FolioCorpusBhagavad-gītā

Bhagavad-gītā 9.32

మాం హి పార్థ వ్యపాశ్రిత్య యేఽపి స్యు: పాపయోనయ: । స్త్రియో వైశ్యాస్తథా శ‍ూద్రాస్తేఽపి యాన్తి పరాం గతిమ్ ॥ ౩౨ ॥
māṁ hi pārtha vyapāśritya
[maam hi paartha vyapaashritya]
ye ’pi syuḥ pāpa-yonayaḥ
[ye ’pi syuh paapa-yonayah]
striyo vaiśyās tathā śūdrās
[striyo vaishyaas tathaa shoodraas]
te ’pi yānti parāṁ gatim
[te ’pi yaanti paraam gatim]
Word-for-word
mām — of Me hi — certainly pārtha — O son of Pṛthā vyapāśritya — particularly taking shelter ye — those who api — also syuḥ — are pāpa - yonayaḥ — born of a lower family striyaḥ — women vaiśyāḥ — mercantile people tathā — also śūdrāḥ — lower-class men te api — even they yānti — go parām — to the supreme gatim — destination .
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
māṁ hi pārtha vyapāśritya
mām
of Me
hi
certainly
pārtha
O son of Pṛthā
vyapāśritya
particularly taking shelter
ye ’pi syuḥ pāpa-yonayaḥ
ye
those who
api
also
striyo vaiśyās tathā śūdrās
syuḥ
are
te ’pi yānti parāṁ gatim
pāpa - yonayaḥ
born of a lower family
striyaḥ
women
vaiśyāḥ
mercantile people
tathā
also
śūdrāḥ
lower-class men
te api
even they
yānti
go
parām
to the supreme
gatim
destination .
Important Words
  • vyapāśritya — having taken full shelter
    Vi + apa + ā + √śri — taking shelter completely, in every direction. A stronger compound than mere āśritya. The shelter is total, not partial — the entire being placed under His protection.
  • pāpa - yonayaḥ — those of lower birth
    Pāpa (sin) + yoni (womb, source). 'Sin-wombs' — those whose birth circumstances are classified low by Vedic social schema. The verse names the category bluntly, not euphemistically, then refuses to let it exclude.
  • striyaḥ — women
    Women, named explicitly. In a society where Vedic study was sometimes restricted to twice-born men, Kṛṣṇa's verse opens the supreme destination to women — not through ritual reform but through the bhakti channel directly. The path bypasses ritual exclusion entirely.
  • vaiśyāḥ — merchants
    The third varṇa, traditionally given limited Vedic access. Named here as candidates for parām gatim through bhakti. The verse equalizes downward — the lower three categories explicitly.
  • śūdrāḥ — workers
    The fourth varṇa, traditionally given the least Vedic access. Named explicitly. Kṛṣṇa is not reforming varṇāśrama; He is opening a parallel channel that does not run through varṇāśrama at all.
  • parām — supreme
    The very topmost. Not 'a higher destination,' not 'an intermediate one' — parām. The verse refuses to settle for a middling reward; it sets the lowliest by birth on the most direct line to the highest goal.
  • gatim — destination
    From √gam — that to which one goes. Same word as gatiḥ in 9.18. The destination of the soul. The bypass of birth-class is total: even pāpa-yoni-born, through vyapāśritya, reach this gati.
O son of Pṛthā, those who take shelter in Me, though they be of lower birth – women, vaiśyas [merchants] and śūdras [workers] – can attain the supreme destination.
Purport

It is clearly declared here by the Supreme Lord that in devotional service there is no distinction between the lower and higher classes of people. In the material conception of life there are such divisions, but for a person engaged in transcendental devotional service to the Lord there are not. Everyone is eligible for the supreme destination. In the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.4.18) it is stated that even the lowest, who are called caṇḍālas (dog-eaters), can be purified by association with a pure devotee. Therefore devotional service and the guidance of a pure devotee are so strong that there is no discrimination between the lower and higher classes of men; anyone can take to it. The most simple man taking shelter of the pure devotee can be purified by proper guidance. According to the different modes of material nature, men are classified in the mode of goodness ( brāhmaṇas ), the mode of passion ( kṣatriyas, or administrators), the mixed modes of passion and ignorance ( vaiśyas, or merchants), and the mode of ignorance ( śūdras, or workers). Those lower than them are called caṇḍālas, and they are born in sinful families. Generally, the association of those born in sinful families is not accepted by the higher classes. But the process of devotional service is so strong that the pure devotee of the Supreme Lord can enable people of all the lower classes to attain the highest perfection of life. This is possible only when one takes shelter of Kṛṣṇa. As indicated here by the word vyapāśritya, one has to take shelter completely of Kṛṣṇa. Then one can become much greater than great jñānīs and yogīs.

