Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17, Verse 4

English Translation

Those having the sattva ality worship the gods; those having rajas, the demi-gods and ogres; and other people possessed of tamas worship ghosts and the hosts of spirits.

Detailed Commentary

Yajante Sāttvikā Devān – Sāttvika individuals worship Devas (deities). Here, 'Devān' refers to the deities Vishnu, Shankar, Ganesha, Shakti, and Surya, as they possess divine attributes. Their worship leads towards liberation. Hence it is said, 'Daivī Sampadvimokṣāya' (divine wealth is for liberation). Sāttvika individuals have faith in their natural or preferred deity (Ishta-Deva). There are also various forms of faith even amongst these deities. Some worship Vishnu (Rāma, Krishna, etc.), some Shankar, some Ganesha, some Shakti, and some Surya. They specifically worship the deity in whom they have faith. According to the Shastras, the selfless worship of the thirty-three deities – the twelve Ādityas, eight Vasus, eleven Rudras, and two Ashvinī Kumāras – also falls under Sāttvika worship. Yakṣarakṣāṁsi Rājasāḥ – Rājasika individuals worship Yakshas and Rakshasas. Yakshas are associated with the accumulation of wealth, and Rakshasas with the destruction of others. Rājasika people worship Yakshas and Rakshasas to fulfill their desires and to cause the destruction of others. Pretān Bhūtaganāṁś-cānye Yajante Tāmasā Janāḥ – Tāmasika individuals worship Pretas and Bhūtaganas (ghostly beings). Those who have died are called Pretas, and those who have entered the Bhūta realm are called Bhūtas. Here, the worship of Pitrus (ancestors) is not considered Tāmasika. Those who worship Pitrus with a selfless attitude are not called Tāmasika, but rather Sāttvika. The Shastras have not prohibited the worship of Pitrus. According to the Shastras, if one worships Pitrus with a selfless attitude, they are considered Sāttvika. Pitru-loka (the realm of ancestors) is attained only by those who consider Pitrus to be supreme. If one performs Yajnas (rituals) and worships deities like Ganesha, Navagrahas, etc., according to the Shastras, it is considered worship according to the Shastras themselves. Just as a wife serves her husband, this is auspicious. The worshipper's destination (gati) is determined by their Ishta (chosen deity/ideal). Arjuna had inquired about Shraddhā (faith), hence the meaning of 'Yajante' (they worship) has been clarified here. Connection – So far, it has been explained how the worship of those who worship with Shraddhā but without Shastric guidance takes place. Now, the following two verses will discuss those who disregard the Shastras.