chapter 11
भगवद्गीता
Chapter – 11
Viśvarūpa-Darśana-Yoga
Verse 11.1
Sanskrit
अर्जुन उवाच |
मदनुग्रहाय परमं गुह्यमध्यात्मसंज्ञितम् |
यत्त्वयोक्तं वचस्तेन मोहोऽयं विगतो मम || १ ||
Transliteration
arjuna uvāca |
mad-anugrahāya paramaṁ guhyam adhyātma-saṁjñitam |
yat tvayoktaṁ vacas tena moho’yaṁ vigato mama ||
English Translation
Arjuna said: By the words You have spoken for my sake, the supreme secret called spiritual knowledge, this delusion of mine has departed.
Explanation
Arjuna begins Chapter 11, addressing Krishna: "mad-anugrahāya" (for my sake), "paramam guhyam adhyātma-saṁjñitam" (supreme secret called spiritual knowledge), "yat vacaḥ tvayā uktam" (words You have spoken), "tena ayam mohaḥ vigataḥ mama" (by that, this delusion of mine has departed). Krishna’s teachings (Chapters 7-10) have dispelled his confusion.
Key Concepts
Krishna’s wisdom is a gift.
It removes Arjuna’s doubts.
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Verse 11.2
Sanskrit
भवाप्ययौ हि भूतानां श्रुतौ विस्तरशो मया |
त्वत्तः कमलपत्राक्ष माहात्म्यमपि चाव्ययम् || २ ||
Transliteration
bhavāpyayau hi bhūtānāṁ śrutau vistaraśo mayā |
tvattaḥ kamala-patrākṣa māhātmyam api cāvyayam ||
English Translation
For I have heard in detail from You, O lotus-eyed one, of the origin and dissolution of beings, and also of Your imperishable glory.
Explanation
Arjuna, addressing Krishna as "kamala-patrākṣa" (lotus-eyed), acknowledges: "bhavāpyayau bhūtānām" (origin and dissolution of beings), "śrutau vistaraśaḥ mayā tvattaḥ" (I’ve heard in detail from You), "māhātmyam api ca avyayam" (and Your imperishable glory). He reflects on Krishna’s cosmic role and majesty from prior chapters.
Key Concepts
Arjuna grasps creation’s cycle.
Krishna’s glory is eternal.
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Verse 11.3
Sanskrit
एवमेतद्यथात्थ त्वमात्मानं परमेश्वर |
द्रष्टुमिच्छामि ते रूपमैश्वरं पुरुषोत्तम || ३ ||
Transliteration
evam etad yathāttha tvam ātmānaṁ parameśvara |
draṣṭum icchāmi te rūpam aiśvaraṁ puruṣottama ||
English Translation
Thus it is as You have described Yourself, O Supreme Lord; I desire to see Your divine form, O Supreme Person.
Explanation
Arjuna, addressing "parameśvara" (Supreme Lord) and "puruṣottama" (Supreme Person), says: "evam etat yathā tvam āttha ātmānam" (thus it is as You described Yourself), "icchāmi draṣṭum" (I desire to see) "te rūpam aiśvaram" (Your divine form). He seeks to witness Krishna’s glory visually, beyond words.
Key Concepts
Arjuna trusts Krishna’s self-revelation.
He yearns for direct vision.
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Verse 11.4
Sanskrit
मन्यसे यदि तच्छक्यं मया द्रष्टुमिति प्रभो |
योगेश्वर ततो मे त्वं दर्शयात्मानमव्ययम् || ४ ||
Transliteration
manyase yadi tac chakyaṁ mayā draṣṭum iti prabho |
yogeśvara tato me tvaṁ darśayātmānam avyayam ||
English Translation
If You think it possible for me to see it, O Lord, then, O Lord of Yoga, show me Your imperishable Self.
Explanation
Arjuna, addressing "prabho" (Lord) and "yogeśvara" (Lord of Yoga), requests: "yadi manyase" (if You think) "tat śakyam mayā draṣṭum" (it’s possible for me to see), "tataḥ tvaṁ darśaya me" (then show me) "ātmānam avyayam" (Your imperishable Self). He respectfully seeks Krishna’s divine form, deferring to his will.
Key Concepts
Arjuna seeks with humility.
He desires the eternal vision.
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Verse 11.5
Sanskrit
श्रीभगवानुवाच |
पश्य मे पार्थ रूपाणि शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः |
नानाविधानि दिव्यानि नानावर्णाकृतीनि च || ५ ||
Transliteration
śrī-bhagavān uvāca |
paśya me pārtha rūpāṇi śataśo’tha sahasraśaḥ |
nānā-vidhāni divyāni nānā-varṇākṛtīni ca ||
English Translation
The Blessed Lord said: Behold, O Partha, My forms, hundreds and thousands, of various kinds, divine, and of diverse colors and shapes.
Explanation
Krishna ("śrī-bhagavān"), addressing "pārtha," responds: "paśya me rūpāṇi" (behold My forms), "śataśaḥ atha sahasraśaḥ" (hundreds and thousands), "nānā-vidhāni divyāni" (various kinds, divine), "nānā-varṇa-ākṛtīni ca" (diverse colors and shapes). He grants Arjuna’s wish, unveiling his vast, divine multiplicity.
Key Concepts
Krishna’s forms are countless, divine.
Variety defines his glory.
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Verse 11.6
Sanskrit
पश्यादित्यान्वसून्रुद्रानश्विनौ मरुतस्तथा |
बहून्यदृष्टपूर्वाणि पश्याश्चर्याणि भारत || ६ ||
Transliteration
paśyādityān vasūn rudrān aśvinau marutas tathā |
bahūny adṛṣṭa-pūrvāṇi paśyāścaryāṇi bhārata ||
English Translation
Behold the Adityas, Vasus, Rudras, Ashvins, and Maruts too, O Bharata; see many wonders never seen before.
Explanation
Krishna, addressing "bhārata," specifies: "paśya ādityān vasūn rudrān" (behold Adityas, Vasus, Rudras), "aśvinau marutaḥ tathā" (Ashvins, Maruts too), "bahūni adṛṣṭa-pūrvāṇi āścaryāṇi paśya" (see many unseen-before wonders). He invites Arjuna to witness divine beings and marvels within his form.
Key Concepts
Cosmic deities appear in Krishna.
Wonders unfold anew.
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Verse 11.7
Sanskrit
इहैकस्थं जगत्कृत्स्नं पश्याद्य सचराचरम् |
मम देहे गुडाकेश यच्चान्यद् द्रष्टुमिच्छसि || ७ ||
Transliteration
ihaika-sthaṁ jagat kṛtsnaṁ paśyādya sa-carācaram |
mama dehe guḍākeśa yac cānyad draṣṭum icchasi ||
English Translation
Here, in one place, behold the entire world, moving and unmoving, in My body, O Gudakesha, and whatever else you wish to see.
Explanation
Krishna, addressing "guḍākeśa," says: "paśya adya" (behold now), "jagat kṛtsnam" (entire world), "sa-carācaram" (moving and unmoving), "iha eka-stham" (here in one place), "mama dehe" (in My body), "yat ca anyat draṣṭum icchasi" (and whatever else you wish to see). His form contains all existence, fulfilling Arjuna’s desires.
Key Concepts
Krishna’s body holds the universe.
All desires are met within.
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Verse 11.8
Sanskrit
न तु मां शक्यसे द्रष्टुमनेनैव स्वचक्षुषा |
दिव्यं ददामि ते चक्षुः पश्य मे योगमैश्वरम् || ८ ||
Transliteration
na tu māṁ śakyase draṣṭum anenaiva sva-cakṣuṣā |
divyaṁ dadāmi te cakṣuḥ paśya me yogam aiśvaram ||
English Translation
But you cannot see Me with these eyes of yours; I give you divine sight—behold My divine Yoga.
Explanation
Krishna cautions: "na tu śakyase draṣṭum mām" (you cannot see Me) "anena eva sva-cakṣuṣā" (with these eyes of yours), "dadāmi te divyam cakṣuḥ" (I give you divine sight), "paśya me yogam aiśvaram" (behold My divine Yoga). Human vision fails; he grants Arjuna supernatural perception for his cosmic form.
Key Concepts
Ordinary eyes can’t see Krishna’s truth.
Divine sight reveals his Yoga.
