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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Verse 15 Meaning in Hindi & English

By Lakshay Sharma | On 29 June, 2026 | Views

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Verse 15 follows Lord Krishna's assurance in the previous verse that those who surrender to Him can overcome Maya (illusion). Naturally, a question arises: If surrendering to God leads to liberation, why doesn't everyone do it?

In this verse, Krishna answers that question. He explains that certain people, because of ignorance, ego, and attachment to worldly desires, choose not to seek Him. Their minds are covered by Maya, preventing them from recognizing the Supreme Truth.

This verse is not meant to condemn people but to encourage self-reflection. Krishna lovingly points out the inner obstacles that prevent us from developing a relationship with God.

Bhagavad Gita 7.15 – Why Some People Do Not Surrender to Krishna

Krishna explains:

Some people do not seek refuge in Him.
Their knowledge is covered by Maya.
Pride, selfishness, and ignorance keep them away from God.
Material attachment prevents spiritual realization.
Liberation begins when we remove these inner obstacles.

The essence of this verse is that it is not God who distances Himself from us—it is our ignorance and attachment that keep us away from Him.

Bhagavad Gita 7.15 – Sanskrit Shlok & Transliteration

Sanskrit Shlok

न मां दुष्कृतिनो मूढाः

प्रपद्यन्ते नराधमाः ।

माययापहृतज्ञाना

आसुरं भावमाश्रिताः ॥ १५ ॥

Shlok in Hinglish

Na Mam Dushkritino Mudhah

Prapadyante Naradhamah

Mayayapahrita-Jnanah

Asuram Bhavam Ashritah

English Transliteration

na māṁ duṣkṛtino mūḍhāḥ

prapadyante narādhamāḥ

māyayāpahṛta-jñānāḥ

āsuraṁ bhāvam āśritāḥ

Word-by-Word Meaning (शब्दार्थ)

Sanskrit Word	Hindi Meaning	English Meaning
न (Na)	नहीं	Do not
माम् (Mam)	मुझे	Me
दुष्कृतिनः (Dushkritinah)	पापकर्मी	Wrongdoers
मूढाः (Mudhah)	अज्ञानी	Foolish, Deluded
प्रपद्यन्ते (Prapadyante)	शरण लेते	Surrender
नराधमाः (Naradhamah)	मनुष्यों में अधम	Lowest among mankind
मायया (Mayaya)	माया द्वारा	By illusion
अपहृत (Apahrita)	छीन लिया गया	Stolen, Covered
ज्ञानाः (Jnanah)	ज्ञान	Knowledge
आसुरम् (Asuram)	आसुरी	Demoniac
भावम् (Bhavam)	स्वभाव	Nature, Mentality
आश्रिताः (Ashritah)	आश्रय लेने वाले	Taking shelter of

Verse Meaning (अनुवाद)

Hindi Meaning (हिंदी अनुवाद)

दुष्कर्म करने वाले, अज्ञानी, मनुष्यों में अधम तथा जिनका ज्ञान माया द्वारा ढक लिया गया है और जो आसुरी प्रवृत्ति को अपनाते हैं, वे मेरी शरण में नहीं आते।

English Meaning

The wrongdoers, the foolish, the lowest among humanity, those whose knowledge has been stolen by illusion, and those who adopt a demoniac mentality do not surrender unto Me.

Deep Insights & Philosophical Context

1. Krishna Identifies the Obstacles to Spiritual Growth

This verse is not a judgment of people's worth but a description of attitudes that prevent spiritual progress.

Krishna identifies four categories of people who generally do not seek Him:

Those engaged in harmful actions.
Those who remain spiritually ignorant.
Those who misuse the opportunities of human life.
Those whose knowledge is covered by illusion and ego.

These are conditions of the mind—not permanent identities.

Anyone can transform through sincere effort and devotion.

2. Who Are the "Mudhah" (The Deluded)?

The word Mudhah refers to those who remain spiritually unaware despite possessing intelligence.

Such people may be successful in worldly affairs but neglect the deeper purpose of life.

Krishna reminds us that wisdom is incomplete if it ignores the Divine.

3. What Does "Mayayapahrita-Jnanah" Mean?

This phrase means:

"Those whose knowledge has been stolen by Maya."

A person may have:

Academic knowledge.
Professional success.
Technical expertise.

Yet still fail to understand life's eternal purpose because material illusion clouds spiritual wisdom.

True knowledge includes recognizing our relationship with God.

4. Understanding "Asuram Bhavam"

The phrase Asuram Bhavam refers to a mindset dominated by ego and selfishness rather than compassion and righteousness.

