Bhagavad Gita 9.17 – Sloka Meaning Structured Notes
Verse
pitāham asya jagato mātā dhātā pitāmahaḥ
vedyaṁ pavitram oṁkāra ṛk sāma yajur eva ca
Word-by-Word Meaning
| Sanskrit | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| pitā | father |
| aham | I |
| asya | of this |
| jagataḥ | universe |
| mātā | mother |
| dhātā | supporter, maintainer |
| pitāmahaḥ | grandfather |
| vedyam | object of knowledge |
| pavitram | purifier |
| oṁkāra | the syllable Om |
| ṛk | the Ṛg Veda |
| sāma | the Sāma Veda |
| yajur | the Yajur Veda |
| eva ca | also |
Translation
“I am the father of this universe, the mother, the support, and the grandsire. I am the object of knowledge, the purifier and the syllable Om. I am also the Ṛg, the Sāma and the Yajur Vedas.”
Aim
To realize that Sri Krishna is simultaneously the origin, maintainer, and object of knowledge of the entire universe, and the essence of the Vedas.
Objectives
1. To reflect on Sri Krishna as the universal father and mother.
2. To understand Sri Krishna’s role as the supporter and grandfather of all beings.
3. To explore how Sri Krishna is the ultimate object of knowledge.
4. To recognize Sri Krishna as the purifier and sacred syllable Om.
5. To see Sri Krishna as the essence of the Vedas.
Application in Life
1. See Sri Krishna as source: Remember that both our origin and sustenance come from Him. This brings humility and gratitude.
2. Study with devotion: Approach knowledge as a way to know Him, not just for intellectual pride.
3. Chant Om with awareness: Understand that Om represents Sri Krishna. Use it with reverence in chanting and meditation.
4. Respect the Vedas: See all Vedic texts as expressions of His wisdom, meant to guide us to Him.
Simple Take AwaySri Krishna is the universal father, mother, supporter, and grandsire. He is the purifier, the syllable Om, and the very essence of the Vedas.
