स तया श्रद्धया युक्तस्तस्याराधनमीहते। लभते च ततः कामान्मयैव विहितान् हि तान्।।7.22।।
saḥ tayā śraddhayā yuktaḥ tasya ārādhanam īhate; labhate ca tataḥ kāmān mayi eva vihitān hi tān
Translation
Endowed with faith, the devotee worships that personal deity and obtains his desires; yet indeed, all those desires are arranged by Me alone.
Word Meanings
saḥ — he; tayā — with that; śraddhayā — inspiration; yuktaḥ — endowed; tasya — of that demigod; ārādhanam — for the worship; īhate — he aspires; labhate — obtains; ca — and; tataḥ — from that; kāmān — his desires; mayā — by Me; eva — alone; vihitān — arranged; hi — certainly; tān — those.
Understanding the Verse
Verse 7.22 of the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the intimate link between sincere devotion and the fulfillment of desires. The Sanskrit line begins with "saḥ tayā śraddhayā yuktaḥ", indicating that a person who is united with faith (yukta) through a specific object of worship (taya) becomes devoted. In the context of Chapter 7, Krishna explains that the material world is a manifestation of his divine energy, yet he also affirms that the individual who chooses a particular deity or principle as the focal point of worship can attain what he desires. This is not a mere materialist claim; Krishna subtly reminds the listener that the ultimate source of these gratifications remains the Supreme Himself.
The second part, "labhate ca tataḥ kāmān mayi eva vihitān hi tān", clarifies that while the devotee may experience the attainment of his wishes, the actual arrangement of these wishes is orchestrated solely by Krishna. "Mayi eva" (by Me alone) underscores the theistic principle that all outcomes are ultimately governed by the divine will, even though they appear as the result of personal effort or devotion. This dual perspective reconciles the apparent agency of the devotee with the omnipotence of the Supreme, illustrating a harmonious interplay between free will and divine providence.
From a philosophical standpoint, the verse reflects the concept of "bhakti" (devotional surrender) as a means to transcend material attachment. By channeling faith toward a chosen form of the divine, the seeker aligns his motivations with the cosmic order, thereby receiving blessings that are already preordained by the Lord. This does not imply that the Lord merely hands over material gains; rather, it signifies that any genuine desire that aligns with dharma is fulfilled through the Lord's subtle guidance, ensuring the devotee's spiritual evolution.
Practically, this teaching encourages individuals to cultivate focused devotion, whether toward a personal deity, a spiritual principle, or the Supreme as a whole. When desires arise, the verse teaches that they should be offered to the divine, trusting that Krishna will direct their fulfillment in a manner conducive to the soul's higher purpose. It also serves as a reminder against egoistic pride—recognizing that any success is not solely one's own but a gracious allotment from the Supreme.
In the broader narrative of the Gita, this verse reinforces Krishna's role as the ultimate architect of the universe, guiding the warrior Arjuna (and the reader) to understand that surrendering to divine will does not diminish personal effort; rather, it elevates it, allowing the devotee to act within the divine rhythm of creation. Thus, Verse 7.22 beautifully weaves together faith, devotion, desire, and divine sovereignty into a single spiritual guideline for seekers.