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Verse 11.9
Sanskrit
सञ्जय उवाच |
एवमुक्त्वा ततो राजन्महायोगेश्वरो हरिः |
दर्शयामास पार्थाय परमं रूपमैश्वरम् || ९ ||
Transliteration
sañjaya uvāca |
evam uktvā tato rājan mahā-yogeśvaro hariḥ |
darśayāmāsa pārthāya paramaṁ rūpam aiśvaram ||
English Translation
Sanjaya said: Having thus spoken, O king, Hari, the great Lord of Yoga, then showed to Partha His supreme divine form.
Explanation
Sanjaya, addressing Dhritarashtra as "rājan" (O king), narrates: "evam uktvā" (having thus spoken), "hariḥ mahā-yogeśvaraḥ" (Hari, great Lord of Yoga), "tataḥ darśayāmāsa" (then showed) "pārthāya" (to Partha), "paramam rūpam aiśvaram" (supreme divine form). Krishna fulfills his promise, revealing his cosmic visage.
Key Concepts
Sanjaya recounts the vision’s start.
Krishna’s divine form emerges.
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Verse 11.10
Sanskrit
अनेकवक्त्रनयनमनेकाद्भुतदर्शनम् |
अनेकदिव्याभरणं दिव्यानेकोद्यतायुधम् || १० ||
Transliteration
aneka-vaktra-nayanam anekādbhuta-darśanam |
aneka-divyābharaṇaṁ divyānekodyatāyudham ||
English Translation
With many mouths and eyes, many wondrous sights, many divine ornaments, and many divine uplifted weapons,
Explanation
Sanjaya describes: "aneka-vaktra-nayanam" (many mouths and eyes), "aneka-adbhuta-darśanam" (many wondrous sights), "aneka-divya-ābharaṇam" (many divine ornaments), "divya-aneka-udyata-āyudham" (many divine uplifted weapons). Krishna’s form is vast, multi-faceted, adorned, and armed, awe-inspiring in its grandeur.
Key Concepts
Krishna’s form is infinitely diverse.
It’s divine and formidable.
Verse 11.11
Sanskrit
दिव्यमाल्याम्बरधरं दिव्यगन्धानुलेपनम् |
सर्वाश्चर्यमयं देवमनन्तं विश्वतोमुखम् || ११ ||
Transliteration
divya-mālyāmbara-dharaṁ divya-gandhānulepanam |
sarvāścarya-mayaṁ devam anantaṁ viśvato-mukham ||
English Translation
Wearing divine garlands and garments, anointed with divine fragrances, all-wondrous, the divine, infinite, facing all directions.
Explanation
Sanjaya continues describing Krishna’s form: "divya-mālya-ambara-dharam" (wearing divine garlands, garments), "divya-gandha-anulepanam" (anointed with divine fragrances), "sarva-āścarya-mayam" (all-wondrous), "devam" (divine), "anantam" (infinite), "viśvato-mukham" (facing all directions). The vision is adorned, aromatic, and limitless, radiating divinity everywhere.
Key Concepts
Krishna’s form is exquisitely divine.
It’s boundless, omnipresent.
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Verse 11.12
Sanskrit
दिवि सूर्यसहस्रस्य भवेद्युगपदुत्थिता |
यदि भाः सदृशी सा स्याद्भासस्तस्य महात्मनः || १२ ||
Transliteration
divi sūrya-sahasrasya bhaved yugapad utthitā |
yadi bhāḥ sadṛśī sā syād bhāsas tasya mahātmanaḥ ||
English Translation
If a thousand suns were to rise at once in the sky, that radiance might resemble the splendor of that great soul.
Explanation
Sanjaya compares: "divi yugapad utthitā" (if rising at once in the sky), "sūrya-sahasrasya bhāḥ" (radiance of a thousand suns), "yadi sadṛśī sā syāt" (might resemble) "bhāsaḥ tasya mahātmanaḥ" (splendor of that great soul). Krishna’s brilliance surpasses imaginable light, overwhelming in intensity.
Key Concepts
Krishna’s radiance is blindingly vast.
It dwarfs celestial brightness.
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Verse 11.13
Sanskrit
तत्रैकस्थं जगत्कृत्स्नं प्रविभक्तमनेकधा |
अपश्यद्देवदेवस्य शरीरे पाण्डवस्तदा || १३ ||
Transliteration
tatraika-sthaṁ jagat kṛtsnaṁ pravibhaktam anekadhā |
apaśyad deva-devasya śarīre pāṇḍavas tadā ||
English Translation
There, in one place, the Pandava then saw the entire world, divided in manifold ways, in the body of the God of gods.
Explanation
Sanjaya narrates: "tatra eka-stham" (there, in one place), "pāṇḍavaḥ apaśyat" (the Pandava—Arjuna—saw), "jagat kṛtsnam" (entire world), "pravibhaktam anekadhā" (divided in manifold ways), "śarīre deva-devasya" (in the body of the God of gods). Arjuna beholds all creation, segmented yet unified, within Krishna.
Key Concepts
Krishna contains the cosmos diversely.
All is one in his form.
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Verse 11.14
Sanskrit
ततः स विस्मयाविष्टो हृष्टरोमा धनञ्जयः |
प्रणम्य शिरसा देवं कृताञ्जलिरभाषत || १४ ||
Transliteration
tataḥ sa vismayāviṣṭo hṛṣṭa-romā dhanañjayaḥ |
praṇamya śirasā devaṁ kṛtāñjalir abhāṣata ||
English Translation
Then, filled with wonder, with hair standing on end, Dhananjaya, bowing his head to the deity, with joined palms, spoke.
Explanation
Sanjaya describes Arjuna’s reaction: "tataḥ saḥ vismayāviṣṭaḥ" (then he, filled with wonder), "hṛṣṭa-romā" (hair standing on end), "dhanañjayaḥ" (Dhananjaya—Arjuna), "praṇamya śirasā devaṁ" (bowing head to the deity), "kṛtāñjaliḥ abhāṣata" (with joined palms, spoke). Awestruck and reverent, Arjuna responds to the vision.
Key Concepts
Arjuna is overwhelmed, reverent.
Physical awe precedes speech.
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Verse 11.15
Sanskrit
अर्जुन उवाच |
पश्यामि देवांस्तव देव देहे सर्वांस्तथा भूतविशेषसङ्घान् |
ब्रह्माणमीशं कमलासनस्थमृषींश्च सर्वानुरगांश्च दिव्यान् || १५ ||
Transliteration
arjuna uvāca |
paśyāmi devāṁs tava deva dehe sarvāṁs tathā bhūta-viśeṣa-saṅghān |
brahmāṇam īśaṁ kamalāsana-stham ṛṣīṁś ca sarvān uragāṁś ca divyān ||
English Translation
Arjuna said: I see all the gods in Your body, O Deity, and various hosts of beings too, Brahma the Lord seated on the lotus, and all the sages and divine serpents.
Explanation
Arjuna, addressing "deva" (O Deity), begins: "paśyāmi devān tava dehe" (I see gods in Your body), "sarvān bhūta-viśeṣa-saṅghān" (all various hosts of beings), "brahmāṇam īśam kamalāsana-stham" (Brahma, Lord on lotus), "ṛṣīn sarvān" (all sages), "uragān divyān" (divine serpents). He details the cosmic assembly within Krishna.
Key Concepts
Krishna’s form holds all deities, beings.
Brahma, sages, serpents appear.
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Verse 11.16
Sanskrit
अनेकबाहूदरवक्त्रनेत्रं पश्यामि त्वां सर्वतोऽनन्तरूपम् |
नान्तं न मध्यं न पुनस्तवादिं पश्यामि विश्वेश्वर विश्वरूप || १६ ||
Transliteration
aneka-bāhūdaravaktranetraṁ paśyāmi tvāṁ sarvato’nanta-rūpam |
nāntaṁ na madhyaṁ na punas tavādiṁ paśyāmi viśveśvara viśva-rūpa ||
English Translation
I see You with many arms, bellies, mouths, and eyes, infinite in form on all sides; I see no end, middle, or beginning of You, O Lord of the universe, O universal form.
Explanation
Arjuna, addressing "viśveśvara" (Lord of the universe) and "viśva-rūpa" (universal form), says: "paśyāmi tvām" (I see You) "aneka-bāhūdaravaktranetram" (many arms, bellies, mouths, eyes), "sarvataḥ ananta-rūpam" (infinite form on all sides), "na paśyāmi antaṁ madhyam ādim" (see no end, middle, beginning). Krishna’s form is boundless and incomprehensible.
