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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 Verse 35 Meaning in Hindi and English

By Lakshay Sharma | On 10 June, 2026 | Views

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 Verse 35 is one of the most famous verses in the entire Gita. Lord Krishna teaches that it is far better to perform one's own duty, even imperfectly, than to perform another person's duty perfectly. This verse emphasizes the importance of following one's true nature (Swadharma) and living authentically.

In a world filled with comparison and competition, this teaching reminds us that lasting fulfillment comes from embracing our own path rather than imitating others.

Let us understand Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 Verse 35 in Sanskrit, Hinglish, Hindi, and English with deep meaning and practical life lessons.

Bhagavad Gita 3.35 : Meaning and Importance

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 Verse 35 is important because:

It teaches the concept of Swadharma (one's own duty).
It discourages unhealthy comparison.
It promotes authenticity.
It encourages self-acceptance and responsibility.

The verse reflects:

Individual purpose
Duty
Courage
Self-discovery

Krishna teaches:

Success on someone else's path is less valuable than sincere effort on your own path.

True growth comes from fulfilling the role that aligns with your nature and responsibilities.

Sanskrit Shlok

श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात् । स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः ॥ ३५ ॥

Shlok in Hinglish

Shreyan svadharmo vigunah Paradharmat svanushthitat Svadharme nidhanam shreyah Paradharmo bhayavahah

English Transliteration

śhreyān sva-dharmo viguṇaḥ para-dharmāt sv-anuṣhṭhitāt sva-dharme nidhanaṁ śhreyaḥ para-dharmo bhayāvahaḥ

Hindi Meaning

अपने धर्म (कर्तव्य) का पालन, चाहे वह गुणहीन ही क्यों न हो, दूसरे के धर्म का उत्तम पालन करने से श्रेष्ठ है। अपने धर्म का पालन करते हुए मृत्यु भी कल्याणकारी है, जबकि दूसरे के धर्म का पालन भय उत्पन्न करने वाला है।

English Meaning

“It is far better to perform one's own duty imperfectly than to perform another's duty perfectly. Even death in the performance of one's own duty is preferable, for following another's path is dangerous.”

Word-by-Word Meaning

Sanskrit Word	Meaning
श्रेयान् (Shreyan)	Better
स्वधर्मः (Swadharmah)	One's own duty
विगुणः (Vigunah)	Imperfectly performed
परधर्मात् (Paradharmat)	Another's duty
स्वनुष्ठितात् (Svanushthitat)	Perfectly executed
निधनम् (Nidhanam)	Death
भयावहः (Bhayavahah)	Dangerous, fearful

Context of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 Verse 35

Arjuna wanted to avoid fighting in the battle of Kurukshetra.

He considered adopting a different path that seemed more peaceful.

However, Krishna reminds him:

A warrior's duty is to protect righteousness.

For Arjuna:

Fighting for justice was his responsibility.
Avoiding that responsibility would mean abandoning his true duty.

Krishna teaches:

Every individual has a unique role in life.

Trying to live someone else's role often creates confusion and suffering.

Deep Meaning of Bhagavad Gita 3.35

This verse teaches:

Comparison leads people away from their true purpose.

Many people spend their lives wishing they had:

Someone else's career.
Someone else's talents.
Someone else's success.
Someone else's lifestyle.

Krishna warns:

This mindset can be harmful.

Why?

Because each person possesses:

Different strengths.
Different responsibilities.
Different life lessons.

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 Verse 35 reminds us:

Fulfillment comes from living your own truth, not someone else's.

Spiritual Insight from Bhagavad Gita 3.35

Spiritually, this verse teaches:

Every soul has its own journey.

The purpose of life is not imitation.

The purpose is growth.

Your challenges, talents, and experiences are part of your spiritual development.

Krishna explains:

When you faithfully fulfill your own duties:

Character develops.
Wisdom grows.
Spiritual progress becomes possible.

This verse symbolizes:

Authenticity as a spiritual path.

Leadership Lesson from Bhagavad Gita 3.35

Great Leaders Embrace Their Unique Calling

Strong leaders do not constantly compare themselves with others.

Instead, they:

Understand their strengths.
Accept their responsibilities.
Lead according to their values.

Krishna teaches:

Leadership begins with self-awareness.

Trying to imitate others may create temporary success but rarely creates lasting fulfillment.

Modern-Day Relevance

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 Verse 35 is extremely relevant today.

Modern life encourages comparison through:

Social media.
Career competition.
Public recognition.
Lifestyle comparisons.

People often feel pressured to copy others.

Krishna's wisdom offers a different perspective:

Discover your strengths.
Follow your purpose.
Accept your responsibilities.
Focus on your growth.

In today's world:

Authenticity is more valuable than imitation.

Life Lesson from Bhagavad Gita 3.35

1. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Everyone has a unique path.

2. Discover Your Strengths

Focus on developing your natural abilities.

3. Accept Your Responsibilities

Growth comes from fulfilling your duties.

4. Live Authentically

Be guided by your values rather than external pressure.

Practical Example

Imagine two students.

Student A

Loves design and creativity.
Chooses engineering only because others do.

Result:

Lack of motivation.
Constant frustration.

Student B

Pursues design passionately.
Accepts challenges along the way.

Result:

Greater satisfaction.
Better long-term growth.

Student B follows the wisdom of Bhagavad Gita 3.35:

Success comes from embracing your own path.

Famous Quote from This Verse

Your own path, though imperfect, is better than a perfect imitation of someone else's.

FAQs About Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 Verse 35

Q1.What does Bhagavad Gita 3.35 teach?

Ans: The verse teaches that it is better to perform one's own duty imperfectly than to imitate another person's duty perfectly.

Q2.What is Swadharma?

Ans: Swadharma means one's natural duty, responsibility, or path based on one's nature and role in life.

Q3.Why is another person's duty considered dangerous?

Ans: Because it may not align with your nature, strengths, responsibilities, or spiritual growth.

Q4.How is this verse relevant today?

Ans: It helps people avoid unhealthy comparison and encourages authentic living.

Q5.What is the main lesson of Bhagavad Gita 3.35?

Ans: Discover and follow your own path rather than trying to live someone else's life.

Key Teachings from Bhagavad Gita 3.35

Follow your own duty.
Avoid unhealthy comparison.
Embrace authenticity.
Growth comes through responsibility.
True success aligns with your nature.

Related Bhagavad Gita Verses

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 Verse 47
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 Verse 34
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18 Verse 47

Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 Verse 35 teaches the timeless wisdom of Swadharma—living according to one's own duty and nature. Lord Krishna explains that even an imperfect effort on one's own path is superior to perfect success on someone else's path.

This verse encourages authenticity, self-awareness, and courage. By embracing our unique responsibilities and focusing on our own growth rather than comparing ourselves with others, we can lead a more meaningful, peaceful, and fulfilling life.

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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