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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Verse 13 Meaning in Hindi & English

By Lakshay Sharma | On 29 June, 2026 | Views

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Verse 13 explains why most people fail to recognize the Supreme Lord despite His presence everywhere.

In the previous verse, Lord Krishna explained that the three Gunas—Sattva (goodness), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (ignorance)—originate from Him, yet He remains beyond them. In this verse, Krishna reveals that these very three Gunas bewilder the entire world, causing people to become attached to material life and preventing them from recognizing His eternal and transcendental nature.

This verse teaches that spiritual ignorance is not caused by God's absence but by our attachment to the changing qualities of material nature.

Bhagavad Gita 7.13 – How the Three Gunas Delude the World

Krishna explains:

The entire world is influenced by the three Gunas.
These qualities create attachment and illusion.
Because of this illusion, people fail to recognize God.
Krishna is eternal and beyond material nature.
Freedom comes by rising above the influence of the Gunas through devotion and wisdom.

The essence of this verse is that material illusion hides the Supreme Reality, but sincere spiritual practice helps us perceive God as He truly is.

Bhagavad Gita 7.13 – Sanskrit Shlok & Transliteration

Sanskrit Shlok

त्रिभिर्गुणमयैर्भावैः

एभिः सर्वमिदं जगत् ।

मोहितं नाभिजानाति

मामेभ्यः परमव्ययम् ॥ १३ ॥

Shlok in Hinglish

Tribhir Guna-Mayair Bhavair

Ebhih Sarvam Idam Jagat

Mohitam Nabhijanati

Mam Ebhyaḥ Param Avyayam

English Transliteration

tribhir guṇa-mayair bhāvair

ebhiḥ sarvam idaṁ jagat

mohitaṁ nābhijānāti

mām ebhyaḥ param avyayam

Word-by-Word Meaning (शब्दार्थ)

Sanskrit Word	Hindi Meaning	English Meaning
त्रिभिः (Tribhih)	तीनों से	By the three
गुणमयैः (Gunamayaih)	गुणों से युक्त	Composed of the Gunas
भावैः (Bhavaih)	अवस्थाओं द्वारा	States, Qualities
एभिः (Ebhih)	इनसे	By these
सर्वम् (Sarvam)	सम्पूर्ण	Entire
इदम् (Idam)	यह	This
जगत् (Jagat)	संसार	World
मोहितम् (Mohitam)	मोहित	Deluded
न (Na)	नहीं	Not
अभिजानाति (Abhijanati)	पहचानता	Recognizes
माम् (Mam)	मुझे	Me
एभ्यः (Ebhyah)	इनसे	Beyond these
परम् (Param)	श्रेष्ठ	Supreme
अव्ययम् (Avyayam)	अविनाशी	Imperishable

Verse Meaning (अनुवाद)

Hindi Meaning (हिंदी अनुवाद)

इन तीन गुणों से उत्पन्न भावों द्वारा यह सम्पूर्ण संसार मोहित हो गया है। इसलिए लोग मुझे, जो इन गुणों से परे और अविनाशी हूँ, पहचान नहीं पाते।

English Meaning

Deluded by the three qualities of material nature—goodness, passion, and ignorance—the entire world fails to recognize Me, who am eternal, imperishable, and beyond these Gunas.

Deep Insights & Philosophical Context

1. The Power of the Three Gunas

Krishna explains that every person living in the material world is influenced by the three Gunas:

Sattva (Goodness) brings clarity and knowledge.
Rajas (Passion) creates ambition, desire, and attachment.
Tamas (Ignorance) leads to laziness, confusion, and delusion.

These qualities shape our thoughts, emotions, and actions.

However, when we identify completely with them, we forget our true spiritual nature.

2. What Does "Mohitam" Mean?

The Sanskrit word Mohitam means "bewildered" or "deluded."

Delusion does not mean that reality disappears.

Rather, it means that we misunderstand reality.

For example:

We mistake temporary pleasures for lasting happiness.
We identify ourselves only with the physical body.
We believe material success alone can satisfy us.

Krishna teaches that this misunderstanding keeps us from recognizing Him.

3. Why Do People Fail to Recognize God?

Krishna says:

"Na Abhijanati Mam"

"They do not know Me."

The problem is not that God is absent.

The problem is that the mind is distracted by:

Endless desires.
Ego.
Fear.
Attachment.
Material ambitions.

When the mind is constantly occupied by these influences, it becomes difficult to perceive the eternal truth.

