Astha SangrahASTHA SANGRAHhttps://asthasangrah.comGita Jayanti
Gita Jayanti is observed on Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi, the day on which Lord Shri Krishna delivered the discourse of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
This is the same tithi on which Mokshada Ekadashi is also observed, so many devotees keep the Ekadashi fast and recite the Gita on this same day. Check a local panchang for the exact date.
Significance of Gita Jayanti
At the start of the Mahabharata war, when Arjuna saw his own kinsmen, teachers, and friends standing on the enemy side on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, he was overcome with grief and laid down his weapons. In this very state of despair, Lord Shri Krishna, as his charioteer, gave Arjuna the discourse on duty, dharma, and the immortality of the soul, which came to be known as the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita.
The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita has 18 chapters and 700 verses in total, offering guidance on every aspect of life, including Karma Yoga, Gyana Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga. It is regarded as the essence of the Upanishads and one of the most important scriptures of Hindu dharma.
Gita Jayanti is observed as the day of the Gita's revelation, and it falls, coincidentally, on the very tithi of Mokshada Ekadashi, regarded as symbolic of how the Gita's wisdom itself leads a person onto the true path to liberation.
How Gita Jayanti Is Celebrated
On this day, temples, ashrams, and homes hold collective recitations of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, and in many places, all eighteen chapters of the Gita are recited melodiously in full. Organizations like ISKCON celebrate it with special grandeur as the 'Gita Mahotsav'.
At Kurukshetra, an International Gita Mahotsav is organized on this occasion, featuring discourses, cultural programs, and Gita exhibitions. Alongside this, devotees who also keep the Mokshada Ekadashi fast on this day perform the aarti of Lord Shri Krishna in the evening.
Many devotees take a vow on this day to recite one or more chapters of the Gita, and begin a year-long sequence of reading the entire Gita. Schools and social organizations also hold competitions based on the Gita's verses.
Gita Jayanti Puja Vidhi
Bathe in the morning and worship Lord Shri Krishna. Recite any chapter, or the entire, Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. If possible, join a collective Gita recitation, and in the evening, perform the aarti of Lord Shri Krishna and distribute prasad.
About Gita Jayanti
Gita Jayanti is the day observed on Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi, in remembrance of the Bhagavad Gita's revelation. This page covers this day's significance, the background of the Gita's discourse, and the tradition of its celebration.
The information on this page is presented with easy-to-read sizing and print support.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Gita Jayanti observed?
Gita Jayanti is observed every year on Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi, the same tithi that is also observed as Mokshada Ekadashi.
Why is Gita Jayanti observed?
On this very day, Lord Shri Krishna delivered the discourse of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, so this day is observed as the day of the Gita's revelation.
What is the connection between Gita Jayanti and Mokshada Ekadashi?
Both are observed on the same tithi, Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi. Mokshada Ekadashi is the fast kept for the liberation of one's ancestors, while Gita Jayanti is observed on this same day in remembrance of the Gita's revelation.
How many chapters does the Bhagavad Gita have?
The Bhagavad Gita has 18 chapters and 700 verses in total, offering guidance on every aspect of life, including Karma Yoga, Gyana Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga.