Srimad Bhagavad Gita - Detailed Chapter-wise Summary with All 700 Shlokas

Chapter 1: Arjuna Vishada Yoga (Arjuna’s Dilemma) – 47 Shlokas

The Gita opens on the Kurukshetra battlefield, where Arjuna is overwhelmed by grief at the prospect of fighting his kin, setting the stage for Krishna’s teachings.

Shlokas 1.1-11: Dhritarashtra asks Sanjay about the events at Kurukshetra (1.1). Sanjay describes Duryodhana’s review of the Pandava army, noting their strength and his own army’s key warriors like Bhishma and Drona (1.2-11).
Shlokas 1.12-19: Both armies blow conch shells, signaling battle readiness, with Krishna and Arjuna’s conches named Panchajanya and Devadatta (1.12-19).
Shlokas 1.20-27: Arjuna, riding with Krishna, surveys both armies, seeing relatives, teachers, and friends, triggering his emotional turmoil (1.20-27).
Shlokas 1.28-38: Arjuna laments the impending destruction, fearing sin, family ruin, and societal collapse from killing kin (1.28-38).
Shlokas 1.39-47: He foresees the erosion of traditions and argues that victory would be joyless, dropping his bow in despair and seeking Krishna’s guidance (1.39-47).

Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga (The Yoga of Knowledge) – 72 Shlokas

Krishna imparts wisdom on the eternal soul, duty, and selfless action to dispel Arjuna’s despair.

Shlokas 2.1-10: Krishna rebukes Arjuna’s weakness, urging him to rise as a warrior. Arjuna surrenders, seeking guidance as a disciple (2.1-10).
Shlokas 2.11-30: Krishna explains the soul’s immortality—it is unborn, eternal, and unaffected by physical changes (2.11-25). Even if perishable, death is natural, so Arjuna must fight (2.26-30).
Shlokas 2.31-38: As a Kshatriya, Arjuna’s duty is to fight for righteousness, gaining honor or heaven (2.31-37). Equanimity in victory or defeat is true wisdom (2.38).
Shlokas 2.39-53: Krishna introduces Nishkama Karma (selfless action) and Buddhi Yoga, urging action without attachment to results (2.39-47). Stability in success and failure is yoga (2.48-53).
Shlokas 2.54-72: Arjuna asks about a steady sage. Krishna describes one free from desire, anger, and fear, finding peace within and attaining liberation (2.54-72).

Chapter 3: Karma Yoga (The Yoga of Action) – 43 Shlokas

Krishna emphasizes selfless action as essential, addressing Arjuna’s confusion about action versus renunciation.

Shlokas 3.1-8: Arjuna asks why action is needed if knowledge is superior. Krishna explains that none can avoid action due to nature’s gunas (3.1-5). True renunciation is inner detachment, not inaction (3.6-8).
Shlokas 3.9-16: Actions as sacrifices (Yajna) free one from bondage; selfish actions bind. Yajna sustains the cosmic order (3.9-16).
Shlokas 3.17-26: The self-realized act for others’ welfare, setting an example. Krishna Himself works to maintain order (3.17-24). Arjuna must act similarly (3.25-26).
Shlokas 3.27-35: Ego causes attachment; desire and anger (Rajas) are enemies. Following one’s duty is better than another’s path (3.27-35).
Shlokas 3.36-43: Arjuna asks about sin’s cause. Krishna identifies desire as the root, urging control of senses through higher wisdom (3.36-43).

Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga (The Yoga of Knowledge and Renunciation) – 42 Shlokas

Krishna reveals the ancient yoga and the liberating power of knowledge.

Shlokas 4.1-10: Krishna taught this yoga to Vivasvan, passed down but lost over time (4.1-3). He incarnates to restore Dharma (4.7-8). Knowing His divine nature frees one from rebirth (4.9-10).
Shlokas 4.11-15: Krishna rewards all paths, but selfless action aligns with the divine. Ancient sages acted without attachment (4.11-15).
Shlokas 4.16-24: Krishna clarifies action, inaction, and forbidden action. Actions without attachment do not bind (4.16-20). The wise see all actions as one in God (4.21-24).
Shlokas 4.25-33: Various sacrifices (Yajnas) lead to liberation, but knowledge-sacrifice is supreme, burning all karma (4.25-33).
Shlokas 4.34-42: Knowledge comes from a guru, faith, and inquiry. It destroys doubt, granting liberation (4.34-42).

Chapter 5: Karma Sanyasa Yoga (The Yoga of Renunciation) – 29 Shlokas

Krishna compares renunciation and disciplined action, both leading to liberation.

Shlokas 5.1-6: Arjuna asks which is better: renunciation or action. Krishna says both yield liberation, but Karma Yoga is easier (5.1-6).
Shlokas 5.7-12: A selfless yogi, devoted to God, acts without attachment, free from bondage (5.7-10). Equanimity in action leads to peace (5.11-12).
Shlokas 5.13-21: The soul, detached from the body’s actions, finds joy within. The wise see all beings equally (5.13-19). Equanimity transcends pleasure and pain (5.20-21).
Shlokas 5.22-29: Sense pleasures are fleeting; the yogi seeks inner bliss through meditation and devotion, attaining eternal peace (5.22-29).

