आत्मसम्भाविताः स्तब्धा धनमानमदान्विताः ।
यजन्ते नामयज्ञैस्ते दम्भेनाविधिपूर्वकम् ॥
यजन्ते नामयज्ञैस्ते दम्भेनाविधिपूर्वकम् ॥
Hindi · हिन्दी
अपनेको सबसे अधिक पूज्य माननेवाले, अकड़ रखनेवाले तथा धन और मानके मदमें चूर रहनेवाले वे मनुष्य दम्भसे अविधिपूर्वक नाममात्रके यज्ञोंसे यजन करते हैं ॥
English
Self-important, stubborn, drunk on wealth and praise, they perform ritual in name only, with pretence and without proper method.
What this verse means
People swollen with pride, wealth, and status may still perform rituals, but only as show. The outer act remains, while the inner sincerity and right method are missing.
Context & commentary
On the battlefield, Krishna is exposing the inner decay behind outward piety. After describing deluded people trapped in desire, he shows another mask: ritual done for show by the proud, rich, and stubborn. The issue is not action itself, but false motive.
Why this verse still matters
You post the apology, attend the ceremony, and say the right words — but your chest is tight with image-management. Krishna names the gap between appearance and sincerity.
The takeaway
Real practice feels clean and humble, not flashy or self-congratulatory.
Word-by-word translation
आत्मसम्भाविताः (self-important) / स्तब्धा (stubborn, rigid) / धनमानमदान्विताः (endowed with wealth-pride and honor-pride) / यजन्ते (they perform ritual) / नामयज्ञैः (with name-only sacrifices) / ते (they) / दम्भेन (with pretence) / अविधिपूर्वकम् (without proper method)
This verse is part of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16: Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga — The Divine and Demoniac Natures, which contains 24 verses.