॥ ॐ श्री परमात्मने नमः ॥
अथ नवमोऽध्यायः । राजविद्याराजगुह्ययोगः
श्रीभगवानुवाच ।
इदं तु ते गुह्यतमं प्रवक्ष्याम्यनसूयवे ।
ज्ञानं विज्ञानसहितं यज्ज्ञात्वा मोक्ष्यसेऽशुभात् ॥ ९-१॥
राजविद्या राजगुह्यं पवित्रमिदमुत्तमम् ।
प्रत्यक्षावगमं धर्म्यं सुसुखं कर्तुमव्ययम् ॥ ९-२॥
अश्रद्दधानाः पुरुषा धर्मस्यास्य परन्तप ।
अप्राप्य मां निवर्तन्ते मृत्युसंसारवर्त्मनि ॥ ९-३॥
मया ततमिदं सर्वं जगदव्यक्तमूर्तिना ।
मत्स्थानि सर्वभूतानि न चाहं तेष्ववस्थितः ॥ ९-४॥
न च मत्स्थानि भूतानि पश्य मे योगमैश्वरम् ।
भूतभृन्न च भूतस्थो ममात्मा भूतभावनः ॥ ९-५॥
यथाकाशस्थितो नित्यं वायुः सर्वत्रगो महान् ।
तथा सर्वाणि भूतानि मत्स्थानीत्युपधारय ॥ ९-६॥
सर्वभूतानि कौन्तेय प्रकृतिं यान्ति मामिकाम् ।
कल्पक्षये पुनस्तानि कल्पादौ विसृजाम्यहम् ॥ ९-७॥
प्रकृतिं स्वामवष्टभ्य विसृजामि पुनः पुनः ।
भूतग्राममिमं कृत्स्नमवशं प्रकृतेर्वशात् ॥ ९-८॥
न च मां तानि कर्माणि निबध्नन्ति धनञ्जय ।
उदासीनवदासीनमसक्तं तेषु कर्मसु ॥ ९-९॥
मयाध्यक्षेण प्रकृतिः सूयते सचराचरम् ।
हेतुनानेन कौन्तेय जगद्विपरिवर्तते ॥ ९-१०॥
अवजानन्ति मां मूढा मानुषीं तनुमाश्रितम् ।
परं भावमजानन्तो मम भूतमहेश्वरम् ॥ ९-११॥
मोघाशा मोघकर्माणो मोघज्ञाना विचेतसः ।
राक्षसीमासुरीं चैव प्रकृतिं मोहिनीं श्रिताः ॥ ९-१२॥
महात्मानस्तु मां पार्थ दैवीं प्रकृतिमाश्रिताः ।
भजन्त्यनन्यमनसो ज्ञात्वा भूतादिमव्ययम् ॥ ९-१३॥
सततं कीर्तयन्तो मां यतन्तश्च दृढव्रताः ।
नमस्यन्तश्च मां भक्त्या नित्ययुक्ता उपासते ॥ ९-१४॥
ज्ञानयज्ञेन चाप्यन्ये यजन्तो मामुपासते ।
एकत्वेन पृथक्त्वेन बहुधा विश्वतोमुखम् ॥ ९-१५॥
अहं क्रतुरहं यज्ञः स्वधाहमहमौषधम् ।
मन्त्रोऽहमहमेवाज्यमहमग्निरहं हुतम् ॥ ९-१६॥
पिताहमस्य जगतो माता धाता पितामहः ।
वेद्यं पवित्रमोङ्कार ऋक्साम यजुरेव च ॥ ९-१७॥
गतिर्भर्ता प्रभुः साक्षी निवासः शरणं सुहृत् ।
प्रभवः प्रलयः स्थानं निधानं बीजमव्ययम् ॥ ९-१८॥
तपाम्यहमहं वर्षं निगृह्णाम्युत्सृजामि च ।
अमृतं चैव मृत्युश्च सदसच्चाहमर्जुन ॥ ९-१९॥
त्रैविद्या मां सोमपाः पूतपापा
यज्ञैरिष्ट्वा स्वर्गतिं प्रार्थयन्ते ।
ते पुण्यमासाद्य सुरेन्द्रलोक-
मश्नन्ति दिव्यान्दिवि देवभोगान् ॥ ९-२०॥
ते तं भुक्त्वा स्वर्गलोकं विशालं
क्षीणे पुण्ये मर्त्यलोकं विशन्ति ।
एवं त्रयीधर्ममनुप्रपन्ना
गतागतं कामकामा लभन्ते ॥ ९-२१॥
अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जनाः पर्युपासते ।
तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम् ॥ ९-२२॥
येऽप्यन्यदेवता भक्ता यजन्ते श्रद्धयान्विताः ।
तेऽपि मामेव कौन्तेय यजन्त्यविधिपूर्वकम् ॥ ९-२३॥
अहं हि सर्वयज्ञानां भोक्ता च प्रभुरेव च ।
न तु मामभिजानन्ति तत्त्वेनातश्च्यवन्ति ते ॥ ९-२४॥
यान्ति देवव्रता देवान्पितॄन्यान्ति पितृव्रताः ।
भूतानि यान्ति भूतेज्या यान्ति मद्याजिनोऽपि माम् ॥ ९-२५॥
पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयं यो मे भक्त्या प्रयच्छति ।
तदहं भक्त्युपहृतमश्नामि प्रयतात्मनः ॥ ९-२६॥
यत्करोषि यदश्नासि यज्जुहोषि ददासि यत् ।
यत्तपस्यसि कौन्तेय तत्कुरुष्व मदर्पणम् ॥ ९-२७॥
शुभाशुभफलैरेवं मोक्ष्यसे कर्मबन्धनैः ।
