Bhagavad Gita · Verse 8.24
Chapter 8: Akshara Brahma Yoga (अक्षर ब्रह्मयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
अग्निर्ज्योतिरहः शुक्लः षण्मासा उत्तरायणम् । तत्र प्रयाता गच्छन्ति ब्रह्म ब्रह्मविदो जनाः ॥२४॥
agnirjyotirahaḥ śuklaḥ ṣaṇmāsā uttarāyaṇam | tatra prayātā gacchanti brahma brahmavido janāḥ ||24||
Complete Shloka Translation
Fire, light, day, the bright fortnight and the six months of the sun's northern course: departing by this path, knowers of Brahman attain Brahman.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ज्योतिः | jyotiḥ | light |
| उत्तरायणम् | uttarāyaṇam | the sun's northern course |
| अग्निर्ज्योतिरहः | agnirjyotirahaḥ | [term] in context of Fire, light, day, the bright f... |
| शुक्लः | śuklaḥ | [term] in context of Fire, light, day, the bright f... |
| षण्मासा | ṣaṇmāsā | [term] in context of Fire, light, day, the bright f... |
| तत्र | tatra | [term] in context of Fire, light, day, the bright f... |
| प्रयाता | prayātā | [term] in context of Fire, light, day, the bright f... |
| गच्छन्ति | gacchanti | [term] in context of Fire, light, day, the bright f... |
| ब्रह्म | brahma | [term] in context of Fire, light, day, the bright f... |
| ब्रह्मविदो | brahmavido | [term] in context of Fire, light, day, the bright f... |
| जनाः | janāḥ | [term] in context of Fire, light, day, the bright f... |
| २४ | janāḥ | [term] in context of Fire, light, day, the bright f... |
light
the sun's northern course
[term] in context of Fire, light, day, the bright f...
[term] in context of Fire, light, day, the bright f...
[term] in context of Fire, light, day, the bright f...
[term] in context of Fire, light, day, the bright f...
[term] in context of Fire, light, day, the bright f...
[term] in context of Fire, light, day, the bright f...
[term] in context of Fire, light, day, the bright f...
[term] in context of Fire, light, day, the bright f...
[term] in context of Fire, light, day, the bright f...
[term] in context of Fire, light, day, the bright f...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
These terms describe the bright path, commonly explained through its presiding deities. Read with 8.27, this is not a simple calendar rule requiring a person to choose or control the time of death.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Seek clarity about the enduring goal represented by the imagery of light."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What does the imagery of light invite you to contemplate?
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.