Key Concepts
Krishna’s multiplicity is infinite.
No limits define him.
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Verse 11.17
Sanskrit
किरीटिनं गदिनं चक्रिणं च तेजोराशिं सर्वतो दीप्तिमन्तम् |
पश्यामि त्वां दुर्निरीक्ष्यं समन्ताद्दीप्तानलार्कद्युतिमप्रमेयम् || १७ ||
Transliteration
kirīṭinaṁ gadinaṁ cakriṇaṁ ca tejo-rāśiṁ sarvato dīptimantam |
paśyāmi tvāṁ durnirīkṣyaṁ samantād dīptānalārkadyutim aprameyam ||
English Translation
I see You with crown, mace, and discus, a mass of radiance shining everywhere, hard to behold all around, with the brilliance of blazing fire and sun, immeasurable.
Explanation
Arjuna describes: "paśyāmi tvām" (I see You) "kirīṭinam gadinam cakriṇam" (with crown, mace, discus), "tejo-rāśim sarvataḥ dīptimantam" (mass of radiance shining everywhere), "durnirīkṣyam samantāt" (hard to behold all around), "dīpta-anala-arka-dyutim" (brilliance of blazing fire, sun), "aprameyam" (immeasurable). Krishna’s form dazzles with divine attributes and light.
Key Concepts
Krishna’s form is regally radiant.
Its brilliance defies measure.
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Verse 11.18
Sanskrit
त्वमक्षरं परमं वेदितव्यं त्वमस्य विश्वस्य परं निधानम् |
त्वमव्ययः शाश्वतधर्मगोप्ता सनातनस्त्वं पुरुषो मतो मे || १८ ||
Transliteration
tvam akṣaraṁ paramaṁ veditavyaṁ tvam asya viśvasya paraṁ nidhānam |
tvam avyayaḥ śāśvata-dharma-goptā sanātanas tvaṁ puruṣo mato me ||
English Translation
You are the imperishable, the supreme to be known; You are the ultimate refuge of this universe; You are the eternal protector of everlasting dharma; You are the eternal Person, I consider.
Explanation
Arjuna extols: "tvam akṣaram paramam veditavyam" (You are imperishable, supreme to know), "tvam asya viśvasya param nidhānam" (ultimate refuge of this universe), "tvam avyayaḥ śāśvata-dharma-goptā" (eternal protector of everlasting dharma), "sanātanaḥ puruṣaḥ mataḥ me" (eternal Person, I consider). He perceives Krishna’s supreme, timeless essence.
Key Concepts
Krishna is the ultimate reality.
He upholds eternal dharma.
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Verse 11.19
Sanskrit
अनादिमध्यान्तमनन्तवीर्यमनन्तबाहुं शशिसूर्यनेत्रम् |
पश्यामि त्वां दीप्तहुताशवक्त्रं स्वतेजसा विश्वमिदं तपन्तम् || १९ ||
Transliteration
anādi-madhyāntam ananta-vīryam ananta-bāhuṁ śaśi-sūrya-netram |
paśyāmi tvāṁ dīpta-hutāśa-vaktraṁ sva-tejasā viśvam idaṁ tapantam ||
English Translation
I see You without beginning, middle, or end, of infinite vigor, with countless arms, eyes like the moon and sun, with blazing fire in Your mouths, heating this universe with Your own radiance.
Explanation
Arjuna continues: "paśyāmi tvām" (I see You) "anādi-madhya-antam" (without beginning, middle, end), "ananta-vīryam" (infinite vigor), "ananta-bāhum" (countless arms), "śaśi-sūrya-netram" (moon-sun eyes), "dīpta-hutāśa-vaktram" (blazing fire mouths), "sva-tejasā viśvam tapantam" (heating universe with radiance). Krishna’s form is timeless, powerful, and fiery.
Key Concepts
Krishna’s infinity radiates heat.
His form consumes with splendor.
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Verse 11.20
Sanskrit
द्यावापृथिव्योरिदमन्तरं हि व्याप्तं त्वयैकेन दिशश्च सर्वाः |
दृष्ट्वाद्भुतं रूपमुग्रं तवेदं लोकत्रयं प्रव्यथितं महात्मन् || २० ||
Transliteration
dyāv-āpṛthivyor idam antaraṁ hi vyāptaṁ tvayaikena diśaś ca sarvāḥ |
dṛṣṭvādbhutaṁ rūpam ugraṁ tavedaṁ loka-trayaṁ pravyathitaṁ mahātman ||
English Translation
This space between heaven and earth and all directions is pervaded by You alone; seeing this wondrous, fierce form of Yours, O great soul, the three worlds tremble.
Explanation
Arjuna, addressing "mahātman" (great soul), says: "idam antaram dyāv-āpṛthivyoḥ" (space between heaven and earth), "sarvāḥ diśaḥ" (all directions), "vyāptam tvayā ekena" (pervaded by You alone), "dṛṣṭvā adbhutam ugram rūpam" (seeing wondrous, fierce form), "loka-trayam pravyathitam" (three worlds tremble). Krishna’s vast, terrifying form shakes all existence.
Key Concepts
Krishna fills all space alone.
His fierce glory awes the worlds.
Verse 11.21
Sanskrit
अमी हि त्वां सुरसङ्घा विशन्ति केचिद्भीताः प्राञ्जलयो गृणन्ति |
स्वस्तीत्युक्त्वा महर्षिसिद्धसङ्घाः स्तुवन्ति त्वां स्तुतिभिः पुष्कलाभिः || २१ ||
Transliteration
amī hi tvāṁ sura-saṅghā viśanti kecid bhītāḥ prāñjalayo gṛṇanti |
svastīty uktvā maharṣi-siddha-saṅghāḥ stuvanti tvāṁ stutibhiḥ puṣkalābhiḥ ||
English Translation
Indeed, these hosts of gods enter You; some, in fear, praise You with joined palms; saying “Peace,” the hosts of great sages and perfected ones extol You with abundant hymns.
Explanation
Arjuna observes: "amī sura-saṅghāḥ tvām viśanti" (these hosts of gods enter You), "kecit bhītāḥ prāñjalayaḥ gṛṇanti" (some, in fear, praise with joined palms), "svasti iti uktvā" (saying “Peace”), "maharṣi-siddha-saṅghāḥ" (great sages, perfected ones) "stuvanti tvām puṣkalābhiḥ stutibhiḥ" (extol You with abundant hymns). Divine beings react with awe and adoration.
Key Concepts
Gods merge into Krishna fearfully.
Sages offer peace and praise.
---
Verse 11.22
Sanskrit
रुद्रादित्या वसवो ये च साध्या विश्वेऽश्विनौ मरुतश्चोष्मपाश्च |
गन्धर्वयक्षासुरसिद्धसङ्घा वीक्षन्ते त्वां विस्मिताश्चैव सर्वे || २२ ||
Transliteration
rudrādityā vasavo ye ca sādhyā viśve’śvinau marutaś coṣmapāś ca |
gandharva-yakṣāsura-siddha-saṅghā vīkṣante tvāṁ vismitāś caiva sarve ||
English Translation
The Rudras, Adityas, Vasus, and Sadhyas, the Vishvedevas, Ashvins, Maruts, and Ushmapas, the hosts of Gandharvas, Yakshas, Asuras, and Siddhas—all behold You, utterly amazed.
Explanation
Arjuna lists: "rudra-ādityā vasavaḥ ye ca sādhyāḥ" (Rudras, Adityas, Vasus, Sadhyas), "viśve aśvinau marutaḥ uṣmapāḥ ca" (Vishvedevas, Ashvins, Maruts, Ushmapas—ancestral spirits), "gandharva-yakṣa-asura-siddha-saṅghāḥ" (Gandharvas, Yakshas, Asuras, Siddhas), "vīkṣante tvām vismitāḥ sarve" (all behold You, amazed). Diverse beings gaze in wonder at Krishna’s form.
Key Concepts
All celestial orders witness Krishna.
Amazement unites them.
