Bhagavad Gita 9.23 – Sloka Meaning Structured Notes
Verse
ye ’py anya-devatā-bhaktā yajante śraddhayānvitāḥ
te ’pi mām eva kaunteya yajanty avidhi-pūrvakam
Word-by-Word Meaning
| Sanskrit | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| ye | those who |
| api | also |
| anya-devatā-bhaktāḥ | devotees of other gods |
| yajante | worship |
| śraddhayā-anvitāḥ | endowed with faith |
| te | they |
| api | also |
| mām | Me (Sri Krishna) |
| eva | only |
| kaunteya | O son of Kuntī |
| yajanti | worship |
| avidhi-pūrvakam | in a wrong way, not according to rules |
Translation
“Whatever a man may sacrifice to other gods, O son of Kuntī, is really meant for Me alone, but it is offered without true understanding.”
Aim
To understand how worship of demigods ultimately reaches Sri Krishna, though performed improperly and without proper knowledge.
Objectives
1. To reflect on the nature of demigod worship.
2. To understand why demigod worship ultimately goes to Sri Krishna.
3. To explore why demigod worship is considered improper.
4. To consider the role of faith in demigod worship.
5. To contrast demigod worship with direct devotion to Sri Krishna.
Application in Life
1. See the root behind worship: Understand that Sri Krishna is the source of all demigods and the ultimate receiver of all offerings.
2. Avoid incomplete paths: Do not mistake demigod worship as equal to bhakti. Only devotion to Sri Krishna leads to liberation.
3. Respect faith but guide it: Appreciate sincerity in others, but gently point them toward complete devotion to Sri Krishna.
Simple Take AwayDemigod worship, though sincere, is indirect and incomplete. True and eternal results come only from direct devotion to Sri Krishna.