संन्यासयोगयुक्तात्मा विमुक्तो मामुपैष्यसि ॥ ९-२८॥
समोऽहं सर्वभूतेषु न मे द्वेष्योऽस्ति न प्रियः ।
ये भजन्ति तु मां भक्त्या मयि ते तेषु चाप्यहम् ॥ ९-२९॥
अपि चेत्सुदुराचारो भजते मामनन्यभाक् ।
साधुरेव स मन्तव्यः सम्यग्व्यवसितो हि सः ॥ ९-३०॥
क्षिप्रं भवति धर्मात्मा शश्वच्छान्तिं निगच्छति ।
कौन्तेय प्रतिजानीहि न मे भक्तः प्रणश्यति ॥ ९-३१॥
मां हि पार्थ व्यपाश्रित्य येऽपि स्युः पापयोनयः ।
स्त्रियो वैश्यास्तथा शूद्रास्तेऽपि यान्ति परां गतिम् ॥ ९-३२॥
किं पुनर्ब्राह्मणाः पुण्या भक्ता राजर्षयस्तथा ।
अनित्यमसुखं लोकमिमं प्राप्य भजस्व माम् ॥ ९-३३॥
मन्मना भव मद्भक्तो मद्याजी मां नमस्कुरु ।
मामेवैष्यसि युक्त्वैवमात्मानं मत्परायणः ॥ ९-३४॥
ॐ तत्सदिति श्रीमद्भगवद्गीतासूपनिषत्सु
ब्रह्मविद्यायां योगशास्त्रे श्रीकृष्णार्जुनसंवादे
राजविद्याराजगुह्ययोगो नाम नवमोऽध्यायः ॥ ९॥
Introduction to Chapter 9
Overview of Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga
Chapter 9 of the Bhagavad Gita is called Raja-Vidya Raja-Guhya Yoga — the Yoga of Royal Knowledge and Royal Secret. In it, Krishna reveals His supreme glories and the path of pure devotion as the highest way to realize the Divine.
Importance of the Confidential Knowledge
This chapter begins with a teaching that is called confidential, profound, spiritual wisdom that liberates from miseries. It’s not just theoretical but directly realizable.
Non-envy and Faith as Key Qualities
Krishna emphasizes that Arjuna’s non-envy makes him fit to receive this sacred knowledge. Those who harbor envy cannot receive or benefit from it.
How Knowledge Purifies
The wisdom given here purifies the devotee; it cleanses ignorance, ego, and attachments, bringing clarity, peace and devotion.
Relevance for Seekers Today
For modern readers, this chapter teaches that devotional love (bhakti), humility, and remembering the Divine are more accessible than elaborate rituals. It offers solace and a path for ordinary people.
What is Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga?
Chapter 9 of the Bhagavad Gita is titled "Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga meaning "The Yoga of Royal Knowledge and Royal Secret." In this chapter, Lord Krishna reveals the most confidential spiritual wisdom, emphasizing the supremacy of devotion (bhakti) as the path to realizing the Divine.
Why is this Knowledge Called the King of Sciences?
This knowledge is considered the "king of sciences" because it transcends all other forms of knowledge. It is supremely purifying
The Role of Devotion in Spiritual Practice
Krishna emphasizes that devotion is the highest and simplest path to attain union with the Supreme. He reveals that even a simple offering made with love and devotion is accepted by Him.
