Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Meaning — Jnana Vijnana Yoga Explained
Complete Summary, Spiritual Analysis and Hidden Knowledge
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 explains the science of devotion, the role of material nature (Trigun Maya), and the difference between temporary gods and the eternal Supreme God. It reveals why worship of Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and other deities leads only to temporary results, and how true liberation is possible only through complete spiritual knowledge and devotion to Param Akshar Brahm.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Analysis — True Knowledge vs False Devotion
In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7, verses 12–15 and 20–23, devotion to the three qualities (Trigun Maya)—namely Rajgun Brahma, Satgun Vishnu, Tamgun Shiva, and other gods and goddesses—is declared futile. Those who worship them are described as people with demonic nature, low among humans, engaged in impure actions, and ignorant fools**.
In Chapter 7, verses 16–18, the Gita’s speaker (the giver of Gita knowledge) explains the types of devotees and the spiritual destination attained through his worship. He states that four types of devotees worship him:
- The distressed
- The seeker of wealth
- The inquisitive
- The knowledgeable
Among these, the knowledgeable devotee is considered superior and dear to him because such a person does not worship other deities and worships only Brahm.
However, due to the absence of true Tatvagyan (complete spiritual knowledge), even these noble knowledgeable souls remain confined to the inferior (low-grade) salvation of the Gita’s speaker. This is because the Gita’s speaker himself states in:
- Gita 4:5
- Gita 2:12
- Gita 10:2
that he is perishable and subject to birth and death. As a result, the devotee also remains trapped in the cycle of birth and death.
Therefore, in Gita 18:62, the Gita’s speaker instructs Arjun to seek refuge in another Supreme God, by whose grace one can attain Supreme Peace and the Eternal Supreme Abode (Shashvat Sthan).
As long as birth and death continue, true peace is impossible. Only when birth and death are permanently ended does one attain Supreme Peace.
Rare Knowledge of the Supreme God in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7
In Gita 7:19, it is stated that finding a saint who proclaims the glory and devotion of that Supreme God (Vasudev) is extremely rare.
Further, in Gita 7:29, the Gita’s speaker explains that those who, through his knowledge, take refuge in a Tatvdarshi Saint and strive only to escape old age and death, come to know Tat Brahm, complete spirituality, and all actions.
In Gita Chapter 8, Arjun asks:
“What is Tat Brahm?”
The Gita’s speaker replies in verses 3, 8, 9, 10, 20, 21, and 22 that Tat Brahm is the Param Akshar Brahm, the imperishable Supreme God, who created all beings and the universe and does not perish even when all beings perish. One who worships Him attains Him alone.
Complete Spiritual Knowledge in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7
In Gita 7:1–11, it is said that one who becomes fully absorbed in Brahm gains such complete knowledge that he understands the status of Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Brahm, and Akshar Brahm, and then seeks a Perfect Saint to worship Tat Brahm (the Complete Supreme God).
After understanding this knowledge, nothing else remains to be known.
Among thousands, only one strives for God-realization, and among those, very few recognize that the Gita’s speaker is actually Kaal (Time / Kaal Brahm). Such a seeker then strives intensely to escape the cycle of birth and death.
Prakriti (Durga), Maya and the Creation of the Universe
In Gita 7:4–6, the Gita’s speaker explains his eightfold Maya:
Five elements: earth, water, fire, air, ether
Three inner faculties: mind, intellect, ego
This is inert nature. Beyond this is living Prakriti (Durga), who, in union with Kaal (Brahm), gives birth to:
- Brahma (Rajgun)
- Vishnu (Satgun)
- Shiva (Tamgun)
Later, Durga manifests as Savitri, Lakshmi, and Parvati, marries these three gods, and produces living beings—thus binding souls in the cycle of birth and death.
This is confirmed in Gita 14:3–5, where Kaal Brahm states that:
- Prakriti (Durga) is the womb
- He implants the seed
- All beings are born from this union
Why All Beings Are Bound in the Cycle of Birth and Death
Kabir Sahib says:
“Thirty-three crore gods, sages, and all beings are bound by the rope of Jyoti Niranjan (Kaal).”
