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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 31 Meaning in Hindi and English

By Lakshay Sharma | On 28 May, 2026 | Views

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 31 describes Arjuna’s growing emotional despair on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. In this verse, Arjuna tells Lord Krishna that he sees bad omens everywhere and no longer desires victory, kingdom, or happiness because the war will destroy his own family and loved ones.

This verse highlights emotional conflict, hopelessness, fear of destruction, and the realization that material success loses value when relationships and peace are at risk. Let us understand Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 31 in Sanskrit, Hinglish, Hindi, and English with deep meaning and life lessons.

Bhagavad Gita 1.31 : Meaning and Importance

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 31 is important because Arjuna begins questioning the purpose of war, victory, and worldly success.

The verse reflects:

Emotional exhaustion
Fear and negativity
Loss of motivation
Detachment from material desires

This moment becomes deeply significant because:

Arjuna realizes that success achieved through destruction and suffering cannot bring true happiness.

His thoughts shift from:

Winning the war
to
Understanding the consequences of war

This verse marks the beginning of Arjuna’s deeper moral and spiritual questioning.

Sanskrit Shlok

निमित्तानि च पश्यामि विपरीतानि केशव ।न च श्रेयोऽनुपश्यामि हत्वा स्वजनमाहवे ॥ ३१ ॥

Shlok in Hinglish

Nimittani cha pashyami viparitani Keshava Na cha shreyo anupashyami hatva svajanam ahave

English Transliteration

nimittāni ca paśyāmi viparītāni keśava na ca śreyo ’nupaśyāmi hatvā sva-janam āhave

Hindi Meaning

हे केशव! मैं अशुभ संकेत देख रहा हूँ और अपने स्वजनों को युद्ध में मारकर कोई कल्याण नहीं देखता।

English Meaning

“O Keshava, I see only bad omens, and I do not foresee any good from killing my own relatives in this battle.”

Word-by-Word Meaning

Sanskrit Word	Meaning
निमित्तानि (Nimittani)	Omens / Signs
च (Cha)	And
पश्यामि (Pashyami)	I see
विपरीतानि (Viparitani)	Unfavorable / Bad
केशव (Keshava)	O Krishna
न (Na)	Not
च (Cha)	And
श्रेयः (Shreyah)	Good / Welfare
अनुपश्यामि (Anupashyami)	I foresee
हत्वा (Hatva)	Killing
स्वजनम् (Svajanam)	Own relatives
आहवे (Ahave)	In battle

Context of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 31

After becoming emotionally disturbed, Arjuna now begins losing all interest in the war.

He feels:

Fearful
Hopeless
Emotionally broken

At this moment:

Arjuna no longer sees victory as meaningful.

He realizes:

War will destroy families
Loved ones will die
Happiness gained after such destruction will feel empty

This emotional realization pushes Arjuna deeper into sorrow and confusion.

Deep Meaning of Bhagavad Gita 1.31

This verse teaches:

Material success loses value when peace, relationships, and morality are destroyed.

Arjuna understands that:

Winning externally may still create inner suffering
Success without emotional peace cannot bring happiness

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 31 reminds us:

Actions have consequences
Emotional and moral costs matter
True success includes peace and righteousness

This verse also teaches:

Fear and emotional attachment can cloud judgment during difficult situations.

Leadership Lesson from Bhagavad Gita 1.31

Wise Decisions Consider Long-Term Consequences

Arjuna begins thinking beyond temporary victory.

This teaches:

Leaders must think about human impact
Success should not come through destruction
Ethical thinking is essential

In modern life:

Businesses must balance profit with ethics
Leaders should consider social consequences
Families should prioritize peace over ego

True leadership values:

Humanity
Responsibility
Long-term welfare

Spiritual Insight from Bhagavad Gita 1.31

Spiritually, this verse teaches:

Inner peace is more valuable than material victory.

Arjuna’s sorrow arises because:

His attachment creates emotional pain
His conscience questions the purpose of violence

The Bhagavad Gita gradually teaches:

Dharma must guide action
Wisdom removes confusion
Spiritual clarity brings peace

This verse symbolizes:

The human search for meaningful and righteous action.

Modern-Day Relevance

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 31 remains highly relevant today.

People often:

Chase success without peace
Ignore emotional consequences
Feel empty after achieving material goals

This verse teaches:

Success should align with values
Mental peace is essential
Relationships matter more than ego
Ethical choices create lasting happiness

Life Lesson from Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 31

1. Success Without Peace Feels Empty

Achievements lose meaning when gained through suffering and destruction.

2. Emotional Awareness Improves Decisions

Thinking deeply about consequences creates wiser choices.

3. Ethics Matter More Than Victory

True success includes humanity, compassion, and righteousness.

Famous Quote from This Verse

Victory without peace and righteousness can never bring true happiness.

FAQs About Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 31

Q1.Why did Arjuna see bad omens in Bhagavad Gita 1.31?

Ans: Arjuna felt emotionally disturbed and believed the war would lead to destruction, sorrow, and suffering.

Q2.What lesson does Bhagavad Gita 1.31 teach?

Ans: The verse teaches ethical thinking, emotional awareness, peace, and the importance of righteous action.

Q3.Why is this verse important?

Ans: This verse shows Arjuna questioning the value of victory achieved through violence and destruction.

Q4.What does “Viparitani Nimittani” mean?

Ans: It means unfavorable signs or bad omens.

Q5.How is Bhagavad Gita 1.31 relevant today?

Ans: The verse teaches modern lessons about mental peace, ethical success, emotional balance, and meaningful living.

Related Bhagavad Gita Verses

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 30
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 32
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 Verse 47

Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 31 beautifully captures Arjuna’s realization that victory gained through destruction and suffering cannot bring true happiness.

This timeless verse reminds us that peace, ethics, and relationships are more valuable than material success or ego-driven achievements. It teaches the importance of thoughtful decisions, emotional awareness, and righteous living.

Harishyam Arts

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Lakshay Sharma

I’m Lakshay Sharma, a writer with a deep passion for Hindu mythology, Vastu Shastra, and home interiors. I enjoy exploring the rich traditions of Hindu gods and goddesses, sharing insights into Vastu principles, and offering guidance on creating sacred spaces like Puja Mandirs. Through my writing, I aim to inspire harmony and spiritual well-being, blending traditional knowledge with modern perspectives.

Harishyam Arts | Jaipur

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