Understanding the Nature of the Supreme
Krishna explains that He is the ultimate cause of the universe
The Importance of Faith and Surrender
Krishna stresses the importance of faith and surrender in spiritual practice. Those who surrender to Him with unwavering devotion are freed from the bondage of material existence.
The Nature of the Divine Presence
All-pervading Yet Unattached
Krishna explains that He pervades all beings in an unmanifested form, yet remains unattached by them — like wind in space.
Creator
Sustainer & DissolverAt the beginning of creation He manifests all life, at the dissolution He absorbs all again. The cycle of creation-dissolution continues under His will.
Unmanifest Reality vs Manifest World
The unmanifest (avyakta) is primary. All manifest things arise from it, yet the Divine remains beyond change and decay.
Neutral Observer & Divine Yogamaya
Although everything is under His power, Krishna remains detached; He works through His material energy (Prakriti), and His Yogamaya hides His full nature from those who don’t seek.
Supporter & Friend of Devotees
He promises that those who approach Him with devotion, He protects, sustains, and does not let them perish — treating them as friend, father, refuge.
Devotion and Worship
Simplicity of Offerings with Devotion
Krishna says even the simplest things — a leaf, flower, fruit, or water offered with love — are accepted when devotion is present.
Exclusive Devotion to the Supreme
Those whose minds are fixed exclusively on Him, worship Him with faith, engage in His praise, and surrender to Him achieve the most intimate union.
Faith vs Ritualism
While rituals and Vedic ceremonies have some value, pure devotion without ritualistic motivation is superior in spiritual value.
Constant Remembrance & Worship
Krishna encourages constant devotion, remembrance, meditating on His name, and surrender — not occasional worship — as the path of bhakti.
Devotees’ Relationship with God
True devotees see God as protector, sustainer, and bestower of grace — someone to whom one can surrender fully with trust.
Assurance & Universal Compassion
Grace for Sinners
Even if someone has committed many wrongs, sincere devotion can purify them and bring them close to God.
God’s Impartial Love
Krishna maintains impartiality toward all beings – those who worship Him with faith are accepted, regardless of their past.
Devotee's Mind & Body Dedicated to God
Krishna asks that mind, body, actions, and thoughts be dedicated entirely to Him; everything offered becomes act of devotion.
Promise of Liberation
Those who single-mindedly worship Him, fix their mind and surrender, they go to His abode and abide in Him forever.
Protection from Misery
Devotion shields the devotee from the cycles of birth and death, from fear and sorrow; God sustains what they lack and preserves them.
Practical Application
How to Cultivate Bhakti Daily
Simple daily practices: remember God’s name, offer small acts, serve others, live morally, and thank God in everyday life.
Seeing God in All Beings and Things
When devotion grows, a devotee begins to see the Divine in all people, nature, and daily experiences. This expands compassion and purity.
Offering without Expectation
Perform actions, give, worship not for reward but simply as offering to the Divine; this purifies heart.
Humility & Sincerity in Devotion
The attitude matters: humility, genuine love, surrender are more important than formality or external ritual.
Overcoming Doubts & Misconceptions
Krishna clarifies common misconceptions: that God is far, rituals alone earn merit, or that one must be perfect to begin — faith dispels these.
Conclusion & Promise of Chapter 9
Summary of Central Teachings
Chapter 9 emphasizes that devotion, knowledge, and surrender together lead to liberation; God is everywhere, yet personal; sincere worship transforms life.
Blessing to Sincere Devotees
Krishna assures that those who worship Him with pure faith are protected, their desires taken care of, and they ultimately reach His eternal presence.
Invitation to Practice
Readers are encouraged to start cultivation of devotion, trust in God, offering of daily life, and remembering Him especially in challenges, as the path shown in this chapter.
Core Teachings
The Supreme Knowledge and Its Confidential Nature
Krishna introduces the essence of Raja Vidya—the Royal Knowledge—as the most exalted and transformative wisdom available to the human soul. He calls it "the king of sciences and the king of secrets
The Cycle of Creation and Dissolution
At the beginning of creation the Supreme Lord creates innumerable life-forms with His material energy. At dissolution He absorbs them back into Himself and in the next cycle of creation He manifests them again.
The Nature of the Divine Energy
Krishna explains that although He pervades all beings He remains aloof and detached from all activities as a neutral observer by His divine Yogmaya power.
