The Yoga of Royal Knowledge and Royal Secret

Krishna reveals the Supreme's inclusivity: 'Ye 'py anya-devatā-bhaktā yajante śraddhayānvitāḥ'—even (api) those (ye) who are devotees of other gods (anya-devatā-bhaktāḥ), endowed with (anvitāḥ) faith (śraddhayā), worship (yajante). 'Te 'pi mām eva kaunteya yajanty avidhi-pūrvakam'—they (te api), O Arjuna (kaunteya), worship (yajanti) Me alone (mām eva), though in an improper way (avidhi-pūrvakam). This reveals the Supreme's all-pervasiveness: all worship reaches Him, even if done to other gods. Those who worship other gods with faith are actually worshiping the Supreme, but in an improper way. They don't know it's the Supreme—they think they're worshiping other gods. But the Supreme accepts all worship—it all reaches Him. This is the Supreme's compassion: He accepts all worship, even if done improperly. This is why devotion to the Supreme is superior: it's direct, not indirect.