The Vision of the Cosmic Form
Arjuna asks to see Kṛṣṇa's universal form. Kṛṣṇa grants him divine vision, and Arjuna beholds something that defies words — countless faces, arms, and bodies; suns blazing in every direction; entire armies rushing into Kṛṣṇa's mouth like rivers into the sea. Terrified, Arjuna begs Kṛṣṇa to resume His gentle human form, which Kṛṣṇa does — and then says this form can only be seen through undivided devotion.
अर्जुन उवाच
मदनुग्रहाय परमं गुह्यमध्यात्मसंज्ञितम्।
यत्त्वयोक्तं वचस्तेन मोहोऽयं विगतो मम।।11.1।।
arjuna uvācha
mad-anugrahāya paramaṁ guhyam adhyātma-sanjñitam
yat tvayoktaṁ vachas tena moho ’yaṁ vigato mama
Word-for-Word Translation
arjunaḥ uvācha—Arjun said; mat-anugrahāya—out of compassion to me; paramam—supreme; guhyam—confidential; adhyātma-sanjñitam—about spiritual knowledge; yat—which; tvayā—by you; uktam—spoken; vachaḥ—words; tena—by that; mohaḥ—illusion; ayam—this; vigataḥ—is dispelled; mama—my
Meaning
Arjuna said, By this explanation of the highest secret concerning the Self which Thou hast spoken, for the sake of blessing me, my delusion has been dispelled.
Explanation
Arjuna's delusion about the body, the self, and the nature of action has already lifted through Krishna's teaching in the previous chapters, and he says so plainly here. This gratitude sets the stage for a bolder request — having understood Krishna's glories in word, Arjuna now longs to see them directly.
भवाप्ययौ हि भूतानां श्रुतौ विस्तरशो मया।
त्वत्तः कमलपत्राक्ष माहात्म्यमपि चाव्ययम्।।11.2।।
bhavāpyayau hi bhūtānāṁ śhrutau vistaraśho mayā
tvattaḥ kamala-patrākṣha māhātmyam api chāvyayam
Word-for-Word Translation
bhava—appearance; apyayau—disappearance; hi—indeed; bhūtānām—of all living beings; śhrutau—have heard; vistaraśhaḥ—in detail; mayā—by me; tvattaḥ—from you; kamala-patra-akṣha—lotus-eyed one; māhātmyam—greatness; api—also; cha—and; avyayam—eternal
Meaning
The origin and destruction of beings have been heard in detail from You, O lotus-eyed Lord, and also Your inexhaustible greatness.
Explanation
Arjuna recalls what Krishna has already revealed about creation, dissolution, and His own imperishable majesty, especially the sweeping list of divine opulences in Chapter 10. Hearing is the beginning of realization, but Arjuna's heart is stirring toward something deeper than hearing alone.
एवमेतद्यथात्थ त्वमात्मानं परमेश्वर।
द्रष्टुमिच्छामि ते रूपमैश्वरं पुरुषोत्तम।।11.3।।
evam etad yathāttha tvam ātmānaṁ parameśhvara
draṣhṭum ichchhāmi te rūpam aiśhwaraṁ puruṣhottama
Word-for-Word Translation
evam—thus; etat—this; yathā—as; āttha—have spoken; tvam—you; ātmānam—yourself; parama-īśhvara—Supreme Lord; draṣhṭum—to see; ichchhāmi—I desire; te—your; rūpam—form; aiśhwaram—divine; puruṣha-uttama—Shree Krishna, the Supreme Divine Personality
Meaning
Now, O Supreme Lord, as Thou hast thus described Thyself, O Supreme Person, I wish to behold Thy divine form.
Explanation
Having accepted Krishna's own testimony about who He is, Arjuna now wants direct vision to match what he has heard. This is the natural progression of a sincere seeker — from receiving instruction to longing for personal experience of the truth.
