Interpretation

Even religious practice becomes corrupted by the demoniac nature. Self-conceited (atma-sambhavitah — thinking themselves the best), stubborn and rigid (stabdha), intoxicated with wealth and pride, these people perform yajnas (sacrifices) in name only — the external form without the inner spirit. Their motivation is not devotion but display: dambhena — through hypocrisy, to be seen as pious. And they don't even bother to follow the proper methods (avidhi-purvakam) — the performance serves the ego, not the Divine. Empty religiosity for social status is among the most subtle forms of the demoniac quality.