Bhagavad Gita 4.12

 

Understanding Bhagavad Gita Verse 4.12

The Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture, provides profound insights into life, duty, and devotion. In Chapter 4, Verse 12, Lord Krishna explains how people worship different deities to fulfill their desires, and how their rewards are granted accordingly.

Sanskrit Verse (Bhagavad Gita 4.12)

काङ्क्षन्तः कर्मणां सिद्धिं यजन्त इह देवताः।
क्षिप्रं हि मानुषे लोके सिद्धिर्भवति कर्मजा॥

Transliteration:

Kāṅkṣantaḥ karmaṇāṁ siddhiṁ yajanta iha devatāḥ,
Kṣipraṁ hi mānuṣe loke siddhirbhavati karmajā.

Translation:

"Those who desire success in their actions worship the demigods (deities), because in this human world, success from actions comes quickly."

" जो लोग अपने कार्यों में सफलता चाहते हैं वे देवताओं की पूजा करते हैं, क्योंकि इस मानव संसार में कर्मों से सफलता शीघ्र मिलती है। "

Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, Lord Krishna explains the nature of human desires and how they influence worship:

1. Seeking Material Success – Many people desire quick success in their endeavors, whether in wealth, career, health, or relationships. To achieve this, they often turn to various deities, believing that their prayers and rituals will bring immediate results.
2. Worship of Different Deities – Hinduism acknowledges that different deities represent different aspects of life (e.g., Goddess Lakshmi for wealth, Lord Ganesha for wisdom, and Lord Hanuman for strength). Devotees approach these deities with specific prayers for their respective blessings.
3. The Law of Action and Result – Krishna emphasizes that in the human world, actions (karma) yield results quickly. Unlike spiritual realization, which takes deeper effort and patience, material rewards often manifest sooner when pursued through prescribed actions.

Philosophical Significance

• Short-Term vs. Long-Term Goals – This verse contrasts short-term material aspirations with the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation (moksha). While worshiping deities may grant temporary success, true fulfillment comes from surrendering to the Supreme Being (Krishna himself).
• Law of Karma – It highlights the concept that every action has a result. Those who perform rituals and sacrifices for material gains receive them as per their efforts and faith.
• Encouragement for Devotion – Though Krishna acknowledges the worship of deities for worldly gains, he later (in Chapter 7) encourages devotion to the Supreme Lord as the highest form of worship.

Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita 4.12 teaches that while people seek material gains through worship, true wisdom lies in understanding the deeper purpose of life—spiritual growth and liberation. The verse encourages devotion while reminding us that lasting fulfillment comes from a connection with the Divine, beyond temporary material success.