मन्यसे यदि तच्छक्यं मया द्रष्टुमिति प्रभो।
योगेश्वर ततो मे त्वं दर्शयाऽत्मानमव्ययम्।।11.4।।
manyase yadi tach chhakyaṁ mayā draṣhṭum iti prabho
yogeśhvara tato me tvaṁ darśhayātmānam avyayam
Word-for-Word Translation
manyase—you think; yadi—if; tat—that; śhakyam—possible; mayā—by me; draṣhṭum—to behold; iti—thus; prabho—Lord; yoga-īśhvara—Lord of all mystic powers; tataḥ—then; me—to me; tvam—you; darśhaya—reveal; ātmānam—yourself; avyayam—imperishable
Meaning
If Thou, O Lord, thinkest it possible for me to see it, do Thou, then, O Lord of the Yogis, show me Thy imperishable Self.
Explanation
Arjuna is careful and respectful in his request, submitting to Krishna's judgment about whether such a vision is even possible for him. His humility here — asking rather than demanding — reflects the proper mood of a devotee approaching the Lord's mercy.
श्री भगवानुवाच
पश्य मे पार्थ रूपाणि शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः।
नानाविधानि दिव्यानि नानावर्णाकृतीनि च।।11.5।।
śhrī-bhagavān uvācha
paśhya me pārtha rūpāṇi śhataśho ’tha sahasraśhaḥ
nānā-vidhāni divyāni nānā-varṇākṛitīni cha
Word-for-Word Translation
śhrī-bhagavān uvācha—the Supreme Lord said; paśhya—behold; me—my; pārtha—Arjun, the son of Pritha; rūpāṇi—forms; śhataśhaḥ—by the hundreds; atha—and; sahasraśhaḥ—thousands; nānā-vidhāni—various; divyāni—divine; nānā—various; varṇa—colors; ākṛitīni—shapes; cha—and
Meaning
The Blessed Lord said, "Behold, O Arjuna, forms of Mine, by the hundreds and thousands, of different sorts, divine, and of various colors and shapes."
Explanation
Krishna does not hesitate; He immediately agrees to display forms without number, in every hue and shape imaginable, all of them divine and spiritual, not material productions. This instant willingness shows that the vision Arjuna is about to receive — proof of Krishna's inconceivable potency (yogaiśvarya) — is a gift of grace, not something wrested from Krishna by austerity or cleverness.
पश्यादित्यान्वसून्रुद्रानश्विनौ मरुतस्तथा।
बहून्यदृष्टपूर्वाणि पश्याऽश्चर्याणि भारत।।11.6।।
paśhyādityān vasūn rudrān aśhvinau marutas tathā
bahūny adṛiṣhṭa-pūrvāṇi paśhyāśhcharyāṇi bhārata
Word-for-Word Translation
paśhya—behold; ādityān—the (twelve) sons of Aditi; vasūn—the (eight) Vasus; rudrān—the (eleven) Rudras; aśhvinau—the (twin) Ashvini Kumars; marutaḥ—the (forty-nine) Maruts; tathā—and; bahūni—many; adṛiṣhṭa—never revealed; pūrvāṇi—before; paśhya—behold; āśhcharyāṇi—marvels; bhārata—Arjun, scion of the Bharatas
Meaning
Behold the Adityas, the Vasus, the Rudras, the two Asvins, and the Maruts; behold many wonders never before seen, O Arjuna.
Explanation
Krishna invites Arjuna to see the various celestial beings — the Adityas, Vasus, Rudras, and others — all present within His own being, wonders no mortal eye has beheld before. It is a reminder that every power and every god ultimately rests within the one Supreme Person.