---
Verse 11.23
Sanskrit
रूपं महत्ते बहुवक्त्रनेत्रं महाबाहो बहुबाहूरुपादम् |
बहूदरं बहुदंष्ट्राकरालं दृष्ट्वा लोकाः प्रव्यथितास्तथाहम् || २३ ||
Transliteration
rūpaṁ mahat te bahu-vaktra-netraṁ mahā-bāho bahu-bāhūru-pādam |
bahūdarāṁ bahu-daṁṣṭrā-karālaṁ dṛṣṭvā lokāḥ pravyathitās tathāham ||
English Translation
Seeing Your great form with many mouths and eyes, O mighty-armed, with many arms, thighs, and feet, many bellies, and many fearsome fangs, the worlds tremble, and so do I.
Explanation
Arjuna, addressing "mahā-bāho" (mighty-armed), says: "dṛṣṭvā te mahat rūpam" (seeing Your great form), "bahu-vaktra-netram" (many mouths, eyes), "bahu-bāhūru-pādam" (many arms, thighs, feet), "bahu-udarām" (many bellies), "bahu-daṁṣṭrā-karālam" (many fearsome fangs), "lokāḥ pravyathitāḥ tathā aham" (worlds tremble, so do I). The form’s vast horror shakes all, including him.
Key Concepts
Krishna’s form is immense, terrifying.
Fear grips all beholders.
---
Verse 11.24
Sanskrit
नभःस्पृशं दीप्तमनेकवर्णं व्यात्ताननं दीप्तविशालनेत्रम् |
दृष्ट्वा हि त्वां प्रव्यथितान्तरात्मा धृतिं न विन्दामि शमं च विष्णो || २४ ||
Transliteration
nabhaḥ-spṛśaṁ dīptam aneka-varṇaṁ vyāttānanāṁ dīpta-viśāla-netram |
dṛṣṭvā hi tvāṁ pravyathitāntar-ātmā dhṛtiṁ na vindāmi śamaṁ ca viṣṇo ||
English Translation
Touching the sky, blazing, of many colors, with gaping mouths and large fiery eyes—seeing You, O Vishnu, my inner self trembles, and I find neither courage nor peace.
Explanation
Arjuna, addressing "viṣṇo," describes: "nabhaḥ-spṛśam" (sky-touching), "dīptam aneka-varṇam" (blazing, many-colored), "vyātta-ananam" (gaping mouths), "dīpta-viśāla-netram" (large fiery eyes), "dṛṣṭvā tvām" (seeing You), "pravyathita-antar-ātmā" (inner self trembles), "na vindāmi dhṛtim śamam" (find neither courage nor peace). The sight overwhelms his spirit.
Key Concepts
Krishna’s form is sky-high, fiery.
It shatters Arjuna’s calm.
---
Verse 11.25
Sanskrit
दंष्ट्राकरालानि च ते मुखानि दृष्ट्वैव कालानलसन्निभानि |
दिशो न जाने न लभे च शर्म प्रसीद देवेश जगन्निवास || २५ ||
Transliteration
daṁṣṭrā-karālāni ca te mukhāni dṛṣṭvaiva kālānala-sannibhāni |
diśo na jāne na labhe ca śarma prasīda deveśa jagan-nivāsa ||
English Translation
Seeing Your mouths with fearsome fangs, like the fire of time, I know not the directions nor find refuge; be gracious, O Lord of gods, abode of the universe.
Explanation
Arjuna pleads: "dṛṣṭvā te mukhāni" (seeing Your mouths), "daṁṣṭrā-karālāni" (fearsome fangs), "kālānala-sannibhāni" (like time’s fire), "diśaḥ na jāne" (know not directions), "na labhe śarma" (nor find refuge), "prasīda deveśa jagan-nivāsa" (be gracious, Lord of gods, universe’s abode). The destructive vision disorients and alarms him.
Key Concepts
Krishna’s mouths evoke doom.
Arjuna seeks mercy.
---
Verse 11.26
Sanskrit
अमी च त्वां धृतराष्ट्रस्य पुत्राः सर्वं समेतेन महाक्षत्रियैः |
भीष्मो द्रोणः सूतपुत्रस्तथासौ सहास्मदीयैरपि योधमुख्यैः || २६ ||
Transliteration
amī ca tvāṁ dhṛtarāṣṭrasya putrāḥ sarvaṁ sametena mahākṣatriyaiḥ |
bhīṣmo droṇaḥ sūta-putras tathāsau sahāsmadīyair api yodha-mukhyaiḥ ||
English Translation
And all these sons of Dhritarashtra, together with the great warriors, Bhishma, Drona, and that son of a charioteer, along with our chief warriors too,
Explanation
Arjuna sees: "amī dhṛtarāṣṭrasya putrāḥ" (these sons of Dhritarashtra), "sarvam sametena mahākṣatriyaiḥ" (with all great warriors), "bhīṣmaḥ droṇaḥ" (Bhishma, Drona), "sūta-putraḥ tathā asau" (that son of a charioteer—Karna), "saha asmadīyaiḥ yodha-mukhyaiḥ api" (with our chief warriors). Battlefield figures appear within Krishna’s form.
Key Concepts
Warriors converge in Krishna’s vision.
Both sides are present.
---
Verse 11.27
Sanskrit
वक्त्राणि ते त्वरमाणा विशन्ति दंष्ट्राकरालानि भयानकानि |
केचिद्विलग्ना दशनान्तरेषु सन्दृश्यन्ते चूर्णितैरुत्तमाङ्गैः || २७ ||
Transliteration
vaktrāṇi te tvaramāṇā viśanti daṁṣṭrā-karālāni bhayānakāni |
kecid vilagnā daśanāntareṣu sandṛśyante cūrṇitair uttamāṅgaiḥ ||
English Translation
Rushing into Your mouths, fearsome with terrifying fangs, some are seen caught between Your teeth, their heads crushed to powder.
Explanation
Arjuna describes: "tvaramāṇāḥ viśanti" (rushing in) "te vaktrāṇi" (Your mouths), "daṁṣṭrā-karālāni bhayānakāni" (fearsome, terrifying fangs), "kecit vilagnāḥ daśana-antareṣu" (some caught between teeth), "sandṛśyante cūrṇitaiḥ uttama-aṅgaiḥ" (seen with heads crushed). Warriors meet a gruesome fate in Krishna’s devouring form.
Key Concepts
Krishna’s mouths consume violently.
Destruction is vivid, immediate.
---
Verse 11.28
Sanskrit
यथा नदीनां बहवोऽम्बुवेगाः समुद्रमेवाभिमुखा द्रवन्ति |
तथा तवामी नरलोकवीरा विशन्ति वक्त्राण्यभिविज्वलन्ति || २८ ||
Transliteration
yathā nadīnāṁ bahavo’mbu-vegāḥ samudram evābhimukhā dravanti |
tathā tavāmī nara-loka-vīrā viśanti vaktrāṇy abhivijvalanti ||
English Translation
As the many torrents of rivers rush toward the ocean, so these heroes of the human world enter Your blazing mouths.
Explanation
Arjuna likens: "yathā bahavaḥ ambu-vegāḥ nadīnām" (as many river torrents) "dravanti samudram abhimukhāḥ" (rush toward the ocean), "tathā amī nara-loka-vīrāḥ" (so these human heroes) "viśanti te vaktrāṇi abhivijvalanti" (enter Your blazing mouths). The warriors flow irresistibly into Krishna’s fiery maws.
Key Concepts
Warriors rush like rivers to sea.
Krishna’s mouths blaze with power.
---
Verse 11.29
Sanskrit
यथा प्रदीप्तं ज्वलनं पतङ्गा विशन्ति नाशाय समृद्धवेगाः |
तथैव नाशाय विशन्ति लोकास्तवापि वक्त्राणि समृद्धवेगाः || २९ ||
Transliteration
yathā pradīptaṁ jvalanaṁ pataṅgā viśanti nāśāya samṛddha-vegāḥ |
tathaiva nāśāya viśanti lokās tavāpi vaktrāṇi samṛddha-vegāḥ ||
English Translation
As moths rush with great speed into a blazing fire for destruction, so too these worlds rush with great speed into Your mouths for destruction.
Explanation
Arjuna compares: "yathā pataṅgāḥ samṛddha-vegāḥ" (as moths with great speed) "viśanti pradīptam jvalanam nāśāya" (rush into blazing fire for destruction), "tathā eva lokāḥ" (so too these worlds) "viśanti tavāpi vaktrāṇi nāśāya" (rush into Your mouths for destruction) "samṛddha-vegāḥ" (with great speed). All hasten to their doom.
Key Concepts
Destruction draws like fire to moths.
