Whoever offers me a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or water with devotion, I accept that devoted offering from the pure-hearted.
— Krishna
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Bhagavad Gita · 9.26
Hindi · हिन्दी
जो भक्त पत्र, पुष्प, फल, जल आदि यथासाध्य प्राप्त वस्तु को भक्तिपूर्वक मेरे अर्पण करता है, उस मेरेमें तल्लीन हुए अन्तःकरणवाले भक्तके द्वारा भक्तिपूर्वक दिये हुए उपहारभेंट को मैं खा लेता हूँ ॥
The verse in reading order — each Sanskrit word with its meaning beneath. Tap a word to focus on it.
पत्रम्leafपुष्पम्flowerफलम्fruitतोयम्waterयःwhoमेto meभक्त्याwith devotionप्रयच्छतिoffersतत्thatअहम्Iभक्त्युपहृतम्devotion-offeredप्रयतात्मनःof the pure-hearted person
Read literallyleaf · flower · fruit · water · who · to me · with devotion · offers · that · I · devotion-offered · of the pure-hearted person
Understanding the verse
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A leaf, a flower, a fruit, some water: Krishna accepts the smallest offering if it comes with love.
Even the smallest offering becomes meaningful when it is given with devotion and a sincere heart.
02
On the battlefield
Context & commentary
Krishna begins teaching the kind of relationship that can hold a life together. He says that a simple leaf, flower, fruit, or water offered with devotion is enough for him to accept.
03
In your life
What it looks like today
You bring a small homemade meal to someone grieving, unsure it is enough. What matters is not the size of the gift, but the love carried into it.
The takeaway
“You do not need grand gestures to be received. Sincerity makes the offering complete.”
A leaf, a flower, a fruit, some water: Krishna accepts the smallest offering if it comes with love.
What this verse means
Even the smallest offering becomes meaningful when it is given with devotion and a sincere heart.
Context & commentary
Krishna begins teaching the kind of relationship that can hold a life together. He says that a simple leaf, flower, fruit, or water offered with devotion is enough for him to accept.
What it looks like today
You bring a small homemade meal to someone grieving, unsure it is enough. What matters is not the size of the gift, but the love carried into it.
“You do not need grand gestures to be received. Sincerity makes the offering complete.”
Explore related themes: bhakti (69 verses)