Gita 10.31
- Bhagavad Gita 10.32
- Bhagavad Gita 10.33
- Bhagavad Gita 10.34
- Bhagavad Gita 10.35
- Bhagavad Gita 10.36
- Bhagavad Gita 10.37
- Bhagavad Gita 10.38
- Bhagavad Gita 10.39
- Bhagavad Gita 10.40
- Bhagavad Gita 10.41
- Bhagavad Gita 10.42
Chapter 11: Visvarupa Darsana Yoga (The Yoga of the Vision of the Universal Form)
Verse 11.1-11.20
Krishna reveals his universal form (Vishvarupa) to Arjuna, showing his divine power and omnipresence.
- Bhagavad Gita 11.1
- Bhagavad Gita 11.2
- Bhagavad Gita 11.3
- Bhagavad Gita 11.4
- Bhagavad Gita 11.5
- Bhagavad Gita 11.6
- Bhagavad Gita 11.7
- Bhagavad Gita 11.8
- Bhagavad Gita 11.9
- Bhagavad Gita 11.10
- Bhagavad Gita 11.11
- Bhagavad Gita 11.12
- Bhagavad Gita 11.13
- Bhagavad Gita 11.14
- Bhagavad Gita 11.15
- Bhagavad Gita 11.16
- Bhagavad Gita 11.17
- Bhagavad Gita 11.18
- Bhagavad Gita 11.19
- Bhagavad Gita 11.20
Verse 11.21-11.55
Arjuna sees the destruction of many warriors on both sides of the war and realizes that the outcome is already destined by divine will.
- Bhagavad Gita 11.21
- Bhagavad Gita 11.22
- Bhagavad Gita 11.23
- Bhagavad Gita 11.24
- Bhagavad Gita 11.25
- Bhagavad Gita 11.26
- Bhagavad Gita 11.27
- Bhagavad Gita 11.28
- Bhagavad Gita 11.29
- Bhagavad Gita 11.30
- Bhagavad Gita 11.31
- Bhagavad Gita 11.32
- Bhagavad Gita 11.33
- Bhagavad Gita 11.34
- Bhagavad Gita 11.35
- Bhagavad Gita 11.36
- Bhagavad Gita 11.37
- Bhagavad Gita 11.38
- Bhagavad Gita 11.39
- Bhagavad Gita 11.40
- Bhagavad Gita 11.41
- Bhagavad Gita 11.42
- Bhagavad Gita 11.43
- Bhagavad Gita 11.44
- Bhagavad Gita 11.45
- Bhagavad Gita 11.46
- Bhagavad Gita 11.47
- Bhagavad Gita 11.48
- Bhagavad Gita 11.49
- Bhagavad Gita 11.50
- Bhagavad Gita 11.51
- Bhagavad Gita 11.52
- Bhagavad Gita 11.53
- Bhagavad Gita 11.54
- Bhagavad Gita 11.55
Chapter 12: Bhakti Yoga (The Yoga of Devotion)
Verse 12.1-12.20
Krishna explains the different paths of devotion and the qualities of a true devotee. He emphasizes that devotion, coupled with selfless service, is the highest path to liberation.
- Bhagavad Gita 12.1
- Bhagavad Gita 12.2
- Bhagavad Gita 12.3
- Bhagavad Gita 12.4
- Bhagavad Gita 12.5
- Bhagavad Gita 12.6
- Bhagavad Gita 12.7
- Bhagavad Gita 12.8
- Bhagavad Gita 12.9
- Bhagavad Gita 12.10
- Bhagavad Gita 12.11
- Bhagavad Gita 12.12
- Bhagavad Gita 12.13
- Bhagavad Gita 12.14
- Bhagavad Gita 12.15
- Bhagavad Gita 12.16
- Bhagavad Gita 12.17
- Bhagavad Gita 12.18
- Bhagavad Gita 12.19
- Bhagavad Gita 12.20
Chapter 13: Kshetra Kshetragna Vibhaga Yoga (The Yoga of the Field and the Knower of the Field)
Verse 13.1-13.12
Krishna discusses the difference between the physical body (Kshetra) and the eternal soul (Kshetragna), explaining that the soul is the true knower of the field.
- Bhagavad Gita 13.1
- Bhagavad Gita 13.2
- Bhagavad Gita 13.3
- Bhagavad Gita 13.4
- Bhagavad Gita 13.5
- Bhagavad Gita 13.6
- Bhagavad Gita 13.7
- Bhagavad Gita 13.8
- Bhagavad Gita 13.9
- Bhagavad Gita 13.10
- Bhagavad Gita 13.11
- Bhagavad Gita 13.12
Verse 13.13-13.35
He goes on to explain the nature of consciousness and how true knowledge leads one to liberation.
- Bhagavad Gita 13.13
- Bhagavad Gita 13.14
- Bhagavad Gita 13.15
- Bhagavad Gita 13.16
- Bhagavad Gita 13.17
- Bhagavad Gita 13.18
- Bhagavad Gita 13.19
- Bhagavad Gita 13.20
- Bhagavad Gita 13.21
- Bhagavad Gita 13.22
- Bhagavad Gita 13.23
- Bhagavad Gita 13.24
- Bhagavad Gita 13.25
- Bhagavad Gita 13.26
- Bhagavad Gita 13.27
- Bhagavad Gita 13.28
- Bhagavad Gita 13.29
- Bhagavad Gita 13.30
- Bhagavad Gita 13.31
- Bhagavad Gita 13.32
- Bhagavad Gita 13.33
- Bhagavad Gita 13.34
- Bhagavad Gita 13.35
Chapter 14: Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga (The Yoga of the Division of the Three Gunas)
Verse 14.1-14.20
Krishna explains the three qualities (gunas) of nature: sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance), and how these influence human behavior and spiritual progress.
