Krishna is the soul’s complete refuge.
Krishna speaks to Arjuna
गतिर्भर्ता प्रभुः साक्षी निवासः शरणं सुहृत् |प्रभवः प्रलयः स्थानं निधानं बीजमव्ययम् ||९-१८||
gatirbhartā prabhuḥ sākṣī nivāsaḥ śaraṇaṃ suhṛt . prabhavaḥ pralayaḥ sthānaṃ nidhānaṃ bījamavyayam ||9-18||
Use this verse when you need to feel held by Krishna.
Meaning
I am the goal, supporter, Lord, witness, abode, refuge, friend, origin, dissolution, foundation, treasure, and imperishable seed.
Translation: Gita Guidance (original English rendering).
In plain words
Krishna is every form of ultimate support.
Word-by-word meaning
Tap a word to see its meaning.
Explanation
This verse is a complete devotional map. Krishna is not only worshipped; He is refuge, witness, friend, origin, and final resting place.
Read the traditional commentary
The litany of divine identities reaches its tender climax. Krishna is the gati (the final goal of all journeys), the bharta (sustainer), the sakshi (silent witness of every act), the nivasa (abode where all rest), and the sharana (refuge in distress). Most movingly, he names himself suhrit — the well-wishing friend who loves without being asked and expects nothing in return.
He is also prabhava and pralaya, the origin and the end, and the bija avyaya, the imperishable seed from which all springs. Here the cosmic and the personal merge: the same vast power that births and dissolves universes is also our nearest friend and surest shelter.
For the heart that feels alone, this verse is a quiet reassurance — the ground of all existence is not indifferent but intimately for us, an ever-present refuge and companion.
In daily life
Turn to Krishna according to your need: witness, friend, shelter, or goal.
A person facing anxiety may connect with Krishna as refuge and witness.
Try this today
Choose one role of Krishna and meditate on it.
Krishna is my refuge, witness, and friend.Reflect
Which name of Krishna gives me strength today?
Private — only you can see this
Quick check
What does ‘स्थानं निधानम्’ mean in this verse?
The Gita on friendship, in other chapters
- Verse 4.3The deepest wisdom opens itself to those who combine devotion with sincere, trusting closeness — not to the merely curious.
- Verse 10.37The sincere devotee is not separate from the Divine but becomes a vessel through which its light shines.
- Verse 11.41 · ArjunaLoving intimacy with the Divine is precious, yet it deepens when joined with reverence for its true greatness.
- Verse 7.18All sincere seekers are noble, yet devotion taken to its depth makes the soul one with the Divine itself.
Swipe left for 9.19 · The Divine holds all opposites.
Questions about Bhagavad Gita 9.18
Who says Bhagavad Gita 9.18, and to whom?
Krishna speaks to Arjuna in verse 9.18, in Chapter 9, Raja Vidya Yoga (Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga).
What does Bhagavad Gita 9.18 mean?
I am the goal, supporter, Lord, witness, abode, refuge, friend, origin, dissolution, foundation, treasure, and imperishable seed. (Translation: Gita Guidance (original English rendering).)
What is the lesson of Bhagavad Gita 9.18 for daily life?
Turn to Krishna according to your need: witness, friend, shelter, or goal. A person facing anxiety may connect with Krishna as refuge and witness.
What do the Sanskrit words in Bhagavad Gita 9.18 mean?
गतिः — the goal; भर्ता — the supporter / sustainer; प्रभुः — the Lord; साक्षी — the witness; निवासः — the abode.
Where does verse 9.18 come in the Bhagavad Gita?
It is verse 18 of 34 in Chapter 9, Raja Vidya Yoga. The next verse is 9.19.