Chapter 16 · Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga - The Yoga of Division between Divine and Demoniac QualitiesKrishna
Verse 17
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता अध्याय 16, श्लोक 17
Sanskrit Shloka (श्लोक)
आत्मसम्भाविताः स्तब्धा धनमानमदान्विताः।
यजन्ते नामयज्ञैस्ते दम्भेनाविधिपूर्वकम्॥
Transliteration
Atma-sambhavitah stabdha dhana-mana-mada-anvitah
Yajante nama-yajnais-te dambhena-avidhi-purvakam
Word-by-Word Meaning (अन्वय)
आत्मसम्भाविताःatma-sambhavitahself-conceited
स्तब्धाःstabdhahobstinate
धनमानमदान्विताःdhana-mana-mada-anvitahintoxicated by wealth and pride
यजन्तेyajantethey perform sacrifice
नामयज्ञैःnama-yajnaihsacrifices in name only
दम्भेनdambhenawith hypocrisy
अविधिपूर्वकम्avidhi-purvakamwithout following proper rules
Hindi Translation (हिन्दी अर्थ)
अपने आप को श्रेष्ठ मानने वाले, अकड़ू, धन और मान के मद से युक्त, वे दम्भपूर्वक नाममात्र के यज्ञ करते हैं — शास्त्रविधि के बिना।
English Translation
Self-conceited, obstinate, intoxicated by wealth and pride, they perform sacrifices in name only, hypocritically, without following proper rules.
Commentary (टीका)
Outward religious acts performed with ego and hypocrisy have no spiritual value. The demoniac turn even sacred rituals into displays of wealth and status. Without sincere devotion and proper scriptural guidance, such rituals become meaningless performances.