Chapter 6: Dhyana Yoga (The Yoga of Meditation) – 47 Shlokas

Krishna outlines meditation as the path to liberation through discipline.

Shlokas 6.1-9: True renunciation is performing duty without attachment. The yogi controls senses and mind, seeing all equally (6.1-9).
Shlokas 6.10-17: Meditation requires a secluded place, balanced lifestyle, and focus on God (6.10-15). Moderation in food, sleep, and activity is key (6.16-17).
Shlokas 6.18-28: A disciplined mind, fixed on the self, attains peace. Yoga is union with God through practice (6.18-28).
Shlokas 6.29-36: The yogi sees God in all and all in God. Krishna acknowledges the mind’s restlessness but urges control through practice (6.29-36).
Shlokas 6.37-47: An unsuccessful yogi is reborn to continue the journey. The yogi surpasses others, and devotion to Krishna is the highest path (6.37-47).

Chapter 7: Vijnana Yoga (The Yoga of Wisdom) – 30 Shlokas

Krishna explains His divine nature and the path to knowing Him.

Shlokas 7.1-7: Knowing Krishna fully, through devotion, leads to liberation. His material (Prakriti) and spiritual (Purusha) energies create all (7.1-7).
Shlokas 7.8-12: Krishna is the essence of all—taste in water, light in the sun, and the gunas’ source (7.8-12).
Shlokas 7.13-19: Deluded by gunas, many fail to see Krishna. Four types of devotees worship Him; the wise are dearest (7.13-19).
Shlokas 7.20-30: Worship of lesser gods yields temporary results. Devotees who know Krishna’s eternal nature cross Maya, attaining Him (7.20-30).

Chapter 8: Akshara Parabrahma Yoga (The Yoga of the Imperishable Brahman) – 28 Shlokas

Krishna answers Arjuna’s questions about Brahman, karma, and liberation.

Shlokas 8.1-7: Brahman is the eternal truth; karma is action’s fruit. Remembering Krishna at death ensures liberation (8.1-7).
Shlokas 8.8-16: Constant meditation on Krishna leads to Him. Cosmic cycles govern creation; devotees escape rebirth (8.8-16).
Shlokas 8.17-22: A cosmic day and night span thousands of yugas. Krishna’s eternal abode is beyond cycles (8.17-22).
Shlokas 8.23-28: Two paths after death: one to liberation, another to rebirth. Devotion transcends all paths (8.23-28).

Chapter 9: Raja Vidya Yoga (The Yoga of Royal Knowledge) – 34 Shlokas

Krishna shares the supreme secret of His universal presence and devotion.

Shlokas 9.1-6: This knowledge liberates. Krishna creates and sustains all yet remains detached (9.1-6).
Shlokas 9.7-10: Krishna’s Maya governs creation’s cycles, but He is beyond it (9.7-10).
Shlokas 9.11-19: Fools mistake Krishna for human; the wise see His divinity. He is the source of all sacrifices (9.11-19).
Shlokas 9.20-25: Worship of lesser gods gives temporary results; devotion to Krishna grants eternal freedom (9.20-25).
Shlokas 9.26-34: Simple offerings with love please Krishna. All, even sinners, can attain Him through devotion (9.26-34).

Chapter 10: Vibhuti Yoga (The Yoga of Divine Glories) – 42 Shlokas

Krishna lists His divine manifestations to inspire devotion.

Shlokas 10.1-7: Knowing Krishna’s glories fosters love. He is the source of all beings (10.1-7).
Shlokas 10.8-18: The wise understand Krishna as the origin of everything. Arjuna seeks to know His manifestations (10.8-18).
Shlokas 10.19-34: Krishna lists His forms: sun, moon, Himalayas, Ganga, Vishnu, Shiva, Arjuna among Pandavas, etc. (10.19-34).
Shlokas 10.35-42: He is the essence of all beauty, strength, and splendor. Knowing a fraction of His glory suffices (10.35-42).

Chapter 11: Vishwarupa Sandarshana Yoga (The Yoga of the Cosmic Form) – 55 Shlokas

Arjuna beholds Krishna’s cosmic form, realizing His divine supremacy.

Shlokas 11.1-8: Arjuna requests to see Krishna’s universal form. Krishna grants divine vision (11.1-8).
Shlokas 11.9-14: Sanjay describes the cosmic form: infinite, radiant, containing all gods and universes (11.9-14).
Shlokas 11.15-31: Arjuna sees creation and destruction within the form, trembling at its fearsome power (11.15-31).
Shlokas 11.32-46: Krishna reveals Himself as Time, destroyer of all. Arjuna seeks mercy, praising His glory (11.32-46).
Shlokas 11.47-55: Krishna resumes His human form, explaining that only devotion reveals this vision (11.47-55).

