Bhagavad Gita 7.23 — Perishable Results of Limited Understanding versus Attaining the Supreme
अन्तवत्तु फलं तेषां तद्भवत्यल्पमेधसाम् ।
देवान्देवयजो यान्ति मद्भक्ता यान्ति मामपि ॥ ७.२३ ॥
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But the fruit gained by those of small understanding is perishable. The worshippers of the deities go to the deities, but My devotees come to Me.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| antavat | perishable, having an end |
| tu | but |
| phalam | fruit, result |
| teṣhām | of them |
| tat | that |
| bhavati | is |
| alpa-medhasām | of those with little understanding |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| devān | the deities |
| deva-yajaḥ | worshippers of the deities |
| yānti | go to, attain |
| mat-bhaktāḥ | My devotees |
| yānti | go to, attain |
| mām | Me |
| api | indeed |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| antavat | perishable, having an end | devān | the deities |
| tu | but | deva-yajaḥ | worshippers of the deities |
| phalam | fruit, result | yānti | go to, attain |
| teṣhām | of them | mat-bhaktāḥ | My devotees |
| tat | that | yānti | go to, attain |
| bhavati | is | mām | Me |
| alpa-medhasām | of those with little understanding | api | indeed |
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Lord Krishna now explains the limitation of desire-driven worship. The results gained by those of small understanding are temporary, while those who worship Him reach Him.
Essence
The Difference Between Temporary Results and the Eternal Goal
After acknowledging that sincere worship brings results, Lord Krishna now adds a crucial qualification. He compares the nature of the fruit received by the different types of worshippers.
Antavat tu phalaṁ teṣām (but the fruit they obtain is finite): The word antavat means 'having an end'. Whatever is gained for the sake of desire, whether wealth, status, comfort, or even a heavenly enjoyment, is limited by time. It begins, it lasts for a period, and then it ends. This is why such satisfaction always leaves a trace of anxiety about loss.
Tad bhavaty alpa-medhasām (that is for those of small understanding): The term alpa-medhas does not insult intelligence. It refers to a narrow vision that settles for limited goals when something greater is available. It is like using a vast treasury only to buy a handful of sweets.
Devān deva-yajo yānti (the worshippers of the deities go to the deities): Those who worship the deities with a limited aim reach the sphere of those deities. Their destination matches their aspiration.
Mad-bhaktā yānti mām api (but My devotees come to Me): Those who worship the Supreme reach the Supreme Himself. The goal is not any temporary state, but the eternal Reality, from which there is no return to sorrow.
A question of aspiration: The verse invites us to ask what we are truly aiming for. Seeking lasting freedom, peace, and union with the Divine is a higher aspiration than seeking any pleasure that must eventually pass.
Message for Everyday Life (Choosing Lasting Over Temporary Goals)
Review your priorities: Much of our energy goes to achievements that give short-lived satisfaction. Success at work, a new purchase, or social approval all fade, and we then seek the next one.
Practical approach: Alongside your practical goals, set aside time for something lasting, such as nurturing character, serving others, or deepening your spiritual practice. These bring a different kind of fulfilment, which does not depend on external circumstances and does not disappear when situations change.
The Difference Between Temporary Results and the Eternal Goal
After acknowledging that sincere worship brings results, Lord Krishna now adds a crucial qualification. He compares the nature of the fruit received by the different types of worshippers.
Antavat tu phalaṁ teṣām (but the fruit they obtain is finite): The word antavat means 'having an end'. Whatever is gained for the sake of desire, whether wealth, status, comfort, or even a heavenly enjoyment, is limited by time. It begins, it lasts for a period, and then it ends. This is why such satisfaction always leaves a trace of anxiety about loss.
Tad bhavaty alpa-medhasām (that is for those of small understanding): The term alpa-medhas does not insult intelligence. It refers to a narrow vision that settles for limited goals when something greater is available. It is like using a vast treasury only to buy a handful of sweets.
Devān deva-yajo yānti (the worshippers of the deities go to the deities): Those who worship the deities with a limited aim reach the sphere of those deities. Their destination matches their aspiration.
Mad-bhaktā yānti mām api (but My devotees come to Me): Those who worship the Supreme reach the Supreme Himself. The goal is not any temporary state, but the eternal Reality, from which there is no return to sorrow.
A question of aspiration: The verse invites us to ask what we are truly aiming for. Seeking lasting freedom, peace, and union with the Divine is a higher aspiration than seeking any pleasure that must eventually pass.
Message for Everyday Life (Choosing Lasting Over Temporary Goals)
Review your priorities: Much of our energy goes to achievements that give short-lived satisfaction. Success at work, a new purchase, or social approval all fade, and we then seek the next one.
Practical approach: Alongside your practical goals, set aside time for something lasting, such as nurturing character, serving others, or deepening your spiritual practice. These bring a different kind of fulfilment, which does not depend on external circumstances and does not disappear when situations change.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has contrasted the temporary fruits of limited worship with the supreme attainment of His devotees. But why do so many people fail to recognise Him? In the next verse, He explains that they mistake the unmanifest Supreme for an ordinary being who has taken a physical form.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Seek what stays.
Your destination follows your devotion.
Understanding widens the horizon of desire.
Fruit that spoils quickly cannot feed forever.
Choose the lasting over the loud.
Where the heart rests, the journey ends.
Look farther than the next desire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'antavat' (perishable) mean here?
What does 'alpa-medhasām' (of those with little understanding) mean?
What is the difference between 'deva-yajaḥ' (worshippers of the deities) and 'mat-bhaktāḥ' (My devotees)?
Does this verse criticize worshipping deities?
What is the practical message of this verse?
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