The Role of Devotees
Krishna classifies devotees into four kinds: those in distress those desiring material gain sincere seekers of knowledge and the wise who love God for His own sake. Among these the wise devotee who loves Him without ulterior motives is most dear to Him.
The Power of Devotion
Krishna assures that those who worship Him with unwavering devotion offering even a leaf a flower fruit or water are accepted by Him. Such offerings made with love and devotion are purifying and lead to liberation.
Practical Applications
Developing Constant Remembrance
Train the mind through chanting prayer or meditation to remember God throughout life. This practice helps in cultivating a constant connection with the Divine.
Performing Selfless Actions
Engage in selfless actions as offerings to the Divine. By performing duties without attachment to results one purifies the mind and progresses on the spiritual path.
Surrendering to the Divine
Practice surrender by dedicating all actions and thoughts to the Divine. This attitude leads to liberation and freedom from the cycle of birth and death.
Understanding the Impermanence of Life
Reflect on the transient nature of life and the eternal nature of the soul. This understanding helps in reducing attachments and cultivating a detached attitude.
Living with Faith and Devotion
Maintain unwavering faith and devotion in all circumstances. Trust in the Divine plan and surrender to the Supreme will lead to peace and liberation.
Obstacles & Misconceptions
Misunderstanding the Nature of the Divine
Many mistake the imperishable Brahman for static emptiness. Krishna clarifies that Brahman is conscious eternal and beyond limited forms.
Overvaluing Intellectual Knowledge
Thinking that knowing many verses or scriptures is the goal when inner transformation and devotion are equally or more important.
Desire for Immediate Results
Expecting sudden spiritual experiences leads to discouragement steady dedication and patience are essential.
Comparing Devotional Paths
Some compare their spiritual path with others and feel inferior each person’s journey is unique and guided by inner sincerity.
Reliance on External Rituals Only
Thinking ritual or outward worship is enough while ignoring purification of heart intention and surrender.
Deep Insights
The Eternal Supreme Reality
Brahman is beyond time change and decay—a reality that underlies all existence.
Mind’s Final Impression
The strongest habit of remembrance formed in life shapes the final moment of death.
Unity of All Existence
Though bodies change the Self and Supreme are one all beings are part of the same imperishable reality.
Power of Devotion
Devotion has the power to transform intellect into experience and to grant liberation when remembrance is pure.
Transcending Life-Death Cycles
Through remembrance and God-consciousness one transcends the cycles of birth death and rebirth.
Chapter 9 of the Bhagavad Gita is called Raja-Vidya Raja-Guhya Yoga — the Yoga of Royal Knowledge and Royal Secret. In it, Krishna reveals His supreme glories and the path of pure devotion as the highest way to realize the Divine.
This chapter begins with a teaching that is called confidential, profound, spiritual wisdom that liberates from miseries. It’s not just theoretical but directly realizable.
Krishna emphasizes that Arjuna’s non-envy makes him fit to receive this sacred knowledge. Those who harbor envy cannot receive or benefit from it.
The wisdom given here purifies the devotee; it cleanses ignorance, ego, and attachments, bringing clarity, peace and devotion.
For modern readers, this chapter teaches that devotional love (bhakti), humility, and remembering the Divine are more accessible than elaborate rituals. It offers solace and a path for ordinary people.
Chapter 9 of the Bhagavad Gita is titled "Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga meaning "The Yoga of Royal Knowledge and Royal Secret." In this chapter, Lord Krishna reveals the most confidential spiritual wisdom, emphasizing the supremacy of devotion (bhakti) as the path to realizing the Divine.
This knowledge is considered the "king of sciences" because it transcends all other forms of knowledge. It is supremely purifying
Krishna emphasizes that devotion is the highest and simplest path to attain union with the Supreme. He reveals that even a simple offering made with love and devotion is accepted by Him.
Krishna explains that He is the ultimate cause of the universe
Krishna stresses the importance of faith and surrender in spiritual practice. Those who surrender to Him with unwavering devotion are freed from the bondage of material existence.
Krishna explains that He pervades all beings in an unmanifested form, yet remains unattached by them — like wind in space.
Sustainer & DissolverAt the beginning of creation He manifests all life, at the dissolution He absorbs all again. The cycle of creation-dissolution continues under His will.
The unmanifest (avyakta) is primary. All manifest things arise from it, yet the Divine remains beyond change and decay.
Although everything is under His power, Krishna remains detached; He works through His material energy (Prakriti), and His Yogamaya hides His full nature from those who don’t seek.
