Bhagavad Gita · Verse 9.23
Chapter 9: Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga (राजविद्याराजगुह्ययोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
येऽप्यन्यदेवताभक्ता यजन्ते श्रद्धयान्विताः । तेऽपि मामेव कौन्तेय यजन्त्यविधिपूर्वकम् ॥२३॥
ye'pyanyadevatābhaktā yajante śraddhayānvitāḥ | te'pi māmeva kaunteya yajantyavidhipūrvakam ||23||
Complete Shloka Translation
O son of Kunti, even devotees of other deities who worship with faith worship Me alone, though not according to the proper understanding or manner.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| श्रद्धयान्विताः | śraddhayānvitāḥ | endowed with faith |
| अविधिपूर्वकम् | avidhipūrvakam | without proper manner or understanding |
| येऽप्यन्यदेवताभक्ता | ye'pyanyadevatābhaktā | [term] in context of O son of Kunti, even devotees ... |
| यजन्ते | yajante | [term] in context of O son of Kunti, even devotees ... |
| तेऽपि | te'pi | [term] in context of O son of Kunti, even devotees ... |
| मामेव | māmeva | [term] in context of O son of Kunti, even devotees ... |
| कौन्तेय | kaunteya | [term] in context of O son of Kunti, even devotees ... |
| यजन्त्यविधिपूर्वकम् | yajantyavidhipūrvakam | [term] in context of O son of Kunti, even devotees ... |
| २३ | yajantyavidhipūrvakam | [term] in context of O son of Kunti, even devotees ... |
endowed with faith
without proper manner or understanding
[term] in context of O son of Kunti, even devotees ...
[term] in context of O son of Kunti, even devotees ...
[term] in context of O son of Kunti, even devotees ...
[term] in context of O son of Kunti, even devotees ...
[term] in context of O son of Kunti, even devotees ...
[term] in context of O son of Kunti, even devotees ...
[term] in context of O son of Kunti, even devotees ...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Avidhi-purvakam can concern incomplete understanding or an improper manner of worship. Krishna acknowledges the worshippers' faith while distinguishing their knowledge of its ultimate recipient, developed in 9.24.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Examine the understanding behind worship while respecting sincere faith."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How can respect for faith accompany deeper inquiry?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master daily focus: anchor your consciousness in higher values, let go of anxious attachment to results, and act with integrity and kindness in every endeavor.