Adhyeshyate cha ya imam dharmyam samvaadam aavayoh | Jnaana-yajnena tenaaham ishtah syaam iti me matih ||70||
Translation
And I declare that whoever studies this sacred dialogue of ours worships Me through the sacrifice of knowledge.
Word-by-Word Meaning
अध्येष्यते
will study
च
also
यः
who
इमम्
this
धर्म्यम्
sacred/righteous
संवादम्
dialogue/conversation
आवयोः
of ours (between us two)
ज्ञान-यज्ञेन
by the sacrifice of knowledge
तेन
by him
अहम्
I
इष्टः
worshipped
स्याम्
shall be
इति
thus
मे मतिः
is My opinion
Commentary
Commentary
In Bhagavad Gita 18:70, Krishna declares that the very act of studying the Gita is a form of worship — specifically, jnaana-yajna, the sacrifice of knowledge. This is one of the highest forms of yajna described in the Vedic tradition.
Dharmyam Samvaadam Aavayoh — This Sacred Dialogue of Ours
Krishna refers to the Gita as a dharmyam samvaadam — a sacred, righteous dialogue. The word aavayoh — “of us two” — reminds us that the Gita is not a monologue. It is a conversation between God and a human being, between the infinite and the finite, between the teacher and the beloved friend. Every reader who studies this dialogue participates in that sacred exchange.
Jnaana-Yajna — The Sacrifice of Knowledge
In Vedic culture, yajna (sacrifice) is the fundamental act of worship. Krishna has already taught (in Chapter 4) that the sacrifice of knowledge is superior to material sacrifices. Here He confirms: studying the Gita is that supreme sacrifice. No fire altar is needed, no elaborate ritual — only a sincere mind engaging with divine wisdom.
Iti Me Matih — This Is My Opinion
Krishna ends with me matih — “this is My considered view.” This phrase gives weight to the declaration. It is not a casual remark but Krishna’s deliberate, final judgment on the matter. The study of the Gita pleases Him as much as any formal act of worship.
This verse democratizes worship. It tells every reader, in every time and place: you do not need a temple, a priest, or a ritual to worship God. Open this dialogue, study it sincerely, and the Lord Himself considers it worship.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Bhagavad Gita 18.70 mean?
- And I declare that whoever studies this sacred dialogue of ours worships Me through the sacrifice of knowledge.
- What is the Sanskrit text of Bhagavad Gita 18.70?
- The original Sanskrit verse is: Adhyeshyate cha ya imam dharmyam samvaadam aavayoh | Jnaana-yajnena tenaaham ishtah syaam iti me matih ||70||
- What are the key themes of this verse?
- This verse explores: study, knowledge sacrifice, worship, devotion, sacred dialogue.