कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते
Origin & Story
Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 47 · Veda Vyasa (Lord Krishna's teaching) · Itihasa (Mahabharata)
Spoken by Lord Krishna to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, this verse is the essence of Karma Yoga. As Arjuna hesitated, paralysed by the fruits his action might bring, Krishna taught him that the right of a human being is to action alone, never to its results — to act with full effort and surrender the outcome. It has become the most beloved and quoted verse of the entire Gita.
✦ As told in scripture
Sages and seekers across ages have found in this one verse the secret of a peaceful, fearless life: that anxiety is born of craving the fruit, and freedom of giving oneself wholly to the action — a teaching as practical for the student and the worker as for the yogi.
Listen & Chant Along
The Mantra
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन । मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि ॥
Karmanyevadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana Ma karmaphalaheturbhurma te sangostvakarmani
Meaning:You have a right to action alone, never to its fruits; let not the fruit of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction.
Word-by-Word Meaning
Click any word to hear its pronunciation
Benefits of Chanting कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते
The single most famous verse of the Bhagavad Gita (2.47), the essence of Karma Yoga — act without attachment to results (nishkama karma).
Recited and reflected upon for peace of mind, freedom from anxiety over outcomes, and the strength to do one's duty selflessly.
A timeless teaching for work, study and life: give your best to the action, and surrender the fruit to the Divine.
Chanted daily and before any important work or examination to steady the mind and dissolve the fear of failure.
Studied with the Bhagavad Gita and recited as a guiding principle of life by seekers and workers alike.
How to Chant कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते
Recite the verse slowly, reflecting on its meaning — that your right is to sincere action, not to its results. Let it settle the mind before beginning any task, releasing anxiety about the outcome. It is a contemplation as much as a chant.
Frequently Asked Questions
You May Also Like
ॐ
Explore more sacred mantras with complete meaning and chanting guides