Bhagavad Gita · Verse 1.44
Chapter 1: Arjuna Vishada Yoga (अर्जुनविषादयोगः)
(Arjuna spoke)
उत्सन्नकुलधर्माणां मनुष्याणां जनार्दन । नरकेऽनियतं वासो भवतीत्यनुशुश्रुम ॥४४॥
utsannakuladharmāṇāṃ manuṣyāṇāṃ janārdana | narake'niyataṃ vāso bhavatītyanuśuśruma ||44||
Complete Shloka Translation
Janardana, we have heard that those whose family duties have been destroyed dwell in hell for an indefinite time.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| उत्सन्नकुलधर्माणाम् | utsanna-kula-dharmāṇām | of those whose family dharma has been shattered |
| मनुष्याणाम् | manuṣyāṇām | of human beings |
| जनार्दन | janārdana | O Janardana |
| नरके | narake | in the torment of hell |
| अनियतम् | aniyatam | for an unending duration |
| वासः | vāsaḥ | dwelling / abode |
| भवति | bhavati | becomes / occurs |
| इति | iti | thus |
| अनुशुश्रुम | anuśuśruma | we have heard from ancient sacred tradition |
of those whose family dharma has been shattered
of human beings
O Janardana
in the torment of hell
for an unending duration
dwelling / abode
becomes / occurs
thus
we have heard from ancient sacred tradition
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The words we have heard explicitly identify inherited testimony as the basis of this claim. The indefinite duration should not be silently replaced by a precise time or by a claim that this verse proves a universal rule.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Arjuna appeals to a teaching he has received about the consequences of losing family duties."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Can I distinguish what I have heard from what I have examined?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Fear of Moral Retribution and Conscience's Hell: Arjuna cites the hellish suffering of those who destroy sacred duties. Conscience is an inescapable judge: no amount of external wealth shields an individual from the torment of an unresolved guilty mind.