Chapter 17, Verse 13 (Bhagavad Gita 17.13)
Chapter 17: Śhraddhā Traya Vibhāg Yog – Yoga through Discerning the Three Divisions of Faith
Sanskrit Shloka
विधिहीनमसृष्टान्नं मन्त्रहीनमदक्षिणम्।श्रद्धाविरहितं यज्ञं तामसं परिचक्षते
Transliteration
vidhi-hīnam asṛiṣhṭānnaṁ mantra-hīnam adakṣhiṇam śhraddhā-virahitaṁ yajñaṁ tāmasaṁ parichakṣhate
Word Meanings
vidhi-hīnam—without scriptural direction; asṛiṣhṭa-annam—without distribution of prasādam; mantra-hīnam—with no chanting of the Vedic hymns; adakṣhiṇam—with no remunerations to the priests; śhraddhā—faith; virahitam—without; yajñam—sacrifice; tāmasam—in the mode of ignorance; parichakṣhate—is to be considered
Translation
Shri Krishna declares that sacrifice performed without adherence to scriptural ordinances, in which no food is distributed, and which is devoid of mantras, sacrificial gifts, and faith, is known as Tamasic.
Meaning & Commentary
In this verse, Bhagwan Shri Krishna reveals to Arjuna the characteristics of actions born from the mode of darkness, or Tamas. By defining these forbidden practices, the Supreme Lord teaches the seeker that spiritual activity requires purity of intent, adherence to divine law, and selfless generosity. A sacrifice lacking faith and dedication is merely a hollow ritual, keeping the soul bound to the cycle of ignorance and material illusion. Through this guidance, Yogeshwar Krishna invites humanity to elevate their consciousness by aligning their actions with sacred principles. Only by acting with devotion and scriptural awareness can the soul transcend the darkness of Tamas and move toward the light of liberation.