इहैकस्थं जगत्कृत्स्नं पश्याद्य सचराचरम्।
मम देहे गुडाकेश यच्चान्यद्द्रष्टुमिच्छसि।।11.7।।
ihaika-sthaṁ jagat kṛitsnaṁ paśhyādya sa-charācharam
mama dehe guḍākeśha yach chānyad draṣhṭum ichchhasi
Word-for-Word Translation
iha—here; eka-stham—assembled together; jagat—the universe; kṛitsnam—entire; paśhya—behold; adya—now; sa—with; chara—the moving; acharam—the non- moving; mama—my; dehe—in this form; guḍākeśha—Arjun, the conqueror of sleep; yat—whatever; cha—also; anyat—else; draṣhṭum—to see; ichchhasi—you wish
Meaning
Now, behold, O Arjuna, in this My body, the entire universe centered in one, including the moving and the unmoving, and whatever else you desire to see.
Explanation
Here Krishna states outright what the vision will show: the entire universe, moving and unmoving, gathered together in His single form. It is the boldest possible claim of all-inclusiveness, preparing Arjuna for something beyond ordinary perception.
न तु मां शक्यसे द्रष्टुमनेनैव स्वचक्षुषा।
दिव्यं ददामि ते चक्षुः पश्य मे योगमैश्वरम्।।11.8।।
na tu māṁ śhakyase draṣhṭum anenaiva sva-chakṣhuṣhā
divyaṁ dadāmi te chakṣhuḥ paśhya me yogam aiśhwaram
Word-for-Word Translation
na—not; tu—but; mām—me; śhakyase—you can; draṣhṭum—to see; anena—with these; eva—even; sva-chakṣhuṣhā—with your physical eyes; divyam—divine; dadāmi—I give; te—to you; chakṣhuḥ—eyes; paśhya—behold; me—my; yogam aiśhwaram—majestic opulence
Meaning
But you are not able to behold Me with these your own eyes; I give you the divine eye; behold My lordly Yoga.
Explanation
Krishna makes clear that His universal form has always existed as part of His inconceivable potency; what Arjuna lacks is not access but the eyes to see it, since material senses cannot perceive spiritual reality. So Krishna does not change Himself to accommodate Arjuna — He grants Arjuna divine eyes (divya-cakṣu), because seeing the Lord's opulence requires transcendental vision, never a material one, and such vision is granted only by the Lord's own mercy, never achieved by any effort of the senses.
सञ्जय उवाच
एवमुक्त्वा ततो राजन्महायोगेश्वरो हरिः।
दर्शयामास पार्थाय परमं रूपमैश्वरम्।।11.9।।
sañjaya uvācha
evam uktvā tato rājan mahā-yogeśhvaro hariḥ
darśhayām āsa pārthāya paramaṁ rūpam aiśhwaram
Word-for-Word Translation
sañjayaḥ uvācha—Sanjay said; evam—thus; uktvā—having spoken; tataḥ—then; rājan—King; mahā-yoga-īśhvaraḥ—the Supreme Lord of Yog; hariḥ—Shree Krishna; darśhayām āsa—displayed; pārthāya—to Arjun; paramam—divine; rūpam aiśhwaram—opulence
Meaning
Sanjaya said, Having thus spoken, O king, the great Lord of Yoga, Hari (Krishna), showed Arjuna His supreme form as the Lord.
Explanation
Sanjaya, narrating to King Dhritarashtra, confirms that Krishna, the Lord of all mystic power, actually manifested this form for Arjuna. The verse marks the narrative pivot from anticipation to the awesome revelation itself.
अनेकवक्त्रनयनमनेकाद्भुतदर्शनम्।
अनेकदिव्याभरणं दिव्यानेकोद्यतायुधम्।।11.10।।
aneka-vaktra-nayanam anekādbhuta-darśhanam
aneka-divyābharaṇaṁ divyānekodyatāyudham
Word-for-Word Translation
aneka—many; vaktra—faces; nayanam—eyes; aneka—many; adbhuta—wonderful; darśhanam—had a vision of; aneka—many; divya—divine; ābharaṇam—ornaments; divya—divine; aneka—many; udyata—uplifted; āyudham—weapons
Meaning
With numerous mouths and eyes, with numerous wondrous sights, with numerous divine adornments, with numerous divine weapons uplifted, such a form He showed.
