Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 7.20

“Those with desires, swayed by their nature, worship other gods, following their respective rites.”
Key Teaching: Desiredriven people worship other gods with specific rites.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Jnana Vijnana Yoga.
Description:
Krishna teaches that those swayed by desires and their nature worship other gods, following specific rites. This verse, continuing 7.19, addresses Arjuna’s need to understand devotion’s deviations (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies proper worship, and Jnana Vijnana Yoga, as he emphasizes divine focus, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s attachments (1.28–46) risk misdirected worship. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s material pursuits (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to avoid lesser gods for his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 7.19).

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human tendency for misdirected worship, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on true devotion (7.19). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to focus on him. The theme of Jnana Vijnana Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on proper worship.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its corrective clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s misdirected desires, where true worship ensures focus. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with divine devotion, aligning with liberation.