How Many Shlokas and Adhyay in Bhagavad Gita? | Complete Guide

How Many Shlokas and Adhyay in Bhagavad Gita?

The Bhagavad Gita, often called the Song of God, is one of the most influential spiritual texts in the world. It is not just a religious scripture but a guide to life, philosophy, and self-realization. One of the most common questions devotees, scholars, and seekers ask is:

How many shlokas and adhyays are in the Bhagavad Gita?

The answer is both simple and profound. The Bhagwat Geeta contains 18 adhyays (chapters) and around 700 shlokas (verses). But behind this number lies a deep spiritual structure, a journey of the soul from confusion to clarity, from ignorance to enlightenment.

In this article, we will explore:

• The total count of adhyays and shlokas

• Chapter-wise breakdown of the Bhagavad Gita

• Why there are variations in the verse count

• The significance of each adhyay

• The philosophical message behind the structure of the Gita

Let’s dive into the details.

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The Structure of the Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita is part of the Mahabharata, specifically the Bhishma Parva (Book of Bhishma). It appears as a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.

• Adhyays (Chapters): 18

• Shlokas (Verses): 700 (standard count)

The 18 chapters are not random; they represent the complete journey of the human soul, from confusion (Arjuna’s despair) to ultimate realization (surrender to Krishna).

How Many Adhyay in Bhagavad Gita?

The Bhagavad Gita has 18 adhyays (chapters). Each chapter focuses on a different form of yoga (spiritual discipline) and deals with specific aspects of life and spirituality.

Here’s a quick overview of the chapters:

1.     Arjuna Vishada Yoga – The Yoga of Arjuna’s Despondency (47 shlokas)

2.     Sankhya Yoga – Transcendental Knowledge (72 shlokas)

3.     Karma Yoga – The Yoga of Action (43 shlokas)

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

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

6.     Dhyana Yoga – Yoga of Meditation (47 shlokas)

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

8.     Aksara Brahma Yoga – Yoga of the Imperishable Absolute (28 shlokas)

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

10.  Vibhuti Yoga – Yoga of Divine Glories (42 shlokas)

11.  Vishwaroopa Darshana Yoga – Yoga of Cosmic Vision (55 shlokas)

12. Bhakti Yoga – Yoga of Devotion (20 shlokas)

13.  Kshetra Kshetragya Vibhaaga Yoga – Distinction between Body & Soul (35 shlokas)

14. Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga – Yoga of the Three Gunas (27 shlokas)

15.Purushottama Yoga – Yoga of the Supreme Person (20 shlokas)

16. Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga – Division of Divine & Demoniac Qualities (24 shlokas)

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

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

Total: 18 chapters with 700 shlokas (standard count).

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How Many Shlokas in Bhagavad Gita?

The traditionally accepted number of verses is 700 shlokas. These verses are divided as follows:

• Arjuna speaks: 84 shlokas

• Sanjaya speaks: 41 shlokas

• Dhritarashtra speaks: 1 shloka (opening verse)

• Lord Krishna speaks: 574 shlokas

This shows that the majority of the Gita is Krishna’s divine words—His eternal instructions to humanity.

Variations in Shloka Count

While the widely accepted count is 700 shlokas, some versions of the Mahabharata mention 701 or 745 shlokas depending on recensions.

• Southern recensions of the Mahabharata often include additional verses.

• Standard ISKCON edition (based on Shrila Prabhupada’s Bhagavad Gita As It Is) recognizes 700 shlokas.

? For spiritual practice, 700 is considered the authentic and accepted number.

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The Philosophical Significance of 18 Adhyays

The number 18 itself is significant:

• The Mahabharata war lasted 18 days.

• The Gita has 18 chapters.

• There were 18 akshauhinis (divisions of the army).

Symbolically, 18 represents the battle between material illusion and spiritual realization. Each adhyay of the Gita takes us one step closer to truth.

Chapter-wise Significance of Shlokas

Each adhyay is a yoga, a spiritual discipline:

• Chapters 1–6: Karma Yoga (Path of Action)

• Chapters 7–12: Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion)

• Chapters 13–18: Jnana Yoga (Path of Knowledge & Renunciation)

This division shows that the Gita balances action, devotion, and wisdom.

Why the Shloka and Adhyay Count Matters

Knowing how many shlokas and adhyays are in the Gita is not just about numbers—it helps us:

1.     Study systematically: We can track spiritual progress chapter by chapter.

2.     Understand completeness: The Gita is a structured text covering all paths of yoga.

3.     Appreciate divine order: Nothing is random; the structure itself is divine.

The Practical Message Beyond Numbers

While it is good to know the 700 shlokas and 18 adhyays, the real essence lies in practicing the teachings. Krishna’s instruction is not to merely count verses but to live them.

• Arjuna’s despair = Our own confusion in life.

• Krishna’s wisdom = The solution—knowledge, devotion, surrender.

What truly matters is applying these teachings in daily life.

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Summary – How Many Shlokas and Adhyay in Bhagavad Gita?

• Adhyays (Chapters): 18

• Shlokas (Verses): 700 (standard count)

• Speaker distribution:
  • Krishna – 574

  • Arjuna – 84

  • Sanjaya – 41

  • Dhritarashtra – 1

Though scholars note minor variations, the essence remains unchanged: the eternal teachings of Krishna.

Conclusion

The Bhagavad Gita is a jewel of spiritual literature, with 18 adhyays and 700 shlokas forming its core. Each verse carries a timeless message, guiding humanity from confusion to clarity, from illusion to truth, and from bondage to liberation.

So, the next time someone asks, “How many shlokas and adhyay are in the Bhagavad Gita?”, you can answer confidently—18 chapters, 700 shlokas, and infinite wisdom for the soul.

But more importantly, remember: the real value of the Gita lies not in numbers but in living by its teachings.