Krishna’s form devours relentlessly.
---
Verse 11.30
Sanskrit
लेलिह्यसे ग्रसमानः समन्ताल्लोकान्समग्रान्वदनैर्ज्वलद्भिः |
तेजोभिरापूर्य जगत्समग्रं भासस्तवोग्राः प्रतपन्ति विष्णो || ३० ||
Transliteration
lelihyase grasamānaḥ samantāl lokān samagrān vadanair jvaladbhiḥ |
tejobhir āpūrya jagat samagraṁ bhāsas tavo grāḥ pratapanti viṣṇo ||
English Translation
You lick up, devouring all the worlds entirely with Your flaming mouths; filling the whole universe with radiance, Your fierce splendors burn, O Vishnu.
Explanation
Arjuna, addressing "viṣṇo," says: "lelihyase" (You lick up), "grasamānaḥ samantāt" (devouring entirely) "samagrān lokān" (all worlds) "vadanaiḥ jvaladbhiḥ" (with flaming mouths), "tejobhiḥ āpūrya jagat" (filling universe with radiance), "tava ugrāḥ bhāsaḥ pratapanti" (Your fierce splendors burn). Krishna’s fiery consumption radiates destructively.
Key Concepts
Krishna devours with blazing mouths.
His radiance scorches all.
Verse 11.31
Sanskrit
आख्याहि मे को भवानुग्ररूपो नमोऽस्तु ते देववर प्रसीद |
विज्ञातुमिच्छामि भवन्तमाद्यं न हि प्रजानामि तव प्रवृत्तिम् || ३१ ||
Transliteration
ākhyāhi me ko bhavān ugra-rūpo namo’stu te deva-vara prasīda |
vijñātum icchāmi bhavantam ādyaṁ na hi prajānāmi tava pravṛttim ||
English Translation
Tell me who You are, with this fierce form; salutations to You, O best of gods, be gracious; I desire to know You, the primal one, for I do not understand Your action.
Explanation
Arjuna pleads: "ākhyāhi me kaḥ bhavān ugra-rūpaḥ" (tell me who You are, fierce-formed), "namaḥ astu te deva-vara prasīda" (salutations to You, best of gods, be gracious), "vijñātum icchāmi bhavantam ādyam" (I desire to know You, primal one), "na hi prajānāmi tava pravṛttim" (I don’t understand Your action). Overwhelmed, he seeks Krishna’s identity and purpose.
Key Concepts
Arjuna questions the fierce vision.
He seeks clarity with reverence.
---
Verse 11.32
Sanskrit
श्रीभगवानुवाच |
कालोऽस्मि लोकक्षयकृत्प्रवृद्धो लोकान्समाहर्तुमिह प्रवृत्तः |
ऋतेऽपि त्वां न भविष्यन्ति सर्वे येऽवस्थिताः प्रत्यनीकेषु योधाः || ३२ ||
Transliteration
śrī-bhagavān uvāca |
kālo’smi loka-kṣaya-kṛt pravṛddho lokān samāhartum iha pravṛttaḥ |
ṛte’pi tvāṁ na bhaviṣyanti sarve ye’vasthitāḥ pratyanīkeṣu yodhāḥ ||
English Translation
The Blessed Lord said: I am time, the great destroyer of worlds, grown mighty, engaged here in consuming the worlds; even without you, all these warriors arrayed in opposing armies will cease to be.
Explanation
Krishna ("śrī-bhagavān") answers: "kālaḥ asmi" (I am time), "loka-kṣaya-kṛt pravṛddhaḥ" (great destroyer of worlds, grown mighty), "iha pravṛttaḥ lokān samāhartum" (engaged here in consuming worlds), "ṛte api tvām" (even without you), "sarve na bhaviṣyanti" (all will cease) "ye yodhāḥ pratyanīkeṣu avasthitāḥ" (warriors in opposing armies). He reveals his destructive role, inevitable regardless of Arjuna.
Key Concepts
Krishna embodies time’s destruction.
Fate seals the warriors’ end.
---
Verse 11.33
Sanskrit
तस्मात्त्वमुत्तिष्ठ यशो लभस्व जित्वा शत्रून्भुङ्क्ष्व राज्यं समृद्धम् |
मयैवैते निहताः पूर्वमेव निमित्तमात्रं भव सव्यसाचिन् || ३३ ||
Transliteration
tasmāt tvam uttiṣṭha yaśo labhasva jitvā śatrūn bhuṅkṣva rājyaṁ samṛddham |
mayaivaitē nihatāḥ pūrvam eva nimitta-mātraṁ bhava savya-sācin ||
English Translation
Therefore, arise and gain glory, conquering enemies and enjoying a prosperous kingdom; these have already been slain by Me—be merely an instrument, O Savyasachin.
Explanation
Krishna, addressing "savya-sācin" (ambidextrous archer), urges: "tasmāt tvam uttiṣṭha" (therefore arise), "yaśaḥ labhasva" (gain glory), "jitvā śatrūn" (conquering enemies), "bhuṅkṣva rājyaṁ samṛddham" (enjoy prosperous kingdom), "mayā eva ete nihatāḥ pūrvam" (these already slain by Me), "nimitta-mātram bhava" (be merely an instrument). Arjuna’s role is secondary to Krishna’s will.
Key Concepts
Krishna predestines victory.
Arjuna acts as his tool.
---
Verse 11.34
Sanskrit
द्रोणं च भीष्मं च जयद्रथं च कर्णं तथान्यानपि योधवीरान् |
मया हतांस्त्वं जहि मा व्यथिष्ठा युध्यस्व जेतासि रणे सपत्नान् || ३४ ||
Transliteration
droṇaṁ ca bhīṣmaṁ ca jayadrathaṁ ca karṇaṁ tathānyān api yodha-vīrān |
mayā hatāṁs tvaṁ jahi mā vyathiṣṭhā yudhyasva jetāsi raṇe sapatnān ||
English Translation
Drona, Bhishma, Jayadratha, Karna, and other heroic warriors too—slain by Me, you strike them; do not tremble, fight, you will conquer your foes in battle.
Explanation
Krishna specifies: "droṇam bhīṣmam jayadratham karṇam" (Drona, Bhishma, Jayadratha, Karna), "tathā anyān yodha-vīrān" (and other heroic warriors), "mayā hatān" (slain by Me), "tvam jahi" (you strike), "mā vyathiṣṭhāḥ" (do not tremble), "yudhyasva jetāsi raṇe sapatnān" (fight, you’ll conquer foes). He assures Arjuna victory over pre-doomed enemies.
Key Concepts
Key warriors are already fated.
Arjuna must act fearlessly.
---
Verse 11.35
Sanskrit
सञ्जय उवाच |
एतच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं केशवस्य कृताञ्जलिर्वेपमानः किरीटी |
नमस्कृत्वा भूय एवाह कृष्णं सगद्गदं भीतभीतः प्रणम्य || ३५ ||
Transliteration
sañjaya uvāca |
etac chrutvā vacanaṁ keśavasya kṛtāñjalir vepamānaḥ kirīṭī |
namaskṛtvā bhūya evāha kṛṣṇaṁ sa-gadgadaṁ bhīta-bhītaḥ praṇamya ||
English Translation
Sanjaya said: Hearing this speech of Keshava, Kiriti, trembling with joined palms, bowing again, spoke to Krishna in a faltering voice, filled with fear, prostrating.
Explanation
Sanjaya narrates: "etat śrutvā vacanam keśavasya" (hearing Keshava’s speech), "kirīṭī" (Kiriti—Arjuna), "vepamānaḥ kṛtāñjaliḥ" (trembling, joined palms), "namaskṛtvā bhūyaḥ" (bowing again), "eva āha kṛṣṇam" (spoke to Krishna), "sa-gadgadam bhīta-bhītaḥ praṇamya" (faltering, filled with fear, prostrating). Arjuna’s awe deepens into terror.
Key Concepts
Krishna’s words shake Arjuna.
Fear prompts reverence.
---
Verse 11.36
Sanskrit
अर्जुन उवाच |
स्थाने हृषीकेश तव प्रकीर्त्या जगत्प्रहृष्यत्यनुरज्यते च |
रक्षांसि भीतानि दिशो द्रवन्ति सर्वं नमस्यन्ति च सिद्धसङ्घाः || ३६ ||
Transliteration
arjuna uvāca |
sthāne hṛṣīkeśa tava prakīrtyā jagat prahṛṣyaty anurajyate ca |
rakṣāṁsi bhītāni diśo dravanti sarvaṁ namasyanti ca siddha-saṅghāḥ ||
English Translation
Arjuna said: Rightly, O Hrishikesha, the world rejoices and delights in Your glory; demons flee in fear in all directions, and all the hosts of perfected ones bow to You.
