अन्तवत्तु फलं तेषां तद्भवत्यल्पमेधसाम्। देवान्देवयजो यान्ति मद्भक्ता यान्ति मामपि।।7.23।।
anta‑vat tu phalaṁ teṣāṁ tad bhavati alpa‑medhasām | devān‑deva‑yajo yānti mād bhaktāḥ yānti mām api
Translation
But the fruit gained by these people of little understanding is perishable. Those who worship the celestial gods go to the celestial abodes, while My devotees come to Me.
Word Meanings
anta‑vat — perishable; tu — but; phalaṁ — fruit; teṣāṁ — their; tat — that; bhavati — becomes; alpa‑medhasām — of those of small intelligence; devān — to the demigods; deva‑yajaḥ — the worshipers of the demigods; yānti — go; mat — My; bhaktāḥ — devotees; yānti — go; mām — to Me; api — also.
Understanding the Verse
In this verse Krishna draws a sharp distinction between two kinds of aspiration: the material seeking of the demigods and the devotional yearning for the Supreme. The phrase "anta‑vat tu phalaṁ" points out that the results of worshipping the demigods are temporary and ultimately end in decay. Even though the demigods may grant pleasures, wealth, or long life, these boons are bound by time and are exhausted when the body dies. The word "alpa‑medhasām" (of little intelligence) indicates that those who cling to such fleeting benefits lack the deeper discernment that perceives the eternal nature of the soul.
The second part of the verse, "devān‑deva‑yajo yānti mād bhaktāḥ yānti mām api", reveals the higher destiny of sincere devotees. "Devān‑deva‑yajo" refers to the worshippers of the various deities of the Vedic pantheon. Their devotion leads them to the realms of those specific deities – the heavenly abodes where they enjoy the gifts promised by those gods. Such realms, while blissful, are still within the cycle of birth and death. In contrast, "mād bhaktāḥ" – those devoted to Krishna – transcend all planetary spheres and merge directly with the Supreme Himself. The verb "yānti" (go) is repeated to emphasize that the paths are distinct and exclusive; one cannot simultaneously pursue both destinations.
Krishna’s teaching here also serves as a subtle invitation to re‑evaluate one’s motives. The allure of external powers, rituals, and material gains often masks a deeper yearning for unconditional love and union with the divine. By recognizing the perishable nature of the former and the everlasting union of the latter, a seeker can redirect his energy from external worship to internal devotion. This shift is the essence of bhakti‑yoga, which the Gita repeatedly extols as the most direct means to attain liberation.
Philosophically, the verse underscores the concept of "sādhanā" – the prescribed spiritual practice. While the Vedic traditions accept worship of demigods as a valid step for many, Krishna clarifies that such worship is a provisional stage. For the aspirant ready to transcend, the ultimate sādhanā is surrender (prapatti) to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In doing so, the seeker experiences "mām api" – the personal presence of the Lord – which is the supreme fruit, free from decay, beyond any material reward.
Thus, Chapter 7, Verse 23, serves both as a cautionary reminder about the limits of material worship and as an uplifting promise of divine communion for the true devotee. It invites the reader to cultivate humility, discernment, and unwavering love, guiding the soul toward its final, eternal abode: the loving presence of Krishna.
