यो यो यां यां तनुं भक्तः श्रद्धयार्चितुमिच्छति। तस्य तस्याचलां श्रद्धां तामेव विदधाम्यहम्।।7.21।।
yo yo yām yām tanum bhaktaḥ śraddhayārcitum icchati | tasya tasya acalāṁ śraddhām tām eva vidadhāmi aham ||7.21||
Translation
Whatever celestial form a devotee wishes to worship with faith, I alone grant that devotee steadfast faith in that form.
Word Meanings
yo — whichever; yo — whoever; yām — whichever; yām — whichever; tanum — form of a demigod; bhaktaḥ — devotee; śraddhayā — with faith; arcitum — to worship; icchati — desires; tasya — to him; tasya — to him; acalāṁ — steady; śraddhām — faith; tām — that; eva — surely; vidadhāmi — give; aham — I
Understanding the Verse
In this verse Krishna explains the intimate relationship between the devotee (bhakta) and the object of devotion (tanum). The term 'tanum' refers to the divine form or manifestation chosen by the seeker—be it a celestial deity, a personal god, or any aspect of the Supreme. By stating "yo yo yām yām," Krishna emphasizes that the selection is entirely personal; each soul may be drawn to a different aspect of the Divine, and all such choices are respected.
The word 'śraddhā' (faith) is central here. Faith is not a blind belief but a purposeful, heartfelt conviction that enables the devotee to focus his mind and heart on the chosen form. Krishna promises to "vidadhāmi" (grant) a steady, unshakable faith ('acalāṁ śraddhām') to the devoteer. This guarantee underscores the Lord's role as the ultimate source of spiritual strength: He does not merely permit worship; He actively sustains the devotee’s confidence, ensuring that the devotion does not falter under the challenges of worldly life.
The phrase "tām eva" (that alone) highlights the exclusivity of Krishna’s support. The divine assurance is directed specifically toward the chosen form of worship. In other words, if a seeker yearns to worship a particular deity, the Supreme Himself steadies that very devotion, not a different one. This reinforces the principle of personal deity (ishta‑devata) prevalent in bhakti traditions, where the worshipper can select a form that resonates most deeply with his temperament and circumstances.
By offering this assurance, Krishna also addresses a common doubt among practitioners: the fear that their chosen form might be inadequate or that their devotion may waver. The verse eliminates such concerns by placing absolute confidence in the Lord’s power to stabilize faith. This creates a reciprocal relationship: the devotee’s sincere desire leads to divine support, which in turn deepens the devotee’s commitment—a virtuous cycle that propels spiritual progress.
From a broader philosophical perspective, the verse illustrates the dynamic nature of the divine. While the ultimate reality (Brahman) is formless and beyond attributes, the Supreme willingly manifests in countless forms to accommodate the diverse inclinations of sentient beings. This flexibility ensures that no soul is left without a suitable path to the Divine, embodying the inclusivity and compassion of Krishna’s teachings.
In practical terms, the verse encourages aspirants to identify their personal deity with devotion and sincerity, trusting that the Lord will fortify their faith. It reassures that the spiritual journey is not a solitary endeavor; the Supreme is an active participant, ready to nurture and protect the devotee’s inner conviction, leading ultimately to self‑realization and union with the Divine.