Explanation
Arjuna, addressing "hṛṣīkeśa" (Lord of senses), says: "sthāne tava prakīrtyā" (rightly by Your glory), "jagat prahṛṣyati anurajyate" (world rejoices, delights), "rakṣāṁsi bhītāni diśaḥ dravanti" (demons flee in fear), "sarvam siddha-saṅghāḥ namasyanti" (all perfected ones bow). Krishna’s fame evokes joy and terror appropriately.
Key Concepts
Krishna’s glory inspires varied reactions.
Good praise, evil flee.
---
Verse 11.37
Sanskrit
कस्माच्च ते न नमेरन्महात्मन्गरीयसे ब्रह्मणोऽप्यादिकर्त्रे |
अनन्त देवेश जगन्निवास त्वमक्षरं सदसत्तत्परं यत् || ३७ ||
Transliteration
kasmāc ca te na nameran mahātman garīyase brahmaṇo’py ādi-kartre |
ananta deveśa jagan-nivāsa tvam akṣaraṁ sad-asat-tat-paraṁ yat ||
English Translation
And why should they not bow to You, O great soul, greater than Brahma, the primal creator? O infinite Lord of gods, abode of the universe, You are the imperishable, the real and unreal, and that beyond.
Explanation
Arjuna, addressing "mahātman" (great soul), asks: "kasmāt te na nameran" (why not bow to You), "garīyase brahmaṇaḥ api ādi-kartre" (greater than Brahma, primal creator), "ananta deveśa jagan-nivāsa" (infinite Lord of gods, universe’s abode), "tvam akṣaram" (You are imperishable), "sat-asat-tat-param yat" (real, unreal, beyond). Krishna surpasses all, warranting universal reverence.
Key Concepts
Krishna exceeds Brahma, all.
He’s beyond existence itself.
---
Verse 11.38
Sanskrit
त्वमादिदेवः पुरुषः पुराणस्त्वमस्य विश्वस्य परं निधानम् |
वेत्तासि वेद्यं च परं च धाम त्वया ततं विश्वमनन्तरूप || ३८ ||
Transliteration
tvam ādi-devaḥ puruṣaḥ purāṇas tvam asya viśvasya paraṁ nidhānam |
vettāsi vedyaṁ ca paraṁ ca dhāma tvayā tataṁ viśvam ananta-rūpa ||
English Translation
You are the primal God, the ancient Person; You are the supreme refuge of this universe; You are the knower and the known, and the supreme abode; by You, O infinite-formed one, the universe is pervaded.
Explanation
Arjuna praises: "tvam ādi-devaḥ puruṣaḥ purāṇaḥ" (primal God, ancient Person), "asya viśvasya param nidhānam" (supreme refuge of this universe), "vettā asi vedyaṁ ca" (knower and known), "param dhāma" (supreme abode), "tvayā tatam viśvam ananta-rūpa" (universe pervaded by You, infinite-formed). Krishna is all-knowing, all-containing.
Key Concepts
Krishna is origin, refuge, knowledge.
His infinity spans all.
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Verse 11.39
Sanskrit
वायुर्यमोऽग्निर्वरुणः शशाङ्कः प्रजापतिस्त्वं प्रपितामहश्च |
नमो नमस्तेऽस्तु सहस्रकृत्वः पुनश्च भूयोऽपि नमो नमस्ते || ३९ ||
Transliteration
vāyur yamo’gnir varuṇaḥ śaśāṅkaḥ prajāpatis tvaṁ prapitāmahaś ca |
namo namas te’stu sahasra-kṛtvaḥ punaś ca bhūyo’pi namo namaste ||
English Translation
You are Vayu, Yama, Agni, Varuna, the moon, Prajapati, and the great-grandfather; salutations, salutations to You a thousand times, and again and yet again, salutations to You.
Explanation
Arjuna identifies: "tvam vāyuḥ yamaḥ agniḥ varuṇaḥ śaśāṅkaḥ" (You are Vayu, Yama, Agni, Varuna, moon), "prajāpatiḥ prapitāmahaḥ ca" (Prajapati, great-grandfather), "namaḥ namaḥ te astu sahasra-kṛtvaḥ" (salutations to You a thousand times), "punaḥ ca bhūyaḥ api namaḥ" (again and yet again, salutations). He bows repeatedly to Krishna’s cosmic roles.
Key Concepts
Krishna embodies elemental, divine forces.
Arjuna’s praise is boundless.
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Verse 11.40
Sanskrit
नमः पुरस्तादथ पृष्ठतस्ते नमोऽस्तु ते सर्वत एव सर्व |
अनन्तवीर्यामितविक्रमस्त्वं सर्वं समाप्नोषि ततोऽसि सर्वः || ४० ||
Transliteration
namaḥ purastād atha pṛṣṭhatas te namo’stu te sarvata eva sarva |
ananta-vīryāmita-vikramas tvaṁ sarvaṁ samāpnoṣi tato’si sarvaḥ ||
English Translation
Salutations from the front and behind, salutations to You from all sides, O all; with infinite vigor and boundless valor, You encompass all, thus You are all.
Explanation
Arjuna offers: "namaḥ purastāt atha pṛṣṭhataḥ" (salutations from front, behind), "namaḥ astu te sarvataḥ eva" (salutations from all sides), "sarva" (O all), "ananta-vīrya-amita-vikramaḥ" (infinite vigor, boundless valor), "tvam sarvam samāpnoṣi" (You encompass all), "tataḥ asi sarvaḥ" (thus You are all). Krishna’s omnipotence and omnipresence inspire total homage.
Key Concepts
Krishna is all-directional, all-powerful.
He is everything by encompassing all.
Verse 11.40
Sanskrit
नमः पुरस्तादथ पृष्ठतस्ते नमोऽस्तु ते सर्वत एव सर्व |
अनन्तवीर्यामितविक्रमस्त्वं सर्वं समाप्नोषि ततोऽसि सर्वः || ४० ||
Transliteration
namaḥ purastād atha pṛṣṭhatas te namo’stu te sarvata eva sarva |
ananta-vīryāmita-vikramas tvaṁ sarvaṁ samāpnoṣi tato’si sarvaḥ ||
English Translation
Salutations from the front and behind, salutations to You from all sides, O all; with infinite vigor and boundless valor, You encompass all, thus You are all.
Explanation
Arjuna offers: "namaḥ purastāt atha pṛṣṭhataḥ" (salutations from front, behind), "namaḥ astu te sarvataḥ eva" (salutations from all sides), "sarva" (O all), "ananta-vīrya-amita-vikramaḥ" (infinite vigor, boundless valor), "tvam sarvam samāpnoṣi" (You encompass all), "tataḥ asi sarvaḥ" (thus You are all). He acknowledges Krishna’s all-pervading power and offers total reverence.
Key Concepts
Krishna’s omnipotence fills all directions.
He is everything by encompassing all.
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Verse 11.41
Sanskrit
सखेति मत्वा प्रसभं यदुक्तं हे कृष्ण हे यादव हे सखेति |
अजानता महिमानं तवेदं मया प्रमादात्प्रणयेन वापि || ४१ ||
Transliteration
sakheti matvā prasabhaṁ yad uktaṁ he kṛṣṇa he yādava he sakheti |
ajānatā mahimānaṁ tavedaṁ mayā pramādāt praṇayena vāpi ||
English Translation
Whatever I have rashly said, considering You a friend— “O Krishna, O Yadava, O friend”—not knowing this greatness of Yours, out of carelessness or affection,
Explanation
Arjuna reflects: "sakha iti matvā" (considering You a friend), "prasabham yat uktam" (rashly said), "he kṛṣṇa he yādava he sakha iti" (O Krishna, O Yadava, O friend), "ajānatā tava idam mahimānam" (not knowing this greatness of Yours), "mayā pramādāt praṇayena vā api" (by me, from carelessness or affection). He apologizes for casual familiarity, now awed by Krishna’s majesty.
Key Concepts
Arjuna regrets informal speech.
Ignorance prompted familiarity.