Explanation
The description begins to unfold — countless mouths, eyes, ornaments, and weapons all at once. Language strains here, hinting that what Arjuna sees exceeds anything describable in ordinary terms.
दिव्यमाल्याम्बरधरं दिव्यगन्धानुलेपनम्।
सर्वाश्चर्यमयं देवमनन्तं विश्वतोमुखम्।।11.11।।
divya-mālyāmbara-dharaṁ divya-gandhānulepanam
sarvāśhcharya-mayaṁ devam anantaṁ viśhvato-mukham
Word-for-Word Translation
divya—divine; mālya—garlands; āmbara—garments; dharam—wearing; divya—divine; gandha—fragrances; anulepanam—anointed with; sarva—all; āśhcharya-mayam—wonderful; devam—Lord; anantam—unlimited; viśhwataḥ—all sides; mukham—face
Meaning
Wearing divine garlands and apparel, anointed with divine unguents, the all-wonderful, resplendent Being is endless with faces on all sides.
Explanation
Even amid this overwhelming multiplicity, there is divine beauty — garlands, fragrance, and adornment — showing that the cosmic form, however vast and strange, is still an expression of a personal, resplendent Lord rather than an abstract force.
दिवि सूर्यसहस्रस्य भवेद्युगपदुत्थिता।
यदि भाः सदृशी सा स्याद्भासस्तस्य महात्मनः।।11.12।।
divi sūrya-sahasrasya bhaved yugapad utthitā
yadi bhāḥ sadṛiśhī sā syād bhāsas tasya mahātmanaḥ
Word-for-Word Translation
divi—in the sky; sūrya—suns; sahasrasya—thousand; bhavet—were; yugapat—simultaneously; utthitā—rising; yadi—if; bhāḥ—splendor; sadṛiśhī—like; sā—that; syāt—would be; bhāsaḥ—splendor; tasya—of them; mahā-ātmanaḥ—the great personality
Meaning
If the splendour of a thousand suns were to blaze out simultaneously in the sky, that would be the splendour of that mighty being.
Explanation
Sanjaya reaches for the most powerful image in human experience — a thousand suns blazing at once — merely to suggest, not fully capture, the effulgence Arjuna beheld. Even this comparison is offered as an approximation of something ultimately beyond comparison.
तत्रैकस्थं जगत्कृत्स्नं प्रविभक्तमनेकधा।
अपश्यद्देवदेवस्य शरीरे पाण्डवस्तदा।।11.13।।
tatraika-sthaṁ jagat kṛitsnaṁ pravibhaktam anekadhā
apaśhyad deva-devasya śharīre pāṇḍavas tadā
Word-for-Word Translation
tatra—there; eka-stham—established in one place; jagat—the universe; kṛitsnam—entire; pravibhaktam—divided; anekadhā—many; apaśhyat—could see; deva-devasya—of the God of gods; śharīre—in the body; pāṇḍavaḥ—Arjun; tadā—at that time
Meaning
There, in the body of the God of gods, Arjuna then saw the entire universe resting in one, with its myriad of divisions.
Explanation
In this single body, Arjuna sees the whole universe present at once, in all its endless variety, undivided yet displaying countless divisions. It is the direct fulfillment of what Krishna promised — everything gathered together within Him.
ततः स विस्मयाविष्टो हृष्टरोमा धनञ्जयः।
प्रणम्य शिरसा देवं कृताञ्जलिरभाषत।।11.14।।
tataḥ sa vismayāviṣhṭo hṛiṣhṭa-romā dhanañjayaḥ
praṇamya śhirasā devaṁ kṛitāñjalir abhāṣhata
Word-for-Word Translation
tataḥ—then; saḥ—he; vismaya-āviṣhṭaḥ—full of wonder; hṛiṣhṭa-romā—with hair standing on end; dhanañjayaḥ—Arjun, the conqueror of wealth; praṇamya—bow down; śhirasā—with (his) head; devam—the Lord; kṛita-añjaliḥ—with folded hands; abhāṣhata—he addressed
Meaning
Then, Arjuna, filled with wonder and his hair standing on end, bowed his head to the God and spoke with palms joined.
