Question

What kind of faith (Shraddha) is possessed by those devotees whom Lord Krishna considers 'Yuktatama' (most perfectly united with Him)?

• A. Paraya (Supreme/Transcendental)
• B. Aparaya (Non-supreme/Lower)
• C. Manasikya (Mental)
• D. Paralaukikya (Other-worldly)

Hint:

Look for the phrase "Parayopetah" in the Sanskrit text of Gita 12.2. In the Gita, "Para" usually denotes the highest, transcendental, or supreme quality.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
At the beginning of Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna asks Krishna who is superior: those who worship the unmanifest (Akshara/Nirguna) or those who worship Krishna as a personal God (Saguna) with devotion. Krishna responds by defining the qualities of the "most perfect" yogi or devotee (Yuktatama).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In Bhagavad Gita 12.2, Lord Krishna says:
"mayy āveśya mano ye māṃ nitya-yuktā upāsate |
śraddhayā parayopetās te me yuktatamā matāḥ ||"
Translation: "Those who fix their minds on Me and always worship Me with supreme faith (Paraya Shraddhaya), I consider them to be the most perfectly united with Me (Yuktatamah)."
'Para Shraddha' refers to transcendental faith that is unshakable and unalloyed by material desires or intellectual doubts. It is the highest form of devotion where the devotee sees the Divine as the ultimate goal and refuge.
- Aparaya (Option B) refers to lower faith, often driven by fear or desire for worldly gain.
- Manasikya (Option C) and Paralaukikya (Option D) are descriptive terms but are not the technical adjectives used by Krishna in the Gita to define the 'Yuktatama' devotee. The word "Paraya" specifically indicates the quality of faith that leads to direct union with the Supreme.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The devotees endowed with Paraya (supreme) faith are called Yuktatama.