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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Everyday Life • Religious Text

Bhagavad Gita

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

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

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.

What it is

The Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse dialogue set on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It appears within the Bhishma Parva of the Mahabharata and is traditionally attributed to the sage Vyasa. The title is often translated as “Song of God” or “Song of the Lord.”

Key details

The text is divided into 18 chapters and discusses dharma, yoga, jnana, bhakti, karma, and liberation. Scholars estimate its composition in the late centuries BCE or early centuries CE. It holds major importance in Vedanta and Vaishnava traditions.

Why it matters

The Bhagavad Gita is one of Hinduism’s most influential and widely studied sacred texts. In Canada, it is studied in universities, discussed in South Asian diaspora communities, and available in many English translations used by readers of religion and philosophy.

In short

  • A Hindu scripture within the Mahabharata, featuring a dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna.
  • Covers duty, knowledge, devotion, karma, and liberation across 18 chapters and 700 verses.
  • Influential in Vedanta and Vaishnava traditions, and widely studied in Canada.
Canadian angle

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.

Quick 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.”

Sources

  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.