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Chapter 17 · Verse 4 · Sraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga

Bhagavad Gita 17.4

philosophical Self & Identity Dharma & Duty Jnana & Wisdom

Sanskrit

यजन्ते सात्त्विका देवान्यक्षरक्षांसि राजसाः।प्रेतान्भूतगणांश्चान्ये यजन्ते तामसा जनाः।।17.4।।

Transliteration

yajante sāttvikā devān yakṣha-rakṣhānsi rājasāḥ pretān bhūta-gaṇānśh chānye yajante tāmasā janāḥ

Word by Word

yajante worship
sāttvikāḥ those in the mode of goodness
devān celestial gods
yakṣha semi-celestial beings who exude power and wealth
rakṣhānsi powerful beings who embody sensual enjoyment, revenge, and wrath
rājasāḥ those in the mode of passion
pretān-bhūta-gaṇān ghosts and spirits
cha and
anye others
yajante worship
tāmasāḥ those in the mode of ignorance
janāḥ persons
Simplified Perspective

Krishna reveals a profound truth: consciousness itself flows through all worship, yet the object of our worship mirrors the quality of our own nature. When you bow before the celestial gods, you honor divine order and cosmic harmony—this is the worship of one who dwells in sattva, clarity and light.

But know this: whatever you worship, you become. The demons and ghosts sought by those in tamas are not external entities but the darkened corners of an unexamined mind.

In your own life, notice what you truly devote your time, energy, and heart to—for that choice reveals not your beliefs, but your actual state of consciousness.

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Bhagavad Gita 17.4 — BG 17.4

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Sanskrit text from the Bhagavad Gita (public domain). Commentary © Mahakatha.

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