Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9, Verse 20

English Translation

Those who are versed in the Vedas, who are drinkers of Soma and are purified of sin, pray for the heavenly goal by worshipping Me through sacrifices. Having reached the place (world) of the king of gods, which is the result of righteousness, they enjoy in heaven th divine pleasure of gods.

Detailed Commentary

Commentary: The phrase 'Traividyāḥ māṁ Somapāḥ... divyān divi devabhāgān' refers to those in the world who are often engrossed in earthly enjoyments. Even the more intelligent among them attach importance to transient things. When they hear descriptions of the *sakāma karmas* (desire-motivated actions) and their fruits, as elucidated in the Rig, Sama, and Yajur Vedas, they (due to their faith in the Vedas) forget the pleasures of this world and become attracted to the enjoyments of Svarga (heaven), engaging in Yajnas (sacrifices) to attain it. It is for these very people that the word '*Traividyāḥ*' is used here. There is a creeper called *Somalatā*. The scriptures state that just as the phases of the moon increase during the *Shukla Paksha* (bright fortnight) and become full on *Purnimā* (full moon), similarly the leaves of *Somalatā* emerge. During the *Krishna Paksha* (dark fortnight), these leaves fall off. The juice of that *Somalatā* is called *Soma-rasa*. Those who perform Yajnas drink it after consecrating it with *mantras*; therefore, they are called '*Somapāḥ*'. The sins of those who partake in Yajnas and *Soma-rasa* are eradicated, hence they are called '*Pūtapāpāḥ*'. The Lord has declared, "I am everything, both existent and non-existent," thus Indra is also a form of the Lord. Here, '*mām*' should be understood as referring to Indra, because those desirous of attaining Svarga worship Indra. They pray to Indra, the lord of Svarga, for the attainment of heaven. Through Vedic and Pauranic Yajnas, by worshipping and praying to Indra, they go to Svarga and partake in divine enjoyments. These enjoyments are vastly different and superior to those in the human realm. There, they experience divine sound, touch, form, taste, and smell. Additionally, they attain pleasures such as roaming in the divine *Nandanavana* (celestial garden), receiving honor and respect, and acquiring glory.