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Verse 11.42
Sanskrit
यच्चावहासार्थमसत्कृतोऽसि विहारशय्यासनभोजनेषु |
एकोऽथवाप्यच्युत तत्समक्षं तत्क्षामये त्वामहमप्रमेयम् || ४२ ||
Transliteration
yac cāvahāsārtham asatkṛto’si vihāra-śayyāsana-bhojaneṣu |
eko’tha vāpy acyuta tat-samakṣaṁ tat kṣāmaye tvām aham aprameyam ||
English Translation
And whatever disrespect I have shown You for jest, in play, on the bed, seated, or at meals, alone or in company, O infallible one, I beg forgiveness for that from You, the immeasurable.
Explanation
Arjuna, addressing "acyuta" (infallible), continues: "yat ca avahāsārtham asatkṛtaḥ asi" (whatever disrespect shown for jest), "vihāra-śayyā-āsana-bhojaneṣu" (in play, bed, seat, meals), "ekaḥ atha vā api tat-samakṣam" (alone or in company), "tat kṣāmaye tvām aham aprameyam" (I beg forgiveness from You, immeasurable). He seeks pardon for past casualness, humbled by Krishna’s vastness.
Key Concepts
Arjuna seeks amnesty for jests.
Krishna’s greatness humbles him.
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Verse 11.43
Sanskrit
पितासि लोकस्य चराचरस्य त्वमस्य पूज्यश्च गुरुर्गरीयान् |
न त्वत्समोऽस्त्यभ्यधिकः कुतोऽन्यो लोकत्रयेऽपि अप्रतिमप्रभाव || ४३ ||
Transliteration
pitāsi lokasya carācarasya tvam asya pūjyaś ca gurur garīyān |
na tvat-samo’sty abhyadhikaḥ kuto’nyo loka-traye’pi apratima-prabhāva ||
English Translation
You are the father of this world, moving and unmoving; You are its revered and greatest teacher; none equals You, how then surpasses, in the three worlds, O one of matchless power?
Explanation
Arjuna praises: "pitā asi lokasya carācarasya" (father of this world, moving, unmoving), "tvam asya pūjyaḥ ca gurur garīyān" (its revered, greatest teacher), "na tvat-samaḥ asti" (none equals You), "kutaḥ abhyadhikaḥ anyaḥ" (how then surpasses another), "loka-traye api apratima-prabhāva" (in three worlds, matchless power). Krishna’s supremacy is unparalleled.
Key Concepts
Krishna is father, guru, unmatched.
His power reigns supreme.
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Verse 11.44
Sanskrit
तस्मात्प्रणम्य प्रणिधाय कायं प्रसादये त्वामहमीशमीड्यम् |
पितेव पुत्रस्य सखेव सख्युः प्रियः प्रियायार्हसि देव सोढुम् || ४४ ||
Transliteration
tasmāt praṇamya praṇidhāya kāyaṁ prasādaye tvām aham īśam īḍyam |
piteva putrasya sakheva sakhyuḥ priyaḥ priyāyārhasi deva soḍhum ||
English Translation
Therefore, bowing and prostrating my body, I seek to please You, the praiseworthy Lord; as a father to a son, a friend to a friend, a lover to a beloved, You should bear with me, O God.
Explanation
Arjuna, addressing "deva" (O God), says: "tasmāt praṇamya praṇidhāya kāyam" (therefore bowing, prostrating body), "prasādaye tvām aham" (I seek to please You), "īśam īḍyam" (praiseworthy Lord), "piteva putrasya" (as father to son), "sakheva sakhyuḥ" (friend to friend), "priyaḥ priyāya" (lover to beloved), "arhasi soḍhum" (You should bear). He pleads for forgiveness like a loved one.
Key Concepts
Arjuna submits fully, seeks grace.
Krishna’s roles inspire tolerance.
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Verse 11.45
Sanskrit
अदृष्टपूर्वं हृषितोऽस्मि दृष्ट्वा भयेन च प्रव्यथितं मनो मे |
तदेव मे दर्शय देवरूपं प्रसीद देवेश जगन्निवास || ४५ ||
Transliteration
adṛṣṭa-pūrvaṁ hṛṣito’smi dṛṣṭvā bhayena ca pravyathitaṁ mano me |
tad eva me darśaya deva-rūpaṁ prasīda deveśa jagan-nivāsa ||
England Translation
I am delighted to have seen what was never seen before, yet my mind trembles with fear; show me that [gentle] form again, O God, be gracious, O Lord of gods, abode of the universe.
Explanation
Arjuna says: "adṛṣṭa-pūrvam dṛṣṭvā hṛṣitaḥ asmi" (delighted to see what’s never seen), "bhayena ca pravyathitam manaḥ me" (yet my mind trembles with fear), "tat eva darśaya me deva-rūpam" (show me that form again), "prasīda deveśa jagan-nivāsa" (be gracious, Lord of gods, universe’s abode). Joy and terror mix; he seeks Krishna’s familiar form.
Key Concepts
Vision thrills and terrifies Arjuna.
He longs for gentle Krishna.
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Verse 11.46
Sanskrit
किरीटिनं गदिनं चक्रहस्तमिच्छामि त्वां द्रष्टुमहं तथैव |
तेनैव रूपेण चतुर्भुजेन सहस्रबाहो भव विश्वमूर्ते || ४६ ||
Transliteration
kirīṭinaṁ gadinaṁ cakra-hastam icchāmi tvāṁ draṣṭum ahaṁ tathaiva |
tenaiva rūpeṇa catur-bhujena sahasra-bāho bhava viśva-mūrte ||
English Translation
I wish to see You as before, crowned, with mace and discus in hand; in that very four-armed form, O thousand-armed one, O universal form, appear.
Explanation
Arjuna, addressing "sahasra-bāho" (thousand-armed) and "viśva-mūrte" (universal form), requests: "icchāmi draṣṭum tvām" (I wish to see You), "kirīṭinam gadinam cakra-hastam" (crowned, with mace, discus), "tathā eva" (as before), "tena eva rūpeṇa catur-bhujena" (in that four-armed form), "bhava" (appear). He prefers Krishna’s traditional Vishnu form over the cosmic one.
Key Concepts
Arjuna seeks Krishna’s familiar guise.
Four arms comfort over thousands.
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Verse 11.47
Sanskrit
श्रीभगवानुवाच |
मया प्रसन्नेन तवार्जुनेदं रूपं परं दर्शितमात्मयोगात् |
तेजोमयं विश्वमनन्तमाद्यं यन्मे त्वदन्येन न दृष्टपूर्वम् || ४७ ||
Transliteration
śrī-bhagavān uvāca |
mayā prasannena tavārjunedaṁ rūpaṁ paraṁ darśitam ātma-yogāt |
tejomayaṁ viśvam anantam ādyaṁ yan me tvad-anyena na dṛṣṭa-pūrvam ||
English Translation
The Blessed Lord said: Out of grace, O Arjuna, this supreme form has been shown to you by My own Yoga—radiant, universal, infinite, primal—which none but you has seen before.
Explanation
Krishna ("śrī-bhagavān"), addressing "arjuna," says: "mayā prasannena" (out of grace), "idam param rūpam darśitam" (this supreme form shown) "tava ātma-yogāt" (to you by My Yoga), "tejomayam viśvam anantam ādyam" (radiant, universal, infinite, primal), "yat me tvat-anyena na dṛṣṭa-pūrvam" (none but you has seen before). It’s a rare, divine gift to Arjuna.
Key Concepts
Krishna’s grace reveals his form.
Arjuna’s vision is unique.
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Verse 11.48
Sanskrit
न वेदयज्ञाध्ययनैर्न दानैर्न च क्रियाभिर्न तपोभिरुग्रैः |
एवंरूपः शक्य अहं नृलोके द्रष्टुं त्वदन्येन कुरुप्रवीर || ४८ ||
Transliteration
na veda-yajñādhyayanair na dānair na ca kriyābhir na tapobhir ugraiḥ |
evaṁ-rūpaḥ śakya ahaṁ nṛ-loke draṣṭuṁ tvad-anyena kuru-pravīra ||
English Translation
Neither by Vedic study, sacrifices, charity, rituals, nor severe austerities can this form of Mine be seen in the human world by anyone but you, O best of Kurus.
