Faith itself is supported by Krishna.
Krishna speaks to Arjuna
यो यो यां यां तनुं भक्तः श्रद्धयार्चितुमिच्छति |तस्य तस्याचलां श्रद्धां तामेव विदधाम्यहम् ||७-२१||
yo yo yāṃ yāṃ tanuṃ bhaktaḥ śraddhayārcitumicchati . tasya tasyācalāṃ śraddhāṃ tāmeva vidadhāmyaham ||7-21||
Use this verse when comparing devotional forms.
Meaning
Whatever form a devotee desires to worship with faith, I make that faith steady.
Translation: Gita Guidance (original English rendering).
In plain words
Krishna supports sincere faith in different forms.
Word-by-word meaning
Tap a word to see its meaning.
Explanation
This verse shows Krishna’s inclusive governance of faith. Even when devotion takes different forms, the capacity for faith is sustained by Him.
Read the traditional commentary
Here Krishna reveals a sublime generosity. Whatever form a sincere devotee chooses to worship with faith, He Himself strengthens that faith, making it 'firm and unflinching.' The Divine does not jealously demand to be approached only in one prescribed way; He honours the path the seeker can actually walk, meeting each soul where it stands.
This is a great teaching of inclusiveness. Because all forms ultimately point to the one Reality, God supports faith wherever it is offered with sincerity. The implication for our own lives is profound: our task is to bring genuine shraddha — faith and devotion — and the Divine will deepen it.
Krishna here shows Himself as the inner power behind every sincere prayer, quietly steadying the heart of whoever turns toward the sacred, by whatever name.
In daily life
Respect sincere devotion while seeking deeper truth.
Different family members may worship differently but share sincere faith.
Try this today
Honor one sincere form of devotion today.
My faith is strengthened by Krishna.Reflect
How does Krishna support my faith?
Private — only you can see this
Quick check
What does ‘याम् याम् तनुम्’ mean in this verse?
The Gita on worship, in other chapters
- Verse 12.2A mind fixed on God, steady practice, and supreme faith together make the most complete yogi.
- Verse 4.11However sincerely you approach the divine, it meets you in that very way — every honest path is honored.
- Verse 9.32The highest spiritual goal is open to absolutely everyone; sincere refuge in the Divine, not birth or status, is the only qualification.
- Verse 17.1 · ArjunaSincere faith deserves understanding, not quick judgement — but faith still needs the guidance of wisdom to bear true fruit.
Swipe left for 7.22 · Results are governed by Krishna.
Questions about Bhagavad Gita 7.21
Who says Bhagavad Gita 7.21, and to whom?
Krishna speaks to Arjuna in verse 7.21, in Chapter 7, Jnana Vijnana Yoga (Jnana Vijnana Yoga).
What does Bhagavad Gita 7.21 mean?
Whatever form a devotee desires to worship with faith, I make that faith steady. (Translation: Gita Guidance (original English rendering).)
What is the lesson of Bhagavad Gita 7.21 for daily life?
Respect sincere devotion while seeking deeper truth. Different family members may worship differently but share sincere faith.
What do the Sanskrit words in Bhagavad Gita 7.21 mean?
यः यः — whatever devotee (each one); याम् याम् तनुम् — whatever form (of deity); भक्तः श्रद्धया — the devotee, with faith; अर्चितुम् इच्छति — desires to worship; तस्य तस्य — of that very one.
Where does verse 7.21 come in the Bhagavad Gita?
It is verse 21 of 30 in Chapter 7, Jnana Vijnana Yoga. The next verse is 7.22.