Patram Pushpam Phalam Toyam (Bhagavad Gita 9.26) — Word-by-Word Meaning
पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
पत्रम्
patram
a leaf
पुष्पम्
puṣhpam
a flower
फलम्
phalam
a fruit
तोयम्
toyam
water
यः
yaḥ
whoever
मे
me
to Me
भक्त्या
bhaktyā
with devotion
प्रयच्छति
prayachchhati
offers
तत्
tat
that
अहम्
aham
I
भक्ति-उपहृतम्
bhakti-upahṛitam
offered with devotion
अश्नामि
aśhnāmi
accept, partake of
प्रयतात्मनः
prayata-ātmanaḥ
of the pure-minded, one of pure consciousness
Complete Translation
Whoever offers Me with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or a little water, that, so offered devotedly by the pure-minded, I accept.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9, Verse 26
Author: Veda Vyasa (Lord Krishna's teaching)
Period: Itihasa (Mahabharata)
In the ninth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, the Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga — the most confidential knowledge — Lord Krishna reveals the glory of pure devotion. In this verse he assures Arjuna that he personally accepts even the simplest offering of a leaf, flower, fruit or water when it is given with love by a pure-hearted devotee, making bhakti the easiest and most cherished path to him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Patram Pushpam Phalam Toyam?▼
From Bhagavad Gita 9.26, it means: 'Whoever offers Me with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water — that offering, made with love by a pure heart, I accept.' Krishna teaches that he receives even the humblest gift when given with sincere devotion.
When is this verse chanted in worship?▼
It is traditionally chanted while offering naivedya — food, flowers, fruit, a tulsi leaf or water — to the deity during puja. It dedicates the offering to God and affirms that the love behind it is what matters most.
What is the deeper teaching of this verse?▼
It teaches that God does not need grand or expensive offerings; he responds to the purity and love of the heart. The simplest devotee, offering only a leaf or a sip of water with true bhakti, is as dear to the Lord as anyone — making devotion universal and accessible.
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