अन्तवत्तु फलं तेषां तद्भवत्यल्पमेधसाम् ।
देवान्देवयजो यान्ति मद्भक्ता यान्ति मामपि ॥
देवान्देवयजो यान्ति मद्भक्ता यान्ति मामपि ॥
Hindi · हिन्दी
परन्तु उन अल्पबुद्धिवाले मनुष्योंको उन देवताओंकी आराधनाका फल अन्तवाला नाशवान् ही मिलता है । देवताओंका पूजन करनेवाले देवताओंको प्राप्त होते हैं और मेरे भक्त मेरे ही प्राप्त होते हैं ॥
English
But the reward gained by those of limited understanding is finite. Those who worship the radiant beings go to the radiant beings; my devotees come to me.
What this verse means
Half-hearted understanding gives limited results. Those who worship lesser powers reach those powers, while Krishna's devotees reach Krishna.
Context & commentary
On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Arjuna is still frozen while Krishna explains devotion. After showing how faith can be placed in many forms, Krishna draws the line: limited worship gives limited fruit, but devotion to him leads to him.
Why this verse still matters
You keep checking three different opinions before sending the message that matters. The mind wants a safe outcome, but the heart follows the thing it truly serves.
The takeaway
Your deepest allegiance determines your destination.
Word-by-word translation
अन्तवत्तु (finite indeed) / फलम् (fruit, result) / तेषाम् (of those) / तत् (that) / भवति (becomes) / अल्पमेधसाम् (of the little-wise) / देवान् (to the radiant beings) / देवयजः (worshippers of the radiant beings) / यान्ति (go) / मद्भक्ताः (my devotees) / यान्ति (go) / माम् (to me) / अपि (also)
This verse is part of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7: Jnana Vijnana Yoga — Knowledge and Wisdom, which contains 30 verses.
Explore related themes: bhakti (69 verses), shraddha (34 verses)