What is That Sin Which God Never Forgives? — According to Hindu Mythology.

Hinduism is a deep and vast spiritual tradition that emphasises compassion, forgiveness, and devotion. God is considered all-knowing, merciful, and ever-willing to forgive a sincere heart. However, the scriptures also speak of certain sins that are so grave and destructive to the soul that even God does not forgive them. These are known as "Atyant Heinous" or "Unforgivable Sins" in Hindu philosophy.

In this article, we explore what those sins are, and why they are considered so terrible that even God may not grant forgiveness.

1. What is Sin According to Hinduism?

In Hinduism, sin (पाप) is any action, thought, word, or intent that goes against dharma — the natural law of righteousness, truth, and duty. Sins can occur at different levels:

Physical sins: like killing, theft, sexual misconduct.
Mental sins: such as jealousy, hatred, greed.
Verbal sins: lies, insults, gossip, blasphemy.

Among these, some sins are considered more severe and are called Mahāpāpa — the great sins.

2. What Are Mahāpāpa (Great Sins)?

Texts like the Garuda Purana, Manusmriti, and Mahabharata list certain actions as great sins:

Killing a Brahmin or a wise person
Killing a cow (Go-hatya)
Betrayal of the Guru
Insulting parents
Mocking the Vedas or scriptures
Blasphemy against God
Suicide

Yet, among these, the most dangerous sins — which may never be forgiven — are Guru betrayal and hatred towards God (Ishwar droha).

3. What is an "Unforgivable Sin"?

While many sins have Prāyaścitta (atonement rituals), Hindu scriptures speak of certain acts that damage the soul so deeply that forgiveness becomes extremely difficult — if not impossible — unless total surrender and transformation are achieved.

Such sins are called Akṣamya Pāpa — unforgivable sins.

4. Guru Droha — The Most Unforgivable Sin

In Hinduism, the Guru is considered even higher than God, as he is the one who leads the disciple from darkness to light:

"Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheshwara;
Guru Sakshat Parabrahma, Tasmai Shri Gurave Namah"

To betray the Guru — to deceive, insult, or hurt one’s spiritual teacher — is considered an unpardonable act.

Example from Mahabharata:

Ashwatthama, the son of Guru Dronacharya, killed the sleeping sons of the Pandavas in rage and revenge. Despite being the son of a Guru, he misused his knowledge and insulted his Guru’s dharma. Lord Krishna cursed him to wander in pain for thousands of years — a punishment, not forgiveness.

5. Suicide — A Grave and Unforgivable Sin

According to the Garuda Purana, suicide is seen as an act of rejecting the divine gift of life.

Consequences:

The soul becomes a wandering ghost.
Rebirth happens in lower realms with suffering.
Moksha (liberation) becomes very difficult.

Life is given for fulfilling karma. Ending it by suicide is seen as breaking divine law.

6. Blasphemy and Hatred Toward God

Speaking against God, mocking divine truths, or hating the Divine are considered among the worst of sins.

"Nāstikyam pāpam iti vidvāṁsah"
(Atheism and blasphemy are great sins — say the wise.)

Those who persist in this path close their hearts to divine grace and lose the ability to realise truth and salvation.

7. Lord Krishna's Words on Unforgivable Sin

In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says:

"Sarva-dharmān parityajya māṁ ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja,
Ahaṁ tvām sarva-pāpebhyo mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucah."
(Abandon all varieties of religion and surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions.)

Yet, elsewhere He also says that those with demonic qualities, who hate God and religion, are born again and again into dark wombs and do not attain Him.

So, surrender leads to forgiveness — but hatred and arrogance close the door.

8. Example of Ravana — From the Ramayana

Ravana was a great scholar and devotee of Lord Shiva. But his ego, adultery, and abduction of Sita were sins rooted in pride and lust.

He disrespected divine order and paid the price — Lord Rama destroyed him, and he did not attain moksha. His acts — especially insulting women and divine beings — were deemed unforgivable.

9. Summary — Which Sins Are Truly Unforgivable?

Based on Hindu scriptures, the following sins are considered unforgivable:

Guru Droha – Betrayal of one’s spiritual teacher.
Ishwar Droha – Hatred or blasphemy towards God.
Suicide – Taking one’s own life without fulfilling karma.
Insulting Saints and Scriptures
No Remorse or Repentance – Committing sins with pride and no regret.

These sins are so deep that they sever the soul from divine connection. Without sincere and total transformation, forgiveness is unlikely.

10. Is Redemption Ever Possible?

Hinduism, though strict on certain sins, also offers a path of redemption. Through:

Deep repentance (पश्चाताप)
A life of service and devotion
Sincere Guru bhakti
Total surrender to God

Even a sinner may slowly purify themselves. But this is only possible if there is remorse. Pride and rebellion against dharma prevent healing.

Conclusion

God is compassionate — but not blind to dharma. Certain actions like betraying the Guru, mocking God, taking one’s own life, or abusing divine order, are seen as the gravest of sins in Hinduism.

These are unforgivable not because God cannot forgive, but because the sinner disconnects themselves so deeply from the divine that they no longer seek or allow redemption.

Thus, the true teaching of Hinduism is — Live righteously. Honour the Guru. Respect the divine. Never lose your humility. Always walk with God.

Would you like this article as a downloadable PDF or want me to write a poetic version next?

Kabirr Vani

Friday, May 16, 2025