कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते — Word-by-Word Meaning
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
कर्मणि एव अधिकारः ते
Karmani eva adhikarah te
You have a right to action (karma) alone
मा फलेषु कदाचन
Ma phaleshu kadachana
Never to its fruits (phala)
मा कर्मफलहेतुः भूः
Ma karma-phala-hetuh bhuh
Let not the fruit of action be your motive
मा ते सङ्गः अस्तु अकर्मणि
Ma te sangah astu akarmani
Nor let your attachment be to inaction
Complete Translation
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.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 47
Author: Veda Vyasa (Lord Krishna's teaching)
Period: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Karmanye Vadhikaraste?▼
From Bhagavad Gita 2.47, it means: '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.' It teaches Karma Yoga — doing one's duty sincerely while surrendering attachment to the results.
Which chapter and verse of the Gita is Karmanye Vadhikaraste?▼
It is verse 47 of Chapter 2 (Sankhya Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita, spoken by Lord Krishna to Arjuna. It is the most quoted verse of the Gita and the cornerstone of its teaching on selfless action (nishkama karma).
What is the benefit of reciting Karmanye Vadhikaraste?▼
It brings peace of mind and freedom from anxiety over results, the courage to do one's duty without fear of failure, and a balanced, detached approach to work and life. Many recite it before work or exams to focus on effort rather than outcome.
What does 'nishkama karma' mean?▼
Nishkama karma is 'action without desire for its fruits' — the central teaching of this verse. One acts wholeheartedly and to the best of one's ability, but offers the results to God, remaining free from craving and anxiety. This is the heart of Karma Yoga.
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