Bhagavad Gita 7.21 — The Supreme Makes the Faith of Every Devotee Steady
यो यो यां यां तनुं भक्तः श्रद्धयार्चितुमिच्छति ।
तस्य तस्याचलां श्रद्धां तामेव विदधाम्यहम् ॥ ७.२१ ॥
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Whatever form a devotee wishes to worship with faith, I make that faith of his steady and unwavering.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yaḥ yaḥ | whoever, whichever devotee |
| yām yām | whichever |
| tanum | form |
| bhaktaḥ | devotee |
| śhraddhayā | with faith |
| architum | to worship |
| ichchhati | desires |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| tasya tasya | of that very person |
| achalām | steady, unwavering |
| śhraddhām | faith |
| tām | that |
| eva | indeed |
| vidadhāmi | I bestow, I make |
| aham | I |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yaḥ yaḥ | whoever, whichever devotee | tasya tasya | of that very person |
| yām yām | whichever | achalām | steady, unwavering |
| tanum | form | śhraddhām | faith |
| bhaktaḥ | devotee | tām | that |
| śhraddhayā | with faith | eva | indeed |
| architum | to worship | vidadhāmi | I bestow, I make |
| ichchhati | desires | aham | I |
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Lord Krishna now reveals His quiet, impartial role in the worship of others. Whatever form a devotee wishes to worship with faith, it is He who makes that faith steady.
Essence
The Lord Who Steadies Every Faith
This verse expresses the Lord's broad compassion. Whatever form of the Divine a person chooses to worship, Lord Krishna says that He Himself is present as the supporter of their faith.
Yo yo yāṁ yāṁ tanuṁ bhaktaḥ (whichever devotee, in whichever form): People approach the Divine through different names and forms, shaped by their culture, upbringing, and temperament. The repeated words yo yo yāṁ yāṁ emphasise the endless variety.
Śraddhayārcitum icchati (wishes to worship with faith): The key condition is śraddhā, a sincere and trusting faith. It is not blind belief, but heartfelt confidence that makes worship real. Ritual without faith is empty, while even a simple offering made with faith has power.
Tasya tasyācalāṁ śraddhāṁ tām eva vidadhāmy aham (I make that very faith steady for that person): The word acala means unshakeable. The Lord does not interfere with a person's chosen path, nor does He insist that everyone switch to a particular form. Instead, He strengthens their faith in the way they have chosen. This reflects extraordinary respect for the freedom and sincerity of each seeker.
The inner Supporter: The verse implies that the Lord is present within every heart, quietly supporting each person's sincere effort. Faith itself is a gift that grows when it is exercised.
Balance in understanding: The verse does not say that all aims are equally high. In the verses that follow, Lord Krishna points out the limited nature of results gained through desire-driven worship. But He first establishes that sincerity is honoured wherever it is found.
Message for Everyday Life (Respect for Different Paths)
Avoid religious arrogance: It is easy to assume that one's own way of worship is the only valid one. The Gita shows a Lord who gives steady faith to everyone who sincerely seeks Him.
Practical approach: Practise your own faith with sincerity and depth, and extend courtesy and respect to others in theirs. When you meet people of different traditions, listen with curiosity instead of judgment. Such respect strengthens both your own faith and peace in society.
The Lord Who Steadies Every Faith
This verse expresses the Lord's broad compassion. Whatever form of the Divine a person chooses to worship, Lord Krishna says that He Himself is present as the supporter of their faith.
Yo yo yāṁ yāṁ tanuṁ bhaktaḥ (whichever devotee, in whichever form): People approach the Divine through different names and forms, shaped by their culture, upbringing, and temperament. The repeated words yo yo yāṁ yāṁ emphasise the endless variety.
Śraddhayārcitum icchati (wishes to worship with faith): The key condition is śraddhā, a sincere and trusting faith. It is not blind belief, but heartfelt confidence that makes worship real. Ritual without faith is empty, while even a simple offering made with faith has power.
Tasya tasyācalāṁ śraddhāṁ tām eva vidadhāmy aham (I make that very faith steady for that person): The word acala means unshakeable. The Lord does not interfere with a person's chosen path, nor does He insist that everyone switch to a particular form. Instead, He strengthens their faith in the way they have chosen. This reflects extraordinary respect for the freedom and sincerity of each seeker.
The inner Supporter: The verse implies that the Lord is present within every heart, quietly supporting each person's sincere effort. Faith itself is a gift that grows when it is exercised.
Balance in understanding: The verse does not say that all aims are equally high. In the verses that follow, Lord Krishna points out the limited nature of results gained through desire-driven worship. But He first establishes that sincerity is honoured wherever it is found.
Message for Everyday Life (Respect for Different Paths)
Avoid religious arrogance: It is easy to assume that one's own way of worship is the only valid one. The Gita shows a Lord who gives steady faith to everyone who sincerely seeks Him.
Practical approach: Practise your own faith with sincerity and depth, and extend courtesy and respect to others in theirs. When you meet people of different traditions, listen with curiosity instead of judgment. Such respect strengthens both your own faith and peace in society.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has said that He steadies the faith of every worshipper, whatever form they choose. This leads to the next question: what do such devotees actually receive from their worship? In the next verse, He explains that they obtain their desired results, but only through His own arrangement.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Faith held sincerely is never wasted.
Help steadies those who trust.
Honor the path another walks in faith.
Many forms, one source.
A steady faith is a lamp unmoved by wind.
Trust opens what doubt closes.
Faith grows when it is given room.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'tanum' (form) mean in this verse?
What does 'achalām śhraddhām' (steady faith) mean?
Who bestows this steady faith, according to the verse?
Does this verse approve of all forms of worship?
What is the practical message of this verse?
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