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Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita is a Hindu scripture that forms part of the Mahabharata epic.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Bhagavad Gita is a Hindu scripture that forms part of the Mahabharata epic. It is presented as a dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna and is central to several Hindu philosophical and devotional traditions. The text contains 700 verses divided into 18 chapters and is widely studied in Canadian universities and among South Asian diaspora communities.

Text and placement in the Mahabharata

The Bhagavad Gita appears as an episode within the Mahabharata, the ancient Sanskrit epic of India. It is usually identified as part of the Bhishma Parva and is structured as a dialogue narrative.

Themes and teachings

The text synthesizes several strands of Indian religious thought, including duty (dharma), knowledge (jnana), disciplined action (karma yoga), and devotion (bhakti). It also discusses yoga, liberation, and the nature of reality.

Date and authorship

Scholars generally date the Gita to the late centuries BCE or early centuries CE, though exact dating remains uncertain. The estimated composition is likely the 2nd or 1st century BCE, with other estimates placing it in the 1st or 2nd century CE. The text is traditionally associated with the sage Vyasa as the compiler of the Mahabharata.

Religious influence

The Bhagavad Gita is widely regarded as a foundational Hindu scripture and has had broad influence across Hindu theology, especially in Vedanta and Vaishnavism. It is one of Hinduism’s most influential and widely studied sacred texts.

Key facts

  • It is one of Hinduism’s most influential and widely studied sacred texts.
  • The text is framed as a conversation between Arjuna and Krishna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
  • The Gita discusses dharma, yoga, jnana, bhakti, karma, and liberation.
  • It is commonly divided into 18 chapters and 700 verses.
  • The Bhagavad Gita is studied in Canadian universities and discussed in South Asian diaspora communities.
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Canadian context

The Bhagavad Gita is studied in Canadian universities, discussed in South Asian diaspora communities, and available in many English translations used by Canadian readers of religion and philosophy.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Bhagavad Gita?
It is a Hindu scripture that is part of the Mahabharata and presents a dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna.
How many verses does it have?
The Bhagavad Gita is commonly described as having 700 verses in 18 chapters.
What does the title mean?
It is commonly translated as “Song of God” or “Song of the Lord.”
Who are the main speakers?
The dialogue is between Arjuna and Krishna, with Krishna acting as Arjuna’s charioteer.
What topics does it discuss?
It addresses duty, ethical action, devotion, knowledge, karma, and spiritual liberation.
Is it part of a larger epic?
Yes. It is an episode within the Mahabharata, one of the major Sanskrit epics of South Asia.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhagavad_Gita
    Supports: General overview, themes, likely date, centrality in Hindu traditions.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bhagavad-Gita
    Supports: Mahabharata placement, dialogue form, likely dating, Krishna and Arjuna.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hinduism/The-Bhagavadgita
    Supports: 700 verses, 18 chapters, influence.
  4. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy — https://www.iep.utm.edu/bhagavad-gita/
    Supports: Placement in Mahabharata, moral philosophy, modern reception.
  5. World History Encyclopedia — https://www.worldhistory.org/Bhagavad_Gita/
    Supports: Importance, dating range, introductory overview.