This means all beings—gods, humans, sages—are trapped in the karmic noose of Kaal.
Three Gunas Explained — Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva
The three qualities are:
- Rajgun – Brahma
- Satgun – Vishnu
- Tamgun – Shiva
All three are born of Prakriti (Durga) and are perishable.
This is confirmed in:
- Shiv Puran
- Devi Bhagavat Puran
- Markandeya Puran
All state that Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are not eternal, while Prakriti is eternal, and beyond Prakriti exists the Supreme God.
Meaning of Anuttamam in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7
Some argue that “Anuttamam” means supremely excellent. However, when the Gita’s speaker himself says in 7:18 that his own salvation is Anuttamam, and elsewhere instructs seekers to go to another Supreme God, it becomes clear that:
Anuttamam here means “inferior / not supreme,” not “highest.”
This is confirmed by Gita 15:17, where it is clearly stated:
“Uttam Purush is different from me.”
Thus, the salvation granted by the Supreme God is superior to that of the Gita’s speaker.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Conclusion — The Path to True Liberation
- Worship of Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and other deities does not grant liberation
- Worship of Brahm (Kaal) grants only temporary relief and heaven True liberation is possible only through the Supreme God (Param Akshar Brahm / Satpurush)
- A Tatvdarshi Saint is essential to reveal the correct method of worship Without this knowledge, souls remain trapped in Kaal’s cycle of birth and death
Kabir Sahib declares:
“I am the root, the Creator, the Supreme God, the origin of countless universes.”
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 FAQ — Common Questions Answered
What is the main theme of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7?
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 explains the difference between material worship and true spiritual knowledge, the power of Maya, the hierarchy of divine beings, and the rare path to the Supreme God.
Why is Chapter 7 called Jnana Vijnana Yoga?
It is called Jnana Vijnana Yoga because it teaches both knowledge and realised wisdom and leads the seeker toward complete spiritual understanding.
Who is the giver of knowledge in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7?
The giver of knowledge is the speaker of the Gita, identified as Brahm (Kaal), the ruler of material creation.
What are the four types of devotees described in Chapter 7?
The four types are:
- The distressed
- The seeker of wealth
- The inquisitive
- The knowledgeable
Does worship of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva lead to liberation?
No. Worship of the three gunas does not grant liberation and keeps the soul bound in the cycle of birth and death.
What is Tat Brahm?
Tat Brahm is Param Akshar Brahm, the imperishable Supreme God who created all beings and whose worship leads to eternal liberation.
Why is a Tatvdarshi Saint necessary?
A Tatvdarshi Saint reveals the correct method of worship and true spiritual knowledge required for liberation.
What is Maya according to Chapter 7?
Maya is the eightfold material nature that binds souls to karmic bondage and repeated birth and death.
Who is Prakriti (Durga)?
Prakriti is Goddess Durga who gives birth to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva in union with Kaal.
Who is Kaal?
Kaal is Brahm, the ruler of material creation who binds all beings in karmic bondage.
What does “Anuttamam” mean in Gita 7:18?
It means inferior or not supreme, referring to the low-grade salvation granted by the Gita’s speaker.
Who is the Supreme God?
The Supreme God is Param Akshar Brahm (Satpurush), who resides beyond Prakriti and Kaal.
What is the final goal taught in Chapter 7?
The final goal is liberation from birth and death and attainment of the Eternal Supreme Abode.
Why is true knowledge rare?
Because only rare seekers strive beyond Maya and recognise the true Supreme God.
What is the Eternal Supreme Abode?
It is the Shashvat Sthan, the eternal realm of the Supreme God.
Final Teaching of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 reveals the hidden structure of creation, the bondage of Maya, and the rare path to the Supreme God. Only through true knowledge and guidance of a Tatvdarshi Saint can the soul escape Kaal’s cycle of birth and death and attain eternal liberation.