Explanation
Overwhelmed with awe, Arjuna's body responds before his words can form — hair standing on end, hands folding in reverence. Such involuntary bodily transformation is a recognizable sign, throughout devotional literature, of the soul's contact with the divine.
अर्जुन उवाच
पश्यामि देवांस्तव देव देहे
सर्वांस्तथा भूतविशेषसङ्घान्।
ब्रह्माणमीशं कमलासनस्थ
मृषींश्च सर्वानुरगांश्च दिव्यान्।।11.15।।
arjuna uvācha
paśhyāmi devāns tava deva dehe
sarvāns tathā bhūta-viśheṣha-saṅghān
brahmāṇam īśhaṁ kamalāsana-stham
ṛiṣhīnśh cha sarvān uragānśh cha divyān
Word-for-Word Translation
arjunaḥ uvācha—Arjun said; paśhyāmi—I behold; devān—all the gods; tava—your; deva—Lord; dehe—within the body; sarvān—all; tathā—as well as; bhūta viśheṣha-saṅghān—hosts of different beings; brahmāṇam—Lord Brahma; īśham—Shiv; kamala-āsana-stham—seated on the lotus flower; ṛiṣhīn—sages; cha—and; sarvān—all; uragān—serpents; cha—and; divyān—divine
Meaning
Arjuna said, "O God, I see all the gods in Your body, as well as hosts of various classes of beings, Brahma the Lord seated on the lotus, all the sages, and the celestial serpents."
Explanation
As Arjuna begins to describe what he sees, he names the gods, sages, and celestial serpents all present within Krishna's body, including Brahma seated on his lotus. The vision confirms that even the highest creators of the universe are themselves contained within the Supreme.
अनेकबाहूदरवक्त्रनेत्रं
पश्यामि त्वां सर्वतोऽनन्तरूपम्।
नान्तं न मध्यं न पुनस्तवादिं
पश्यामि विश्वेश्वर विश्वरूप।।11.16।।
aneka-bāhūdara-vaktra-netraṁ
paśhyāmi tvāṁ sarvato ’nanta-rūpam
nāntaṁ na madhyaṁ na punas tavādiṁ
paśhyāmi viśhveśhvara viśhva-rūpa
Word-for-Word Translation
aneka—infinite; bāhu—arms; udara—stomachs; vaktra—faces; netram—eyes; paśhyāmi—I see; tvām—you; sarvataḥ—in every direction; ananta-rūpam—inifinite forms; na antam—without end; na—not; madhyam—middle; na—no; punaḥ—again; tava—your; ādim—beginning; paśhyāmi—I see; viśhwa-īśhwara—The Lord of the universe; viśhwa-rūpa—universal form
Meaning
I see You with boundless form on every side, with many arms, stomachs, mouths, and eyes; neither the end nor the middle nor the beginning do I see, O Lord of the Universe, O Cosmic Form.
Explanation
Arjuna is struck by the form's utter boundlessness — he can find no beginning, middle, or end to it. This formlessness-within-form conveys that Krishna's opulence cannot be measured or contained by any finite perspective, however expanded.
किरीटिनं गदिनं चक्रिणं च
तेजोराशिं सर्वतोदीप्तिमन्तम्।
पश्यामि त्वां दुर्निरीक्ष्यं समन्ता
द्दीप्तानलार्कद्युतिमप्रमेयम्।।11.17।।
kirīṭinaṁ gadinaṁ chakriṇaṁ cha
tejo-rāśhiṁ sarvato dīptimantam
paśhyāmi tvāṁ durnirīkṣhyaṁ samantād
dīptānalārka-dyutim aprameyam
Word-for-Word Translation
kirīṭinam—adorned with a crown; gadinam—with club; chakriṇam—with discs; cha—and; tejaḥ-rāśhim—abode of splendor; sarvataḥ—everywhere; dīpti-mantam—shining; paśhyāmi—I see; tvām—you; durnirīkṣhyam—difficult to look upon; samantāt—in all directions; dīpta-anala—blazing fire; arka—like the sun; dyutim—effulgence; aprameyam—immeasurable
Meaning
I see You with the diadem, club, and discus, a mass of radiance shining everywhere, very hard to look at, blazing all around like a burning fire and the sun, and immeasurable.