- Bhagavad Gita 14.1
- Bhagavad Gita 14.2
- Bhagavad Gita 14.3
- Bhagavad Gita 14.4
- Bhagavad Gita 14.5
- Bhagavad Gita 14.6
- Bhagavad Gita 14.7
- Bhagavad Gita 14.8
- Bhagavad Gita 14.9
- Bhagavad Gita 14.10
- Bhagavad Gita 14.11
- Bhagavad Gita 14.12
- Bhagavad Gita 14.13
- Bhagavad Gita 14.14
- Bhagavad Gita 14.15
- Bhagavad Gita 14.16
- Bhagavad Gita 14.17
- Bhagavad Gita 14.18
- Bhagavad Gita 14.19
- Bhagavad Gita 14.20
Verse 14.21-14.27
He describes how transcending these three gunas leads to spiritual freedom and liberation.
- Bhagavad Gita 14.21
- Bhagavad Gita 14.22
- Bhagavad Gita 14.23
- Bhagavad Gita 14.24
- Bhagavad Gita 14.25
- Bhagavad Gita 14.26
- Bhagavad Gita 14.27
Chapter 15: Purusottama Yoga (The Yoga of the Supreme Divine Personality)
Verse 15.1-15.20
Krishna describes the nature of the eternal soul, the material world, and the supreme position of the divine.
- Bhagavad Gita 15.1
- Bhagavad Gita 15.2
- Bhagavad Gita 15.3
- Bhagavad Gita 15.4
- Bhagavad Gita 15.5
- Bhagavad Gita 15.6
- Bhagavad Gita 15.7
- Bhagavad Gita 15.8
- Bhagavad Gita 15.9
- Bhagavad Gita 15.10
- Bhagavad Gita 15.11
- Bhagavad Gita 15.12
- Bhagavad Gita 15.13
- Bhagavad Gita 15.14
- Bhagavad Gita 15.15
- Bhagavad Gita 15.16
- Bhagavad Gita 15.17
- Bhagavad Gita 15.18
- Bhagavad Gita 15.19
- Bhagavad Gita 15.20
Chapter 16: Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga (The Yoga of the Division between the Divine and the Non-Divine)
Verse 16.1-16.24
Krishna contrasts the qualities of the divine and the demoniac, urging Arjuna to cultivate divine qualities and avoid the negative traits of the demoniac.
- Bhagavad Gita 16.1
- Bhagavad Gita 16.2
- Bhagavad Gita 16.3
- Bhagavad Gita 16.4
- Bhagavad Gita 16.5
- Bhagavad Gita 16.6
- Bhagavad Gita 16.7
- Bhagavad Gita 16.8
- Bhagavad Gita 16.9
- Bhagavad Gita 16.10
- Bhagavad Gita 16.11
- Bhagavad Gita 16.12
- Bhagavad Gita 16.13
- Bhagavad Gita 16.14
- Bhagavad Gita 16.15
- Bhagavad Gita 16.16
- Bhagavad Gita 16.17
- Bhagavad Gita 16.18
- Bhagavad Gita 16.19
- Bhagavad Gita 16.20
- Bhagavad Gita 16.21
- Bhagavad Gita 16.22
- Bhagavad Gita 16.23
- Bhagavad Gita 16.24
Chapter 17: Sraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga (The Yoga of the Three Divisions of Faith)
Verse 17.1-17.28
Krishna explains the three types of faith corresponding to the three gunas: sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic, and how they affect one’s actions and spiritual progress.
- Bhagavad Gita 17.1
- Bhagavad Gita 17.2
- Bhagavad Gita 17.3
- Bhagavad Gita 17.4
- Bhagavad Gita 17.5
- Bhagavad Gita 17.6
- Bhagavad Gita 17.7
- Bhagavad Gita 17.8
- Bhagavad Gita 17.9
- Bhagavad Gita 17.10
- Bhagavad Gita 17.11
- Bhagavad Gita 17.12
- Bhagavad Gita 17.13
- Bhagavad Gita 17.14
- Bhagavad Gita 17.15
- Bhagavad Gita 17.16
- Bhagavad Gita 17.17
- Bhagavad Gita 17.18
- Bhagavad Gita 17.19
- Bhagavad Gita 17.20
Chapter 18: Moksha Sanyasa Yoga (The Yoga of Liberation and Renunciation)
Verse 18.1-18.78
Krishna summarizes his teachings, highlighting the importance of performing one’s duty with detachment, and devotion, and achieving liberation through selfless action.
- Bhagavad Gita 18.1
- Bhagavad Gita 18.2
- Bhagavad Gita 18.3
- Bhagavad Gita 18.4
- Bhagavad Gita 18.5
- Bhagavad Gita 18.6
- Bhagavad Gita 18.7
- Bhagavad Gita 18.8
- Bhagavad Gita 18.9
- Bhagavad Gita 18.10
- Bhagavad Gita 18.11
- Bhagavad Gita 18.12
- Bhagavad Gita 18.13
- Bhagavad Gita 18.14
- Bhagavad Gita 18.15
- Bhagavad Gita 18.16
- Bhagavad Gita 18.17
- Bhagavad Gita 18.18
- Bhagavad Gita 18.19
- Bhagavad Gita 18.20
This is a brief outline of each chapter and its essential teachings. If you'd like to explore the verses in detail, I can provide the Sanskrit, transliterations, and translations for each verse as well.