Gita 9.23: What Does 'Arbitrary Worship' Really Mean?

Minutes to read.

The Error of Arbitrary Worship: Decoding Gita 9.23

In this verse, the speaker explains that even when people worship various "demigods" (Devas), the energy eventually reaches him—but because they do not understand the hierarchy, their worship is considered "Avidhi-purvakam" (contrary to the correct law).

I. The Verse (9.23)

"Ye 'py anya-devata-bhakta yajante shraddhayanvitah | Te 'pi mam eva kaunteya yajanty avidhi-purvakam ||"

The Translation:

"O son of Kunti, even those devotees who worship other gods with faith, they also worship Me only, but in an arbitrary way (contrary to the prescribed rules)."

II. What is "Avidhi-purvakam" (Arbitrary Worship)?

This is the technical heart of the verse. "Avidhi" means "without Vidhi" (without the correct injunctions/laws).

1. The Misdirected Mail: Imagine you want to send a letter to the King, but you address it to the local security guard. The guard might eventually pass the message up the chain, but you haven't followed the correct protocol.
2. The Source of Energy: The speaker (Kaal) is the "Lord of the 21 universes." All the power that the demigods (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Indra) have is actually delegated to them by Kaal. Therefore, any worship offered to them eventually ends up as "tax" in Kaal's pocket.
3. The Consequence: Because the worshipper thinks the demigod is the Supreme Power, they remain stuck in the "Lower Level" of the 21 universes and never seek the Tattvadarshi Saint who can take them to the Supreme God.

III. The Follow-up: Why "Arbitrary" Worship Leads to a Fall (Verse 9.24)

To understand the danger of 9.23, we must look at the very next verse (9.24):

"For I am the only enjoyer and the only Lord of all sacrifices. But they do not recognize Me in truth; therefore, they fall."

The Tattvadarshi Insight:

• "Fall" means Rebirth: When the speaker says "they fall," he means they return to the cycle of the 8.4 million species.
• The Truth of the Speaker: Even if they realize the speaker is the "Lord of sacrifice," they are still only recognizing the "Master of the Prison."
• The Ultimate Truth: To avoid "falling," one must recognize the distinction between the Speaker (Kaal) and the Param Akshar Brahm (the Supreme God Kabir) who is the true giver of eternal life.

IV. Summary: The Correct vs. Incorrect Vidhi

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does this verse mean all religions are the same?

No. The verse says they are "Avidhi-purvakam" (wrongly performed). If they were the same, the speaker wouldn't say that these worshippers "fall." He is warning that while the effort is sincere, the direction is misguided.

2. Why does the energy go to the Speaker (Kaal)?

Because Kaal is the "Controller of the Field." Just as all taxes paid in a country eventually reach the central government, regardless of which local department you pay them to, all worship within the 21 universes eventually reaches the Master of those universes.

3. How do I stop "arbitrary" worship?

By seeking the Tatvgyan mentioned in Gita 4.34. A Tattvadarshi Saint teaches the "Vidhi" (the correct method) so that your worship doesn't get intercepted by the "Manager" but reaches the "Father."