— A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
32. Women, vaiśyas and śūdrās, and even the outcastes, if they surrender to Me, attain the supreme goal.
Commentary

Is it so remarkable that My bhakti does not consider the accidental faults arising by actions of My misbehaving devotee? For My bhakti does not even consider the inherent faults of such a person which arise from his very birth. Even those of sinful birth (papa-yonayaḥ), outcastes or mlecchas, who surrender to Me, attain the supreme goal. kirāta-hūṇāndhra-pulinda-pulkaśā ābhīra-śumbhā yavanāḥ khasādayaḥ ye’nye ca pāpā yad-apāśrayāśrayāḥ śudhyanti tasmai prabhaviṣṇave namaḥ Kirāta, Huṇa, Āndhra, Pulinda, Pulkaśa, Ābhīra, Śumbha, Yavana, members of the Khasa races and even others addicted to sinful acts can be purified by taking shelter of the devotees of the Lord, due to His being the supreme power. I beg to offer my respectful obeisances unto Him. SB 2.4.18 aho bata śva-paco ’to garīyān yaj-jihvāgre vartate nāma tubhyam tepus tapas te juhuvuḥ sasnur āryā brahmānūcur nāma gṛṇanti ye te Oh, how glorious are they whose tongues are chanting Your holy name! Even if born in the families of dog-eaters, such persons are worshipable. Persons who chant the holy name of Your Lordship must have executed all kinds of austerities and fire sacrifices and achieved all the good manners of the Āryans. To be chanting the holy name of Your Lordship, they must have bathed at holy places of pilgrimage, studied the Vedas and fulfilled everything required. SB 3.33.7 What then to speak of women, vaiśyas or others who are impure or subject to bad qualities such as lying?

Baladeva Vidyābhūṣaṇa Gauḍīya
Translation
32. Even those born in sinful situations, such as women, vaiśyas and śūdas, and even the outcastes, if they surrender to Me, attain Me, the supreme goal.
Commentary

“Going to the assembly of disputers with the loud sound of kettle drums, raising your arms, without fear, declare that I, the Supreme Lord, will purify My exclusive devotees of incidental sins.” “What is so remarkable about purifying those devotees who commit accidental or occasional sin?” “Even those who are the most sinful (and are not My devotees), by devotee association, become completely freed of ignorance, and become specially liberated.” That is expressed in this verse. “Even those of very sinful birth, outcastes (papa yonayaḥ), who have a natural inclination to sin, taking shelter of Me, the Lord of all, the son of Vasudeva, by association with My devotees, attain the supreme state (gatim). They attain Me, which is rare even for yogīs (param). This is certain.” Śukadeva says: kirāta-hūṇāndhra-pulinda-pulkaśā ābhīra-śumbhā yavanāḥ khasādayaḥ ye’nye ca pāpā yad-apāśrayāśrayāḥ śudhyanti tasmai prabhaviṣṇave namaḥ Kirāta, Hūṇa, Āndhra, Pulinda, Pulkaśa, Ābhīra, Śumbha, Yavana, members of the Khasa races and even others addicted to sinful acts can be purified by taking shelter of the devotees of the Lord, due to His being the supreme power. I beg to offer my respectful obeisances unto Him. SB 2.4.18 In mentioning women, śūdras and vaiśyas, the Lord indicates that all those who are impure or have disagreeable qualities (by nature), by taking to devotional service, will attain the Lord.

Bhūrijana Dāsa Gauḍīya
Commentary

Those of lower birth can be purified what to speak of those of high class.

Study Notes — Gauranga Priya Dāsa
Gauranga Priya Dāsa Study
Bhakti-śāstrī Notes, ISKCON Chowpatty (2009)
Theme

Even unqualified classes also achieve Krishna by His mercy

e.g. Women, Vaisyas and Sudras LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 9.32 & 9.33: The next verse describes those who have taken higher birth
Classical Ācāryas
Śrī Śaṅkarācārya Classical
Translation
9.32 Hi, for; O son of Prtha, ye api, even those; papayonayah syuh, who are born of sin;-as to who they are, the Lord says-striyah, women; vaisyah, Vaisyas, tatha, as also; sudrah, Sudras; te api, even they; yanti, reach, go to; the param, highest; gatim, Goal vyapasritya, by taking shelter; mam, under Me-by accepting Me as their refuge.
Śrī Rāmānujācārya Classical
Translation
9.32 - 9.33 Women, Vaisyas and Sudras, and even those who are of sinful birth, can attain the supreme state by taking refuge in Me. How much more then the well-born Brahmanas and royal sages who are devoted to me! Therefore, roayl sage that you are, do worship Me, as you have come to this transient and joyless world stricken by the threefold afflictions. Sri Krsna now describes the nature of Bhakti:
Śrī Abhinavagupta Classical
Translation
9.32 See Comment under 9.34
Swami Sivananda Classical
Translation
9.32 For, taking refuge in Me, they also who, O Arjuna, may be of a sinful birth women, Vaisyas as well as Sudras attain the Supreme Goal.
Commentary

