How Many Shlokas in Bhagavad Gita? Complete Chapter-Wise Breakdown & Meaning

How Many Shlokas in Bhagavad Gita? – A Complete Guide

Introduction

The Bhagavad Gita, often called the Song of God, is one of the most profound scriptures in the world. It forms a small yet powerful section of the great Indian epic, the Mahabharata. Among seekers, scholars, and devotees, one common question often arises:

How many shlokas are there in the Bhagavad Gita?

At first glance, the answer seems simple: the Gita contains 700 shlokas (verses) divided across 18 chapters. However, the story is far richer. Ancient manuscripts, commentaries, and regional traditions present slightly different verse counts. Beyond numbers, each shloka holds a treasure of wisdom on life, duty, devotion, and liberation.

In this article, we will explore not just the number of shlokas in the Bhagavad Gita but also:

• The structure of its 18 chapters.

• The distribution of verses chapter by chapter.

• Why there are differences in verse counts across traditions.

• The meaning and significance of these shlokas.

• The timeless legacy of the Gita’s verses for humanity.

What is a Shloka?

Before diving into the numbers, let us understand what a shloka is.

• A shloka is a Sanskrit verse composed in a specific meter, often following the Anushtubh chhanda (a 32-syllable meter).

• It is the standard poetic form used in most Hindu scriptures, including the Vedas, Puranas, and epics.

• In the Bhagavad Gita, each shloka conveys deep philosophical truths in a concise, poetic style that makes it easy to memorize and recite.

Thus, when we ask “how many shlokas are in the Bhagavad Gita,” we are really inquiring about how much divine wisdom Lord Krishna shared with Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.

READ ALSO: Who Wrote the Bhagavad Gita?

The Standard Count: 700 Shlokas

Traditionally, the Bhagavad Gita is said to contain 700 shlokas divided into 18 chapters.

• These verses are part of the Bhishma Parva (Book of Bhishma) in the Mahabharata.

• The Gita appears as chapters 23 to 40 of the Bhishma Parva.

• The dialogue takes place between Arjuna (the seeker) and Lord Krishna (the divine teacher), with Sanjaya (the narrator) describing the scene to King Dhritarashtra.

Breakdown of Shlokas by Speakers

Out of the 700 verses:

• Krishna speaks around 574 shlokas.

• Arjuna speaks around 84 shlokas.

• Sanjaya speaks around 41 shlokas.

• Dhritarashtra speaks just 1 shloka (at the very beginning).

This breakdown shows that the Gita is primarily Krishna’s divine discourse, making it a direct revelation from God.

Distribution of Shlokas Chapter by Chapter

Here is the commonly accepted division of the 700 shlokas across the 18 chapters:

1. Arjuna Vishada Yoga (Arjuna’s Despair) – 47 shlokas

2. Sankhya Yoga (Transcendental Knowledge) – 72 shlokas

3. Karma Yoga (Selfless Action) – 43 shlokas

4. Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga (Knowledge & Renunciation) – 42 shlokas

5. Karma Sanyasa Yoga (Renunciation of Action) – 29 shlokas

6. Dhyana Yoga (Meditation) – 47 shlokas

7. Jnana Vijnana Yoga (Knowledge & Wisdom) – 30 shlokas

8. Akshara Brahma Yoga (The Imperishable Absolute) – 28 shlokas

9. Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga (Royal Knowledge & Secret) – 34 shlokas

10. Vibhuti Yoga (Divine Glories) – 42 shlokas

11. Vishwarupa Darshana Yoga (Vision of the Universal Form) – 55 shlokas

12. Bhakti Yoga (Devotion) – 20 shlokas

13. Kshetra Kshetragna Vibhaga Yoga (Field & Knower of the Field) – 35 shlokas

14. Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga (Three Modes of Nature) – 27 shlokas

15. Purushottama Yoga (The Supreme Person) – 20 shlokas

16. Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga (Divine & Demonic Natures) – 24 shlokas

17. Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga (Threefold Faith) – 28 shlokas

18. Moksha Sanyasa Yoga (Liberation & Renunciation) – 78 shlokas

Total = 700 shlokas

Why Do Some Traditions Count More Than 700 Shlokas?

Interestingly, not all traditions agree on the number of verses.

1. Some versions list 701 or 745 shlokas.

• This happens due to differences in manuscripts, regional recensions, and how certain verses are divided or joined.

Despite these variations, the standard accepted count among most scholars and devotees is 700 shlokas.

The Significance of 700 Shlokas

Why exactly 700? Some scholars and saints suggest symbolic reasons:

• Seven represents completeness: Just as seven colors make a rainbow and seven notes form music, the 700 shlokas represent the completeness of spiritual knowledge.

• Conciseness of wisdom: Unlike the Vedas (thousands of hymns), the Gita is short yet comprehensive, making divine truth accessible to everyone.

• Balance of life: The 700 verses cover karma (action), jnana (knowledge), and bhakti (devotion)—the three paths to liberation.

Famous Shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita

Among the 700 verses, a few stand out as guiding lights for humanity. Here are some examples:

• Chapter 2, Verse 47:
  “You have the right to complete your duty, but not to the fruits thereof.”

• Chapter 4, Verse 7-8:
  “Whenever dharma debilities and adharma rises, I manifest Myself to protect the good and destroy the great.”

• Chapter 18, Verse 66:
  “Abandon all varieties of dharma and surrender unto Me alone. I will deliver you from all depravity; do not fear.”

These verses show the universal appeal of the Gita’s teachings—on duty, divine intervention, and ultimate surrender.

Why Knowing the Number of Shlokas Matters

For some, counting verses might seem trivial, but it has deeper significance:

1. For Devotees: Each verse is sacred. Reciting all 700 is seen as a form of worship.

2. For Scholars: The verse count helps track variations in manuscripts and interpret historical development.

3. For Practitioners: Knowing the chapters and shlokas helps focus study, meditation, and teaching.

The Timeless Relevance of the Gita’s Shlokas

Every shloka of the Bhagavad Gita is a jewel of wisdom. Its message goes beyond religion, culture, or time.

• For students: Teaches focus and discipline.

• For professionals: Offers guidance on duty without stress.

• For seekers: Reveals the nature of the soul and God.

• For humanity: Inspires unity, peace, and self-realization.

The fact that 700 short verses can cover the entire philosophy of life is itself proof of the Gita’s divine nature.

Conclusion

So, how many shlokas are there in the Bhagavad Gita?

• The widely accepted number is 700 verses, spread across 18 chapters.

• Variations exist, with some traditions counting 701 or 745 shlokas, but the essence remains the same.

• Of these, most are spoken by Lord Krishna, making the Gita a direct revelation of divine wisdom.

Ultimately, it’s not just about the number of verses but the depth of wisdom contained within them. Each shloka of the Gita is like a drop of nectar—together forming an ocean of eternal knowledge.

Whether read as scripture, philosophy, or spiritual guide, the Bhagavad Gita’s shlokas continue to illuminate the path of humanity, guiding us toward peace, devotion, and liberation.