Explanation
Krishna, addressing "kuru-pravīra" (best of Kurus), says: "na veda-yajña-adhyayanaiḥ" (not by Vedic study, sacrifices), "na dānaiḥ kriyābhiḥ" (nor charity, rituals), "na tapobhiḥ ugraiḥ" (nor severe austerities), "evaṁ-rūpaḥ aham śakyaḥ draṣṭum" (this form of Mine can be seen) "nṛ-loke tvat-anyena" (in human world by any but you). Arjuna’s vision is beyond human effort.
Key Concepts
No practice earns this sight.
Arjuna’s privilege is singular.
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Verse 11.49
Sanskrit
मा ते व्यथा मा च विमूढभावो दृष्ट्वा रूपं घोरमीदृङ्ममेदम् |
व्यपेतभीः प्रीतमनाः पुनस्त्वं तदेव मे रूपमिदं प्रपश्य || ४९ ||
Transliteration
mā te vyathā mā ca vimūḍha-bhāvo dṛṣṭvā rūpaṁ ghoram īdṛṅ mamaitat |
vyapetabhīḥ prīta-manāḥ punas tvaṁ tad eva me rūpam idaṁ prapaśya ||
English Translation
Let there be no fear or bewilderment in you, seeing this fierce form of Mine; free from fear, with a joyful mind, behold again this very form of Mine.
Explanation
Krishna reassures: "mā te vyathā" (let there be no fear), "mā ca vimūḍha-bhāvaḥ" (nor bewilderment), "dṛṣṭvā rūpam ghoram īdṛk mama" (seeing this fierce form of Mine), "vyapetabhīḥ prīta-manāḥ" (free from fear, joyful mind), "punaḥ prapaśya tat eva rūpam" (behold again this very form). He offers to restore his gentle form for Arjuna’s peace.
Key Concepts
Krishna calms Arjuna’s terror.
Gentle form returns joy.
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Verse 11.50
Sanskrit
सञ्जय उवाच |
इत्यर्जुनं वासुदेवस्तथोक्त्वा स्वकं रूपं दर्शयामास भूयः |
आश्वासयामास च भीतमेनं भूत्वा पुनः सौम्यवपुर्महात्मा || ५० ||
Transliteration
sañjaya uvāca |
ity arjunaṁ vāsudevas tathoktvā svakaṁ rūpaṁ darśayāmāsa bhūyaḥ |
āśvāsayāmāsa ca bhītam enaṁ bhūtvā punaḥ saumya-vapur mahātmā ||
English Translation
Sanjaya said: Having thus spoken to Arjuna, Vasudeva then showed His own form again; and the great soul, becoming gentle-bodied once more, comforted him who was terrified.
Explanation
Sanjaya narrates: "iti arjunam vāsudevaḥ tathā uktvā" (having thus spoken to Arjuna), "svakam rūpam darśayāmāsa bhūyaḥ" (showed His own form again), "mahātmā bhūtvā punaḥ saumya-vapuḥ" (great soul, becoming gentle-bodied), "āśvāsayāmāsa bhītam enam" (comforted him who was terrified). Krishna reverts to his familiar form, easing Arjuna’s fear.
Key Concepts
Krishna restores his gentle visage.
Comfort follows cosmic terror.
Verse 11.51
Sanskrit
अर्जुन उवाच |
दृष्ट्वेदं मानुषं रूपं0 तव प्रीतोऽस्मि यथातथं चक्षुषा पश्यामि त्वाम् || ५१ ||
Transliteration
arjuna uvāca |
dṛṣṭvedaṁ mānuṣaṁ rūpaṁ tava prīto’smi yathātathaṁ cakṣuṣā paśyāmi tvām ||
English Translation
Arjuna said: Seeing this human form of Yours, I am pleased, and I see You as You were with my eyes.
Explanation
Arjuna, relieved, says: "dṛṣṭvā idam mānuṣam rūpam tava" (seeing this human form of Yours), "prītaḥ asmi" (I am pleased), "yathātatham cakṣuṣā paśyāmi tvām" (I see You as You were with my eyes). Krishna’s return to his familiar, gentle form restores Arjuna’s comfort and normal perception after the cosmic vision.
Key Concepts
Human Krishna brings relief.
Familiarity restores normalcy.
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Verse 11.52
Sanskrit
श्रीभगवानुवाच |
सुदुर्दर्शमिदं रूपं दृष्टवानसि यन्मम |
देवा अप्यस्य रूपस्य नित्यं दर्शनकाङ्क्षिणः || ५२ ||
Transliteration
śrī-bhagavān uvāca |
sudurdarśam idaṁ rūpaṁ dṛṣṭavān asi yan mama |
devā apy asya rūpasya nityaṁ darśana-kāṅkṣiṇaḥ ||
English Translation
The Blessed Lord said: This form of Mine you have seen is very rare to behold; even the gods constantly long to see this form.
Explanation
Krishna ("śrī-bhagavān") responds: "sudurdarśam idam rūpam" (this form very rare to behold), "yat dṛṣṭavān asi mama" (which you have seen of Mine), "devāḥ api asya rūpasya" (even the gods) "nityam darśana-kāṅkṣiṇaḥ" (constantly long to see this form). He emphasizes the privilege of Arjuna’s vision, coveted even by celestials.
Key Concepts
Krishna’s form is a rare gift.
Gods yearn for this sight.
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Verse 11.53
Sanskrit
नाहं वेदैर्न तपसा न दानेन न चेज्यया |
शक्य एवंविधो द्रष्टुं दृष्टवानसि मां यथा || ५३ ||
Transliteration
nāhaṁ vedair na tapasā na dānena na cejyayā |
śakya evaṁ-vidho draṣṭuṁ dṛṣṭavān asi māṁ yathā ||
English Translation
Not by the Vedas, nor by austerity, nor by charity, nor by rituals can I be seen in this form as you have seen Me.
Explanation
Krishna explains: "na aham vedaiḥ" (not by Vedas), "na tapasā" (nor austerity), "na dānena" (nor charity), "na ca ijyayā" (nor rituals), "śakyaḥ evaṁ-vidhaḥ draṣṭum" (can I be seen in this form), "yathā dṛṣṭavān asi mām" (as you have seen Me). This vision transcends all traditional means of attainment, underscoring its exclusivity.
Key Concepts
No practice earns this vision.
It’s beyond human effort.
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Verse 11.54
Sanskrit
भक्त्या त्वनन्यया शक्य अहमेवंविधोऽर्जुन |
ज्ञातुं द्रष्टुं च तत्त्वेन प्रवेष्टुं च परन्तप || ५४ ||
Transliteration
bhaktyā tv ananyayā śakya aham evaṁ-vidho’rjuna |
jñātuṁ draṣṭuṁ ca tattvena praveṣṭuṁ ca parantapa ||
English Translation
But by unwavering devotion, O Arjuna, I can be known, seen, and truly entered into in this form, O scorcher of foes.
Explanation
Krishna, addressing "arjuna" and "parantapa," says: "bhaktyā tu ananyayā" (but by unwavering devotion), "aham evaṁ-vidhaḥ śakyaḥ" (I in this form can be), "jñātum draṣṭum tattvena" (known, seen truly), "praveṣṭum ca" (and entered into). Only single-minded devotion unlocks this profound experience of him.
Key Concepts
Devotion alone reveals Krishna.
It enables true union.
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Verse 11.55
Sanskrit
मत्कर्मकृन्मत्परमो मद्भक्तः सङ्गवर्जितः |
निर्वैरः सर्वभूतेषु यः स मामेति पाण्डव || ५५ ||
Transliteration
mat-karma-kṛn mat-paramo mad-bhaktaḥ saṅga-varjitaḥ |
nirvairaḥ sarva-bhūteṣu yaḥ sa mām eti pāṇḍava ||
English Translation
He who does works for Me, regards Me as supreme, is devoted to Me, free from attachment, and without enmity toward any being—he comes to Me, O Pandava.
Explanation
Krishna, addressing "pāṇḍava," concludes: "mat-karma-kṛt" (does works for Me), "mat-paramaḥ" (regards Me as supreme), "mad-bhaktaḥ" (devoted to Me), "saṅga-varjitaḥ" (free from attachment), "nirvairaḥ sarva-bhūteṣu" (without enmity to any being), "yaḥ saḥ mām eti" (he comes to Me). These qualities—service, devotion, detachment, and love—ensure union with him.
Key Concepts
Devotion and purity lead to Krishna.
Selfless love is the path.