Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 7 · Jnana Vijnana Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 7.23 अन्तवत्तु फलं तेषां तद्भवत्यल्पमेधसाम्
श्लोक 7.23
अन्तवत्तु फलं तेषां तद्भवत्यल्पमेधसाम् ।
देवान्देवयजो यान्ति मद्भक्ता यान्ति मामपि ॥
antavattu phalaṃ teṣāṃ tadbhavatyalpamedhasām |
devāndevayajo yānti madbhaktā yānti māmapi ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
परंतु उन अल्पबुद्धि लोगों को मिलने वाला फल नाशवान होता है। देवताओं को पूजने वाले देवताओं को प्राप्त होते हैं, और मेरे भक्त मुझे प्राप्त होते हैं।
Meaning in English
But the fruit gained by those of small understanding is perishable. Worshippers of the gods go to the gods, while My devotees come to Me.
Bhagavad Gita 7.23 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| अन्तवत् तु | antavat tu | but finite |
| फलम् | phalam | the fruit |
| तेषाम् | teṣām | for them |
| तत् | tat | that |
| भवति | bhavati | is |
| अल्पमेधसाम् | alpa-medhasām | of limited understanding |
| देवान् | devān | to the gods |
| देवयजः | deva-yajaḥ | worshippers of the gods |
| यान्ति | yānti | go |
| मद्भक्ताः | mad-bhaktāḥ | my devotees |
| यान्ति | yānti | go |
| माम् अपि | mām api | to me |
Explanation
But the fruit gained by those of limited understanding is finite. Worshippers of the gods go to the gods; my devotees come to me. The results of worship match its aim: limited goals bring limited rewards, while devotion to the Supreme leads to the Supreme.
Krishna completes the discussion begun in 7.20. Shankara notes that the effort involved is the same, yet people pursue limited ends instead of the infinite, which is why they are called of little understanding. Ramanuja says the worshippers of the gods attain temporary results that end, while the Lord's devotees reach him and do not return. The verse is not hostile to other worship but invites seekers to aim at the highest.
भावार्थ
परन्तु उन अल्प बुद्धि वालों को मिलने वाला फल नाशवान होता है। देवताओं को पूजने वाले देवताओं को प्राप्त होते हैं और मेरे भक्त मुझे ही प्राप्त होते हैं। जैसा लक्ष्य, वैसा फल।
Living it today
Ask yourself what your efforts are finally aimed at; the size of your goal shapes the size of what you receive.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 7.23?
But the fruit gained by those of limited understanding is finite. Worshippers of the gods go to the gods; my devotees come to me. The results of worship match its aim: limited goals bring limited rewards, while devotion to the Supreme leads to the Supreme.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 7.23?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 7 (Jnana Vijnana Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 7.23 in daily life?
Ask yourself what your efforts are finally aimed at; the size of your goal shapes the size of what you receive.
Reflected on verse 7.23?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.