Publisher’s Note

The Shrīmad-Bhagavad-Gītā holds a significant place among the scriptures of Sanātan Vedic Dharma. It contains the voice of Paramātman. Positioned within the “Bhīshma-parva” of the Mahābhārat, the Gītā is revered as an Upanishad. For this reason, the concluding stanza of each of its chapters (adhyāy) continues to remind us of the scripture’s significance by revealing, “श्रीमद्भगवद्गीतासूपनिषत्सु” (“Shrīmad-Bhagavad-Gītāsūpanishatsu” (“Within the Upanishad-like Shrīmad-Bhagavad-Gītā…”)). The principles unveiled within this sacred text transcend all divisions of time and place. Its wisdom uplifted Arjuna, who was overwhelmed by compassion for his kinsmen and despondent on the battlefield. The nectar-like Gītā resounds with the teachings of brahmavidyā—the means to become one with Aksharbrahma and offer devotion (bhakti) to Parabrahma. Its revelation of the profound wisdom of yoga renders it as a scripture of yoga. The scripture also conveys teachings on attaining liberation, the pinnacle of realizing the present Paramātmā. In addition, it presents dharma in the form of conviction in the present Bhagwān as the supreme path for becoming fearless. The Shrīmad-Bhagavad-Gītā reveals many other deep mysteries, including the appearance of Paramātmā on earth, the nature of Divine manifestation, clarity on the divine entities of Akshar and Purushottam, and the continued presence of Paramātmā on earth through the Aksharbrahma guru.

In his teachings, Bhagwan Shrī Swaminarayan held great reverence for the Bhagavad-Gītā and identified it among his eight cherished scriptures. Moreover, in many places within the Vachanāmrut, he explained its hidden teachings. By inspiring Mahāmahopādhyāy Bhadresh Swami to author a commentary revealing the principles of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Brahmaswarūp Pramukh Swami Maharaj made the wisdom of brahmavidyā expressed within the Gītā available to scholars around the world.

We are publishing an English translation of this divine scripture to make its teachings widely accessible. We express our heartfelt thanks to Pūjya Aksharanand Swami for his invaluable service in translating the teachings of the Bhagavad-Gītā into English and to Mahāmahopādhyāy Pujya Bhadreshdas Swami for his guidance. We hope this work will be an invaluable resource for those studying the Bhagavad-Gītā.

Swaminarayan Aksharpith