Characteristics include:

Pride.
Arrogance.
Hatred.
Self-centeredness.
Rejection of spiritual values.

Krishna describes a mentality—not a specific group of people.

Every person has the freedom to cultivate divine qualities instead.

5. The Human Opportunity

The human form of life provides the unique ability to:

Reflect.
Choose wisely.
Practice devotion.
Seek truth.
Realize God.

Ignoring this opportunity keeps us trapped in material concerns.

Using it wisely leads toward liberation.

6. Krishna's Teaching Is an Invitation, Not a Condemnation

This verse should be read with compassion.

Krishna is not rejecting anyone.

Instead, He identifies the inner barriers that prevent spiritual awakening.

The Bhagavad Gita repeatedly teaches that anyone, regardless of their past, can approach God through sincere devotion and transformation.

Life Lessons from Bhagavad Gita 7.15

1. Examine Your Inner Obstacles

The greatest barriers often exist within us.

Modern Takeaway:

Reflect honestly on habits and attitudes that distance you from peace and wisdom.

2. Knowledge Must Lead to Wisdom

Information alone is not enough.

Modern Takeaway:

Balance education with spiritual understanding.

3. Practice Humility

Ego blocks growth.

Modern Takeaway:

Stay open to learning from God, scriptures, and wise teachers.

4. Choose Divine Qualities

Every day presents a choice between selfishness and selflessness.

Modern Takeaway:

Cultivate kindness, honesty, compassion, and gratitude.

Modern-Day Relevance

Today's world often celebrates:

Material success.
Fame.
Competition.
Personal achievement.

While these are not inherently wrong, they can become obstacles if they replace spiritual values.

Maya today may appear as:

Endless distractions.
Excessive attachment to technology.
Pride in knowledge.
Constant comparison with others.
Pursuit of success without inner fulfillment.

Krishna reminds us that true wisdom begins when we reconnect with our spiritual identity.

Practical Example

Imagine someone holding a treasure map but refusing to read it because they believe they already know the way.

Despite having everything needed to find the treasure, their overconfidence prevents success.

Similarly, Maya can convince us that we already have everything we need while keeping us from discovering the greatest treasure—a relationship with God.

Humility opens the path that pride keeps closed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q.1 What is the main teaching of Bhagavad Gita 7.15?

Ans: Krishna explains why some people do not surrender to Him. Their minds are covered by Maya, ego, selfishness, and ignorance, preventing them from recognizing the Supreme Truth.

Q.2 Does Krishna reject these people?

Ans: No. Krishna describes attitudes that hinder spiritual progress, not permanent identities. Anyone can transform through sincere devotion and self-reflection.

Q.3 What does "Mayayapahrita-Jnanah" mean?

Ans: It means that spiritual knowledge has been covered or stolen by Maya (material illusion), causing people to misunderstand life's true purpose.

Q.4 What is an "Asuric" mentality?

Ans: It refers to a mindset dominated by ego, arrogance, selfishness, and rejection of spiritual values, rather than compassion and righteousness.

Q.5 How can we avoid these obstacles?

Ans: By cultivating humility, studying spiritual wisdom, practicing devotion, and living according to Dharma.

Practical Applications of Bhagavad Gita 7.15

Practice Daily Self-Reflection

Identify attitudes that distance you from spiritual growth.

Develop Humility

Accept that there is always more to learn from God and life.

Study the Bhagavad Gita

Regular reading helps remove ignorance and strengthen wisdom.

Serve Others

Selfless service reduces ego and increases compassion.

Ask Yourself

What distractions keep me away from spiritual growth?
Am I seeking only worldly success or also inner wisdom?
How can I become more humble?
What habit can I change today to move closer to God?

Related Verses to Explore Next

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Verse 14 – Overcoming Maya through surrender.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Verse 16 – The four kinds of devotees who approach Krishna.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16 Verse 1–4 – Divine and demoniac qualities.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18 Verse 66 – Complete surrender to Krishna.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9 Verse 30–31 – God's mercy toward even those with a troubled past.

Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Verse 15 explains that the greatest obstacles to spiritual realization are not external circumstances but inner qualities such as ignorance, pride, selfishness, and attachment. These conditions, strengthened by Maya, prevent people from recognizing the Supreme Lord.

Yet the Bhagavad Gita also offers hope. Krishna never says that transformation is impossible. Through humility, devotion, sincere self-reflection, and the pursuit of spiritual wisdom, anyone can overcome these barriers and develop a loving relationship with God.

The timeless lesson of this verse is:

"The greatest distance between the soul and God is not physical—it is created by ego, ignorance, and illusion. Through humility and devotion, that distance disappears."

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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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