येऽप्यन्यदेवता भक्ता यजन्ते श्रद्धयान्विता: | तेऽपि मामेव कौन्तेय यजन्त्यविधिपूर्वकम् || 23 || |
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“Even those who, with faith, worship other gods, they also, O Arjuna, worship Me alone, though following the wrong method.”
Commentary: Lord Krishna acknowledges that there are individuals who, with faith and devotion, worship other deities or gods. He states that even though they may be worshipping different gods, their worship ultimately reaches Him alone, albeit through an incorrect or imperfect method. He is the ultimate recipient and the underlying reality behind all the different deities and forms of worship.
This verse emphasizes the inclusive nature of God’s divinity. Lord Krishna acknowledges that people may have different approaches and understandings of the divine, but He asserts that He is the ultimate object of worship, regardless of the specific form or method employed. He affirms that those who worship with faith and devotion, even if their understanding or method is incomplete or imperfect, are still connected to Him.
It is important to note that this verse does not promote or endorse the worship of multiple gods or deviate from the idea of monotheism presented in the Bhagavad Gita. Rather, it acknowledges the diversity in people’s beliefs and practices while affirming that the ultimate reality is one.
This verse highlights the universality of divine worship and emphasizes that genuine faith and devotion are significant factors in one’s connection with the Supreme. It encourages individuals to develop a sincere and dedicated approach to their chosen path of worship while recognizing the underlying unity and oneness of the divine.