Chapter 12: Bhakti Yoga (The Yoga of Devotion) – 20 Shlokas

Krishna praises devotion to His personal form as the easiest path.

Shlokas 12.1-7: Devotion to Krishna’s form is easier than the unmanifest. Devotees who surrender attain Him quickly (12.1-7).
Shlokas 12.8-12: Fix the mind on Krishna; if not, practice yoga, selfless action, or meditation (12.8-12).
Shlokas 12.13-20: A devotee is compassionate, equanimous, and free from ego, dear to Krishna (12.13-20).

Chapter 13: Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga (The Yoga of the Field and Knower) – 34 Shlokas

Krishna differentiates the body (field) and soul (knower), explaining wisdom’s path.

Shlokas 13.1-7: The body is the field; the soul is its knower. Knowledge includes humility and detachment (13.1-7).
Shlokas 13.8-18: Virtues like non-violence and equanimity lead to wisdom. The Supreme Self is beyond Prakriti and Purusha (13.8-18).
Shlokas 13.19-26: Prakriti and Purusha cause existence; understanding their interplay liberates (13.19-26).
Shlokas 13.27-34: Seeing God in all beings and knowing the Supreme Self grants liberation (13.27-34).

Chapter 14: Guna Traya Vibhaga Yoga (The Yoga of the Three Gunas) – 27 Shlokas

Krishna explains the three gunas and their transcendence.

Shlokas 14.1-4: Knowledge of gunas leads to liberation. Prakriti, influenced by gunas, creates all (14.1-4).
Shlokas 14.5-10: Sattva brings clarity, Rajas passion, Tamas ignorance. They compete to dominate (14.5-10).
Shlokas 14.11-18: Gunas shape behavior and destiny at death: Sattva to higher realms, Rajas to earth, Tamas to lower realms (14.11-18).
Shlokas 14.19-27: Transcending gunas through devotion leads to eternal peace and union with Krishna (14.19-27).

Chapter 15: Purushottama Yoga (The Yoga of the Supreme Self) – 20 Shlokas

Krishna describes the world as a tree and the Supreme Self beyond it.

Shlokas 15.1-6: The world is an inverted Ashvattha tree, rooted in God. Detachment cuts its bonds, leading to Krishna’s eternal abode (15.1-6).
Shlokas 15.7-11: The soul, a fragment of Krishna, is entangled by senses. The wise see this truth (15.7-11).
Shlokas 15.12-20: Krishna sustains creation—light in the sun, life in beings. He is the Supreme Purushottama, beyond perishable and imperishable (15.12-20).

Chapter 16: Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga (The Yoga of Divine and Demonic Qualities) – 24 Shlokas

Krishna contrasts divine and demonic traits.

Shlokas 16.1-5: Divine qualities (truth, compassion) lead to liberation; demonic (arrogance, anger) to bondage (16.1-5).
Shlokas 16.6-12: Demonic beings reject truth, pursuing selfish desires, causing harm (16.6-12).
Shlokas 16.13-20: Demonic traits like greed and pride lead to ruin. Lust, anger, and greed are destructive (16.13-20).
Shlokas 16.21-24: Following scriptures avoids downfall; divine qualities ensure spiritual progress (16.21-24).

Chapter 17: Shraddha Traya Vibhaga Yoga (The Yoga of Threefold Faith) – 28 Shlokas

Krishna categorizes faith and actions by gunas.

Shlokas 17.1-6: Faith is Sattvic, Rajasic, or Tamasic. Austerity without faith is fruitless (17.1-6).
Shlokas 17.7-16: Food, sacrifices, and austerity reflect gunas: Sattvic is pure, Rajasic selfish, Tamasic harmful (17.7-16).
Shlokas 17.17-22: Sattvic austerity and charity are selfless; Rajasic seek reward; Tamasic are harmful (17.17-22).
Shlokas 17.23-28: “Om Tat Sat” signifies truth. Actions with faith align with the divine; without faith, they are futile (17.23-28).

Chapter 18: Moksha Sanyasa Yoga (The Yoga of Liberation through Renunciation) – 78 Shlokas

Krishna concludes with teachings on renunciation, action, and liberation.

Shlokas 18.1-12: True renunciation is abandoning desire-driven actions, not duty. Relinquishing results, not action, leads to peace (18.1-12).
Shlokas 18.13-28: Five factors govern action: body, doer, senses, effort, destiny. Knowledge, action, and intellect vary by gunas (18.13-28).
Shlokas 18.29-40: Gunas shape understanding and resolve. No being is free from gunas (18.29-40).
Shlokas 18.41-48: Duties of Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras align with their nature. Performing one’s duty leads to perfection (18.41-48).
Shlokas 18.49-60: Detachment and self-control lead to Brahman. Krishna urges Arjuna to fight, as nature compels action (18.49-60).
Shlokas 18.61-78: Krishna resides in all hearts, guiding through devotion. Surrender to Him ensures liberation. Sanjay predicts victory (18.61-78).