Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 7 · Jnana Vijnana Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 7.16 चतुर्विधा भजन्ते मां जनाः सुकृतिनोऽर्जुन
श्लोक 7.16
चतुर्विधा भजन्ते मां जनाः सुकृतिनोऽर्जुन ।
आर्तो जिज्ञासुरर्थार्थी ज्ञानी च भरतर्षभ ॥
caturvidhā bhajante māṃ janāḥ sukṛtino'rjuna |
ārto jijñāsurarthārthī jñānī ca bharatarṣabha ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
हे भरतश्रेष्ठ अर्जुन, चार प्रकार के पुण्यात्मा लोग मुझे भजते हैं - दुःखी, जिज्ञासु, धन आदि चाहने वाले, और ज्ञानी।
Meaning in English
O Arjuna, best of the Bharatas, four kinds of virtuous people worship Me: the distressed, the seeker of knowledge, the seeker of wealth, and the wise.
Bhagavad Gita 7.16 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| चतुर्विधाः | catur-vidhāḥ | four kinds |
| भजन्ते माम् | bhajante mām | worship me |
| जनाः सुकृतिनः | janāḥ sukṛtinaḥ | virtuous people |
| अर्जुन | arjuna | O Arjuna |
| आर्तः | ārtaḥ | the distressed |
| जिज्ञासुः | jijñāsuḥ | the seeker of knowledge |
| अर्थार्थी | artha-arthī | the seeker of wealth |
| ज्ञानी च | jñānī ca | and the wise |
| भरतर्षभ | bharatarṣabha | O best of the Bharatas |
Explanation
Four kinds of virtuous people worship me, O Arjuna: the distressed, the seeker of knowledge, the seeker of wealth, and the wise.
The Gita does not despise those who pray for help or prosperity; all four are called virtuous. Yet the next verse says the wise one, who loves God for God's own sake, is the dearest.
भावार्थ
हे भरतश्रेष्ठ अर्जुन, चार प्रकार के पुण्यात्मा लोग मुझे भजते हैं — आर्त (दुःखी), जिज्ञासु, अर्थार्थी और ज्ञानी।
Living it today
Whatever brings you to prayer — trouble, curiosity or need — begin there; love grows with practice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 7.16?
Four kinds of virtuous people worship me, O Arjuna: the distressed, the seeker of knowledge, the seeker of wealth, and the wise.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 7.16?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 7 (Jnana Vijnana Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 7.16 in daily life?
Whatever brings you to prayer — trouble, curiosity or need — begin there; love grows with practice.
Reflected on verse 7.16?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.