Concept

Sharanagati: FAQ & Sources

शरणागति

Sharanagati is complete surrender and taking refuge in God. The Gita's closing teaching in verse 18.66 invites Arjuna to take refuge in Krishna alone.

Updated 14 Nov 20263 sources

Frequently asked questions

What is sharanagati?

Complete surrender and taking refuge in God, trusting the divine to carry what the self cannot.

Which Gita verse teaches sharanagati?

Verse 18.66 is the best known; 2.7, 7.14 and 18.62 also lead to it.

Does surrender mean giving up action?

No. After 18.73 Arjuna acts. Surrender changes the inner stance, not the duty.

What is prapatti?

A term used especially in Ramanuja's tradition for taking refuge in the Lord as a means to liberation.

How is sharanagati related to bhakti?

It is the heart of bhakti, the point where devotion becomes full trust and self-offering.

Sources and further reading

Bhagavad Gita, Chapters 2, 7 and 18
Commentaries of Ramanuja and Madhva on the Gita
Bhagavata Purana

Read our editorial policy on how scripture, Purana and folk tradition are labelled.

Continue exploring

Connected to Sharanagati

Open the explorer

Related figuresBhaktiभक्ति