नैनं छिन्दन्ति शस्त्राणि
Origin & Story
Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 23 · Veda Vyasa (Lord Krishna's teaching) · Itihasa (Mahabharata)
As Arjuna grieved at the prospect of death on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Lord Krishna revealed the truth of the eternal soul: that the Atman is never born and never dies, and cannot be harmed by any element. This verse, with its companion 2.22, is among the Gita's most luminous teachings on the deathless Self.
✦ As told in scripture
This verse has consoled countless hearts at the cremation ground and the sickbed — the assurance from the Lord himself that what we truly are can never be destroyed; to know it is to be free of the deepest of all fears, the fear of death.
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The Mantra
नैनं छिन्दन्ति शस्त्राणि नैनं दहति पावकः । न चैनं क्लेदयन्त्यापो न शोषयति मारुतः ॥
Nainam chhindanti shastrani nainam dahati pavakah Na chainam kledayantyapo na shoshayati marutah
Meaning:Weapons cannot cut the soul, nor can fire burn it; water cannot wet it, nor can the wind dry it.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting नैनं छिन्दन्ति शस्त्राणि
From the Bhagavad Gita (2.23), Krishna's teaching on the immortal, indestructible nature of the soul (Atman).
Recited for fearlessness in the face of death, grief and loss — the soul is eternal and untouched by anything.
Brings deep peace and courage, dissolving the fear of death; often recited at funerals and in times of bereavement.
A cornerstone verse of Vedanta on the deathless Self, contemplated by seekers of self-knowledge.
Studied with the Bhagavad Gita and recited for solace and spiritual strength.
How to Chant नैनं छिन्दन्ति शस्त्राणि
Recite slowly, contemplating that your true Self is the deathless soul that no weapon, fire, water or wind can harm. It is recited for courage and peace, and as solace in times of loss.
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