Please explain what is Dharma and Svadharma according to Bhagavad Gita?

Actually, Dharma is the root word. In Sanskrit, we add upasargas (prefixes) to words to form new meanings. For example, we say Dharma, Svadharma, Paradharma.

As said in the Gita — Svadharme nidhanam shreyaha, paradharmo bhayavaha — it means following one’s own Dharma (Svadharma) is better, even if imperfect, than following someone else’s Dharma (Paradharma), even if done perfectly.

Svadharma means your own duty — your natural path, your true nature, and behavior. Paradharma means the duty or path of others. For example, we often see someone else succeed and want to follow their path, but that is not the right choice. God has given each person a different “question paper.” If we try to copy someone else’s answer sheet, we will fail our own test.

We need to follow our own Svabhava — our inner nature. For instance, some people find happiness in serving food to others, while others enjoy teaching or learning new things. Whatever naturally brings you joy and aligns with your character — that is your Svadharma. Others’ paths are Paradharma.

Just like in Sanskrit, we say manam — abhimanam, anumānam, avamānam, pramānam — these are formed by adding different upasargas. Similarly, we have Dharma, Svadharma, and Paradharma.

Full answers hereDharma and Svadharma