Verse 24
acchedyo’yam adāhyo’yam akledyo’śoṣya eva ca
nityaḥ sarvagataḥ sthāṇur acalo’yaṁ sanātanaḥ
शब्दार्थ (Word-by-Word Meaning):
- acchedyaḥ — unbreakable, cannot be cut
- ayam — this (soul)
- adāhyaḥ — incombustible, cannot be burnt
- akledyaḥ — cannot be moistened
- aśoṣyaḥ — cannot be dried
- eva ca — also, indeed
- nityaḥ — eternal
- sarvagataḥ — all-pervading
- sthāṇuḥ — unchanging, stable
- acalaḥ — immovable
- sanātanaḥ — ever-existing, primordial
This (soul) is unbreakable, it cannot be burned, it cannot be moistened, and it cannot be dried. It is eternal, all-pervading, stable, immovable, and ever-lasting.
Expanded Explanation:
This verse continues the glorification of the ātman (soul), highlighting its indestructibility and transcendental nature.
- The soul is acchedya — cannot be pierced or destroyed by weapons.
- It is adāhya — fire cannot consume it.
- Akledya — water cannot affect or dampen it.
- Aśoṣya — wind cannot dry it.
These four elements (earth, fire, water, air) cannot disturb the soul.
In addition:
- Nityaḥ: It exists at all times—past, present, and future.
- Sarvagataḥ: It exists everywhere, pervading all living beings.
- Sthāṇuḥ: It remains fixed and constant.
- Acalaḥ: It does not move or change its essential nature.
- Sanātanaḥ: It has existed since beginningless time; it is primordial.
Philosophical Insight:
This verse gives a metaphysical profile of the soul according to Vedanta:
- The soul is not material—it is beyond time and space.
- It is unaffected by change, transformation, or destruction.
- Even death is only a bodily event, not one that affects the soul.
Symbolic Significance:
| Term | Symbolizes |
|---|---|
| Weapons, fire, water, wind | Forces of destruction and change |
| Eternal soul (Ātman) | The unchanging Self beyond time and matter |
| All-pervading (sarvagataḥ) | The divine essence present in all beings |
| Stable & Immovable | Detachment from fleeting worldly experiences |
| Sanātanaḥ | Link to the eternal dharma and the Absolute Reality |
Practical Life Application:
- This verse cultivates fearlessness by reaffirming that our true self cannot be harmed.
- Encourages detachment from the body and external possessions.
- Useful in moments of loss, anxiety, or fear—reminds us of our spiritual invincibility.
Reflection Questions:
How can I internalize the idea that my true self is beyond harm?
In what ways do I identify more with the temporary body than with the eternal soul?
How can this realization bring more peace into my daily life?
Conclusion:
Lord Krishna presents a profound truth: the ātman is imperishable and untouched by worldly forces. By knowing the soul to be unbreakable, eternal, and unchanging, we can navigate the world with spiritual strength and equanimity. This is a central pillar of Bhagavad Gita’s wisdom—to shift our identity from the destructible body to the indestructible Self.