Bhagavad Gita · Verse 16.21
Chapter 16: Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga (दैवासुरसम्पद्विभागयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
त्रिविधं नरकस्येदं द्वारं नाशनमात्मनः । कामः क्रोधस्तथा लोभस्तस्मादेतत्त्रयं त्यजेत् ॥२१॥
trividhaṃ narakasyedaṃ dvāraṃ nāśanamātmanaḥ | kāmaḥ krodhastathā lobhastasmādetattrayaṃ tyajet ||21||
Complete Shloka Translation
There are three gates to this hell, destructive of one's own well-being: desire, anger and greed. Therefore one should abandon these three.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| त्रि-विधम् | tri-vidham | threefold |
| नरकस्य इदम् | narakasya idam | are these gates of hell and self-ruin |
| द्वारम् | dvāram | gateways and portals |
| नाशनम् आत्मनः | nāśanam ātmanaḥ | destroying one’s own soul and nobility |
| कामः | kāmaḥ | lust and selfish craving |
| क्रोधः | krodhaḥ | wrath and burning anger |
| तथा लोभः | tathā lobhaḥ | and unbridled greed |
| तस्मात् | tasmāt | therefore |
| एतत् त्रयम् | etat trayam | these three deadly evils |
| त्यजेत् | tyajet | one must completely renounce and abandon |
threefold
are these gates of hell and self-ruin
gateways and portals
destroying one’s own soul and nobility
lust and selfish craving
wrath and burning anger
and unbridled greed
therefore
these three deadly evils
one must completely renounce and abandon
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The warning becomes a concise guide to the destructive tendencies underlying the earlier portrait. In this context kama is binding craving; the practical aim is to stop desire, anger and greed from ruling conduct, rather than pretending that all needs or emotions can simply be erased.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Pause before craving, anger or greed decides your next action."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Which of craving, anger or greed most often directs your choices?
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.