Bhagavad Gita · Verse 15.1
Chapter 15: Purushottama Yoga (पुरुषोत्तमयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
ऊर्ध्वमूलमधःशाखमश्वत्थं प्राहुरव्ययम् । छन्दांसि यस्य पर्णानि यस्तं वेद स वेदवित् ॥१॥
ūrdhvamūlamadhaḥśākhamaśvatthaṃ prāhuravyayam | chandāṃsi yasya parṇāni yastaṃ veda sa vedavit ||1||
Complete Shloka Translation
The Lord said: They speak of an enduring ashvattha tree with its roots above and branches below, whose leaves are the Vedic hymns. Whoever knows this tree knows the Vedas.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ऊर्ध्व-मूलम् | ūrdhva-mūlam | roots anchored in the Supreme Source above |
| अधः-शाखम् | adhaḥ-śākham | branches spreading downward into worlds |
| अश्वत्थम् | aśvattham | the cosmic Ashvattha banyan tree of existence |
| प्राहुः अव्ययम् | prāhuḥ avyayam | they describe as eternal and continuous |
| छन्दांसि | chandāṁsi | the sacred Vedic verses |
| यस्य पर्णानि | yasya parṇāni | whose leaves nourish the tree |
| यः तम् वेद | yaḥ tam veda | whoever truly understands this tree |
| सः वेद-वित् | saḥ veda-vit | he is a genuine knower of the Vedas |
roots anchored in the Supreme Source above
branches spreading downward into worlds
the cosmic Ashvattha banyan tree of existence
they describe as eternal and continuous
the sacred Vedic verses
whose leaves nourish the tree
whoever truly understands this tree
he is a genuine knower of the Vedas
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The inverted tree introduces samsara, the continuing world of conditioned existence. Its upper root points toward a higher source, while the Vedic leaves connect understanding of the world with sacred knowledge; this is a spiritual image, not a botanical description.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Look beyond visible branches to the source that sustains your life."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What sustains the visible branches of your life?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master daily focus: anchor your consciousness in higher values, let go of anxious attachment to results, and act with integrity and kindness in every endeavor.