He promises that those who approach Him with devotion, He protects, sustains, and does not let them perish — treating them as friend, father, refuge.
Krishna says even the simplest things — a leaf, flower, fruit, or water offered with love — are accepted when devotion is present.
Those whose minds are fixed exclusively on Him, worship Him with faith, engage in His praise, and surrender to Him achieve the most intimate union.
While rituals and Vedic ceremonies have some value, pure devotion without ritualistic motivation is superior in spiritual value.
Krishna encourages constant devotion, remembrance, meditating on His name, and surrender — not occasional worship — as the path of bhakti.
True devotees see God as protector, sustainer, and bestower of grace — someone to whom one can surrender fully with trust.
Even if someone has committed many wrongs, sincere devotion can purify them and bring them close to God.
Krishna maintains impartiality toward all beings – those who worship Him with faith are accepted, regardless of their past.
Krishna asks that mind, body, actions, and thoughts be dedicated entirely to Him; everything offered becomes act of devotion.
Those who single-mindedly worship Him, fix their mind and surrender, they go to His abode and abide in Him forever.
Devotion shields the devotee from the cycles of birth and death, from fear and sorrow; God sustains what they lack and preserves them.
Simple daily practices: remember God’s name, offer small acts, serve others, live morally, and thank God in everyday life.
When devotion grows, a devotee begins to see the Divine in all people, nature, and daily experiences. This expands compassion and purity.
Perform actions, give, worship not for reward but simply as offering to the Divine; this purifies heart.
The attitude matters: humility, genuine love, surrender are more important than formality or external ritual.
Krishna clarifies common misconceptions: that God is far, rituals alone earn merit, or that one must be perfect to begin — faith dispels these.
Chapter 9 emphasizes that devotion, knowledge, and surrender together lead to liberation; God is everywhere, yet personal; sincere worship transforms life.
Krishna assures that those who worship Him with pure faith are protected, their desires taken care of, and they ultimately reach His eternal presence.
Readers are encouraged to start cultivation of devotion, trust in God, offering of daily life, and remembering Him especially in challenges, as the path shown in this chapter.
Krishna introduces the essence of Raja Vidya—the Royal Knowledge—as the most exalted and transformative wisdom available to the human soul. He calls it "the king of sciences and the king of secrets
At the beginning of creation the Supreme Lord creates innumerable life-forms with His material energy. At dissolution He absorbs them back into Himself and in the next cycle of creation He manifests them again.
Krishna explains that although He pervades all beings He remains aloof and detached from all activities as a neutral observer by His divine Yogmaya power.
Krishna classifies devotees into four kinds: those in distress those desiring material gain sincere seekers of knowledge and the wise who love God for His own sake. Among these the wise devotee who loves Him without ulterior motives is most dear to Him.
Krishna assures that those who worship Him with unwavering devotion offering even a leaf a flower fruit or water are accepted by Him. Such offerings made with love and devotion are purifying and lead to liberation.
Train the mind through chanting prayer or meditation to remember God throughout life. This practice helps in cultivating a constant connection with the Divine.
Engage in selfless actions as offerings to the Divine. By performing duties without attachment to results one purifies the mind and progresses on the spiritual path.
Practice surrender by dedicating all actions and thoughts to the Divine. This attitude leads to liberation and freedom from the cycle of birth and death.
Reflect on the transient nature of life and the eternal nature of the soul. This understanding helps in reducing attachments and cultivating a detached attitude.
Maintain unwavering faith and devotion in all circumstances. Trust in the Divine plan and surrender to the Supreme will lead to peace and liberation.
Many mistake the imperishable Brahman for static emptiness. Krishna clarifies that Brahman is conscious eternal and beyond limited forms.
Thinking that knowing many verses or scriptures is the goal when inner transformation and devotion are equally or more important.
Expecting sudden spiritual experiences leads to discouragement steady dedication and patience are essential.
Some compare their spiritual path with others and feel inferior each person’s journey is unique and guided by inner sincerity.
Thinking ritual or outward worship is enough while ignoring purification of heart intention and surrender.
Brahman is beyond time change and decay—a reality that underlies all existence.
The strongest habit of remembrance formed in life shapes the final moment of death.
Though bodies change the Self and Supreme are one all beings are part of the same imperishable reality.
Devotion has the power to transform intellect into experience and to grant liberation when remembrance is pure.
Through remembrance and God-consciousness one transcends the cycles of birth death and rebirth.
