Gita 9.23
येऽप्यन्यदेवता भक्ता यजन्ते श्रद्धयान्विताः।
तेऽपि मामेव कौन्तेय यजन्त्यविधिपूर्वकम्।।
ye 'py anya-devatā-bhaktā yajante śraddhayānvitāḥ te 'pi mām eva kaunteya yajanty avidhi-pūrvakam
"Even those who devotedly worship other gods, with faith, they too worship Me alone, O Arjuna—though not according to the proper method."
What This Means:
Even worship of other deities, if done with faith, actually reaches Krishna—just 'avidhi-purvakam' (not by proper method). The devotion is real; the understanding of destination is unclear.
Going Deeper:
This is remarkably inclusive. Krishna doesn't reject sincere worship directed elsewhere. He receives it. But 'improper method' means it's less efficient—the devotee doesn't get the full benefit of knowing the true recipient.
How To Apply This:
If you've worshipped sincerely but with limited understanding, that devotion isn't wasted. But clearer understanding makes practice more effective. Learn as you grow.
Key Sanskrit Terms:
Anya-devatā= Other godsŚraddhā-anvita= Endowed with faithAvidhi-pūrvaka= Not according to proper method