The Bhagavad Gita is known by several names, each reflecting different aspects of its teachings. Here are the 18 prominent names of the Gita:
1. Bhagavad Gita (भगवद्गीता)
- The most widely known name, meaning “The Song of God.” This reflects its divine nature and its presentation as a conversation between Lord Krishna (the Supreme God) and Arjuna.
2. Gitopanishad (गीतोपनिषद्)
- This name means “The Upanishad of the Gita.” It emphasizes the Gita’s role as an Upanishad, offering deep philosophical teachings on self-realization and the nature of the Supreme.
3. Srimad Bhagavad Gita (श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता)
- “Srimad” means “revered” or “sacred.” This title highlights the sacredness and reverence accorded to the Gita.
4. Yoga Shastra (योगशास्त्र)
- Meaning “The Treatise on Yoga,” this name emphasizes the Gita’s teachings on various forms of yoga, including Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Jnana Yoga.
5. Karma Yoga Shastra (कर्मयोगशास्त्र)
- “The Treatise on the Path of Selfless Action” emphasizes the Gita’s teachings on performing one’s duties without attachment to the results.
6. Bhakti Yoga Shastra (भक्तियोगशास्त्र)
- “The Treatise on the Path of Devotion” highlights the Gita’s teachings on devotion to the divine as a path to spiritual liberation.
7. Jnana Yoga Shastra (ज्ञानयोगशास्त्र)
- “The Treatise on the Path of Knowledge” points to the Gita’s focus on knowledge, self-awareness, and the nature of the self (Atman).
8. Sankhya Yoga Shastra (सांख्ययोगशास्त्र)
- “The Treatise on the Path of Knowledge and Discernment” refers to the Gita’s philosophical aspects, particularly the teachings of Sankhya Yoga, which is based on discernment between the physical world and the eternal soul.
9. Dharma Shastra (धर्मशास्त्र)
- “The Treatise on Righteous Duty” signifies the Gita’s emphasis on performing one’s Dharma or righteous duty.
10. Aksara Brahma Yoga (अक्षरब्रह्मयोग)
- “The Yoga of the Imperishable Supreme” refers to the teachings in the Gita related to the eternal, unchanging nature of the self and the Supreme Being.
11. Moksha Shastra (मोक्षशास्त्र)
- “The Treatise on Liberation” signifies the Gita’s teachings about attaining Moksha, or spiritual liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
12. Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga (राजविद्याराजगुह्ययोग)
- “The Yoga of Royal Knowledge and Royal Secret” emphasizes the Gita’s teachings on the most profound knowledge (knowledge of the Self) and the most secret truths of life and the universe.
13. Vibhuti Yoga (विभूतियोग)
- “The Yoga of Divine Manifestations” refers to the chapters where Lord Krishna reveals His divine manifestations in the world.
14. Visvarupa Darshana Yoga (विश्वरूपदर्शनयोग)
- “The Yoga of the Vision of the Universal Form” refers to the chapter where Lord Krishna reveals His universal form (Vishvarupa) to Arjuna, showing the divine presence in all aspects of the universe.
15. Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga (श्रद्धात्रयविभागयोग)
- “The Yoga of the Threefold Division of Faith” explains the nature of faith and its different forms in individuals according to their qualities (sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic).
16. Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga (दैवासुरसंपद्विभागयोग)
- “The Yoga of the Division between the Divine and the Demoniacal” describes the qualities of the divine and demoniacal natures and how they affect human beings.
17. Sattvatraya Vibhaga Yoga (सत्त्वत्रयविभागयोग)
- “The Yoga of the Threefold Division of the Gunas (Qualities)” addresses the three fundamental qualities of nature—Sattva (goodness), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (ignorance)—and their influence on human behavior.
18. Akshara Brahma (अक्षरब्रह्म)
- “The Imperishable Absolute” refers to the ultimate truth, the imperishable, formless aspect of the divine that transcends all material existence.
Conclusion
These 18 names of the Bhagavad Gita highlight its multifaceted teachings, which encompass knowledge, duty, devotion, philosophy, and liberation. Each name represents a different aspect of the wisdom imparted by Lord Krishna, making the Gita one of the most profound spiritual texts in Hinduism.