4. Krishna Is Beyond the Gunas

Although the Gunas influence the material world, Krishna remains:

Eternal.
Unchanging.
Pure.
Independent.
Imperishable.

The Sanskrit word Avyayam means "never diminishing."

Unlike material objects, Krishna is unaffected by time, decay, or change.

5. The Path Beyond Illusion

Krishna does not simply describe the problem—He prepares us for the solution.

In the next verse (7.14), He explains that this divine illusion can be overcome through complete surrender to Him.

Thus, Verse 13 creates the foundation for one of the Bhagavad Gita's most famous teachings.

6. Spiritual Awareness Removes Delusion

As spiritual understanding grows:

Attachments weaken.
Ego becomes smaller.
Compassion increases.
Wisdom deepens.
Inner peace develops.

The same world remains, but our vision changes.

We begin to see life through the eyes of truth rather than illusion.

Life Lessons from Bhagavad Gita 7.13

1. Question Your Attachments

Not everything that attracts us leads to lasting happiness.

Modern Takeaway:

Regularly reflect on whether your priorities support your long-term well-being.

2. Recognize Temporary and Eternal

Material achievements are valuable but temporary.

Modern Takeaway:

Balance worldly success with spiritual growth.

3. Develop Self-Awareness

Observe how your thoughts are influenced by the Gunas.

Modern Takeaway:

Practice mindfulness before reacting to emotions or desires.

4. Seek Higher Wisdom

Knowledge removes confusion.

Modern Takeaway:

Study spiritual teachings and apply them consistently.

Modern-Day Relevance

Today's world constantly stimulates the three Gunas.

Examples include:

Sattva

Learning.
Meditation.
Healthy living.
Service.

Rajas

Social media competition.
Career pressure.
Consumerism.
Endless ambition.

Tamas

Excessive entertainment.
Procrastination.
Addiction.
Negative thinking.

Krishna reminds us that unless we consciously cultivate spiritual awareness, these influences can dominate our lives.

The solution is not escaping the world but learning to live in it with wisdom and devotion.

Practical Example

Imagine driving through thick fog.

The road still exists.

The destination remains unchanged.

However, poor visibility makes it difficult to move forward safely.

Similarly, God's presence never disappears.

It is our spiritual vision that becomes clouded by attachment, ego, and ignorance.

As the fog clears, the path becomes visible.

Likewise, through devotion and self-realization, we begin to recognize Krishna's presence everywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q.1 What is the main teaching of Bhagavad Gita 7.13?

Ans: Krishna teaches that the three Gunas of material nature bewilder the world, preventing people from recognizing His eternal and transcendental nature.

Q.2 What are the three Gunas?

Ans: Sattva (goodness), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (ignorance) are the three qualities that govern material nature.

Q.3 What does "Mohitam" mean?

Ans: It means being deluded or bewildered by material illusion, causing one to misunderstand reality.

Q.4 Why can't people recognize Krishna?

Ans: Because attachment to material desires, ego, and the influence of the Gunas distract the mind from perceiving the Supreme Truth.

Q.5 How can we overcome this illusion?

Ans: Through devotion to God, spiritual wisdom, self-discipline, meditation, and surrender to Krishna.

Practical Applications of Bhagavad Gita 7.13

Observe Your Mind

Pay attention to thoughts influenced by greed, anger, or laziness.

Strengthen Spiritual Practices

Meditate, pray, and study the Bhagavad Gita daily.

Reduce Material Attachment

Practice gratitude and contentment instead of endless comparison.

Seek Divine Guidance

Remember Krishna before making important decisions.

Ask Yourself

What distracts me from my spiritual goals?
Which Guna influences my life the most?
Do I seek temporary pleasure or lasting peace?
How can I remember God more often during my daily routine?

Related Verses to Explore Next

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Verse 12 – Krishna and the three Gunas.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Verse 14 – Overcoming Maya through surrender.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 14 Verse 5 – The nature of the three Gunas.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 Verse 69 – The vision of the spiritually awakened.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18 Verse 61 – Krishna residing in the hearts of all beings.

Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Verse 13 explains that the three Gunas of material nature create illusion, causing people to overlook the eternal presence of Lord Krishna. While the world appears attractive and ever-changing, its temporary nature often distracts us from recognizing the Supreme Reality.

Krishna reminds us that He is beyond these material qualities and invites us to rise above illusion through spiritual wisdom and devotion. As our awareness grows, we begin to see life more clearly and recognize the Divine presence that has always been with us.

The timeless lesson of this verse is:

"Material illusion clouds our vision, but devotion to God reveals the eternal truth that has always been present."

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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.

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