Sarva Dharman Parityajya (Bhagavad Gita 18.66) — Word-by-Word Meaning
सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
सर्वधर्मान् परित्यज्य
Sarva-dharman parityajya
Abandoning all dharmas (duties, paths, ideas of right and wrong)
माम् एकं शरणं व्रज
Mam ekam sharanam vraja
Take refuge in Me alone
अहं त्वा सर्वपापेभ्यः
Aham tva sarva-papebhyah
I shall, from all sins
मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः
Mokshayishyami ma shuchah
Liberate you — do not grieve
Complete Translation
Abandoning all dharmas, take refuge in Me alone; I shall liberate you from all sins — do not grieve.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 18, Verse 66
Author: Veda Vyasa (Lord Krishna's teaching)
Period: Itihasa (Mahabharata)
At the very close of the Bhagavad Gita, after all his teachings on action, knowledge and devotion, Lord Krishna gives Arjuna his final and supreme instruction: to set aside all other paths and take refuge in Him alone, with the promise that He will free him from all sin. Revered as the charama shloka, it is held by the Bhakti traditions to be the heart and conclusion of the entire Gita.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Sarva Dharman Parityajya?▼
From Bhagavad Gita 18.66, it means: 'Abandoning all dharmas (duties and ideas of right and wrong), take refuge in Me alone; I shall liberate you from all sins — do not grieve.' It is Krishna's final teaching, the supreme call to total surrender to God.
Why is Gita 18.66 called the charama shloka?▼
'Charama shloka' means the final or ultimate verse. Gita 18.66 is so called because it is Krishna's concluding instruction to Arjuna — the culmination of the entire Gita — teaching that complete surrender (sharanagati) to God is the highest path, beyond all other dharmas.
What does it mean to 'abandon all dharmas'?▼
It does not mean abandoning duty, but giving up reliance on one's own dharmas and efforts as the means of liberation, and instead taking refuge wholly in God, trusting Him to carry one across. It is the teaching of surrender — doing one's duty while depending entirely on the Lord's grace.
When is Sarva Dharman Parityajya recited?▼
It is recited daily by devotees as an act of surrender, in times of worry, guilt or grief, and while studying the Bhagavad Gita. It is especially cherished in the Bhakti and surrender (Prapatti) traditions as the essence of the Gita.
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