9.32 माम् Me? हि indeed? पार्थ O Partha? व्यपाश्रित्य taking refuge in? ये who? अपि even? स्युः may be? पापयोनयः of sinful birth? स्त्रियः women? वैश्याः Vaisyas? तथा also? शूद्राः Sudras? ते they? अपि also? यान्ति attain? पराम् the Supreme? गतिम् Goal.Commentary Chandalas or outcastes are of a sinful birth. Women and Sudras are darred by social rules from the study of the Vedas. What is wanted is devotion. There is no need for family traditions. The elephant Gajendra remembered Me with devotion and attained Me in spite of his being an animal. The lowest of the low and the vilest of the vile can attain Me if they have faith and devotion? if they sing and repeat My Name and if they think of Me always and think of no worldy object.Prahlada was a demon and yet by his devotion forced Me to incarnate as Narasimha. Birth is immaterial. Devotion is everything. The Gopis attained Me through their devotion. Kamsa and Ravana attained Me through fear. Sisupala reached Me through hatred. Narada? Dhruva? Akrura? Suka? Sanatkumara and others attined Me through their devotion. Nandan? a man of low caste but a great devotee of Lord Siva? had direct vision of the Lord in Chidambaram in South India. Raidas? a cobbler? was a great devotee. In the spiritual life or in the Adhyatmic sphere all the external distinctions of caste? colour and creed disappear altogether. Shabari? though a Bhilni (a tribe) by birth? was a great devotee of Lord Rama.Hindu scriptures are full of such instances. Hinduism does not restrict salvation to any one group or section of humanity. All can attain God if they have devotion.

Swami Gambhīrānanda Classical
Translation
9.32 For, O son of Prtha, even those who are born of sin-women, Vaisyas, as also Sudras [S.'s construction of this portion is: women, Vaisyas as also Sudras, and even others who are born of sin (i.e., those who are born low and are of vile deeds, viz Mlecchas, Pukkasas and others). M.S. also takes papa-yonayah (born of sin) as a separate phrase, and classifies women and others only as those darred from Vedic study, etc.-Tr.]-, even they reach the highest Goal by taking shelter under Me.
Shri Purohit Swami Classical
Translation
9.32 For even the children of sinful parents, and those miscalled the weaker sex, and merchants, and labourers, if only they will make Me their refuge, they shall attain the Highest.
Related values & verses
Related values
Tyaga (Renunciation / Letting Go)Karuna (Kindness / Compassion)Ahimsa (Non-violence / Compassion)Tapas (Austerity / Discipline)Guru Bhakti (Reverence for Teacher)Atma Nigraha (Self-control)Daksya (Resourcefulness / Skill)Maitri (Friendship / Goodwill)Abhaya (Fearlessness)
Related verses
BG 9.30 BG 4.13 BG 18.66 SB 2.4.18 SB 7.7.54 SB 1.2.7 CC Madhya 19.71 CC Antya 4.67 CC Madhya 22.26 Chāndogya Upaniṣad 4.2.3BRS 1.2.22
Study Q&A referencing this verse
Related lectures
Personal Guidance
Those who take shelter in Me — even of low birth, even women, vaiśyas, and śūdras — also approach the supreme destination.
Practical Applications
  • Recognize the universal accessibility of Kṛṣṇa.
  • Don't disqualify yourself by social category.
  • Don't disqualify others either.
Reflection Questions
  • Where have I implicitly accepted social spiritual hierarchies that Kṛṣṇa rejects?
  • What does His universality require of me?
Analogy

The kingdom's main road and a forest footpath both run east. The royal carriage on the main road and the woman with a basket on the footpath are heading to the same capital. Birth-class is a road; bhakti is the direction. Whoever turns east — vyapāśritya Mām — reaches the capital, regardless of which path his birth happened to set him on. Param gatim does not check the path.

Stories
Śabarī of the forest

Śabarī, a tribal woman of the Niṣāda community — classed as below the four varṇas by the social mind of her age — lived in the forest waiting for Rāma. Her guru Mātaṅga had told her that Rāma would one day pass that way. For decades she swept the path daily and tasted each berry to set aside only the sweetest for Him.

When Rāma finally arrived, He ate the half-bitten berries with delight and gave her mokṣa on the spot. Pāpa-yoni in social classification, parām gatim in destination. The verse 9.32 is Śabarī's biography in seven words.

Mīrābāī and Sajjana Bāī

Mīrā, born into Rajput royalty but in the verse's classification 'a woman,' was among the great bhakti-paramparā saints of medieval India. Her songs travel today through schools that her caste was never admitted to. Around her gathered women of every social tier, including Sajjana Bāī and other devotee-companions who would have been excluded from Vedic learning by birth.

The verse 9.32 makes their reception scriptural, not exceptional. Striyaḥ — women — are named explicitly. Kṛṣṇa Himself shuts the door against the snobbery the verse's audience might have brought.

📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

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