Explanation
The weapons and radiance Arjuna sees are so intense that he can barely look upon them, comparing the brilliance to blazing fire and sun combined. The vision is not gentle; it is meant to convey overwhelming, unbounded power.
त्वमक्षरं परमं वेदितव्यं
त्वमस्य विश्वस्य परं निधानम्।
त्वमव्ययः शाश्वतधर्मगोप्ता
सनातनस्त्वं पुरुषो मतो मे।।11.18।।
tvam akṣharaṁ paramaṁ veditavyaṁ
tvam asya viśhvasya paraṁ nidhānam
tvam avyayaḥ śhāśhvata-dharma-goptā
sanātanas tvaṁ puruṣho mato me
Word-for-Word Translation
tvam—you; akṣharam—the imperishable; paramam—the supreme being; veditavyam—worthy of being known; tvam—you; asya—of this; viśhwasya—of the creation; param—supreme; nidhānam—support; tvam—you; avyayaḥ—eternal; śhāśhvata-dharma-goptā—protector of the eternal religion; sanātanaḥ—everlasting; tvam—you; puruṣhaḥ—the Supreme Divine Person; mataḥ me—my opinion
Meaning
You are the Imperishable, the Supreme Being, worthy of being known. You are the great treasure-house of this universe; You are the imperishable protector of the eternal Dharma; You are the Primal Person, I believe.
Explanation
Arjuna arrives at a theological realization in the middle of this vision — he now recognizes Krishna as the imperishable Absolute, the ultimate resting place of the universe, and the eternal protector of dharma. Direct experience is confirming what Krishna's teaching had already stated.
अनादिमध्यान्तमनन्तवीर्य
मनन्तबाहुं शशिसूर्यनेत्रम्।
पश्यामि त्वां दीप्तहुताशवक्त्रम्
स्वतेजसा विश्वमिदं तपन्तम्।।11.19।।
anādi-madhyāntam ananta-vīryam
ananta-bāhuṁ śhaśhi-sūrya-netram
paśhyāmi tvāṁ dīpta-hutāśha-vaktraṁ
sva-tejasā viśhvam idaṁ tapantam
Word-for-Word Translation
anādi-madhya-antam—without beginning, middle, or end; ananta-vīryam—of unlimited power; ananta-bāhum—with unlimited arms; śhaśhi-sūrya-netram—the sun and moon as your eyes; paśhyāmi—I see; tvām—you; dīpta-hutāśha-vaktram—with blazing fire as your mouth; sva-tejasā—by your own effulgence; viśhvam idam—this entire universe; tapantam—heating
Meaning
I see You without beginning, middle, or end, infinite in power, with endless arms, the sun and moon as Your eyes, the burning fire Your mouth, heating the entire universe with Your radiance.
Explanation
Arjuna describes a being without beginning, middle, or end, whose very eyes are the sun and moon and whose breath scorches the worlds. The imagery reaches beyond anything personal or familiar, showing Krishna's form as coextensive with the cosmos itself.
द्यावापृथिव्योरिदमन्तरं हि
व्याप्तं त्वयैकेन दिशश्च सर्वाः।
दृष्ट्वाऽद्भुतं रूपमुग्रं तवेदं
लोकत्रयं प्रव्यथितं महात्मन्।।11.20।।
dyāv ā-pṛithivyor idam antaraṁ hi
vyāptaṁ tvayaikena diśhaśh cha sarvāḥ
dṛiṣhṭvādbhutaṁ rūpam ugraṁ tavedaṁ
loka-trayaṁ pravyathitaṁ mahātman
Word-for-Word Translation
dyau-ā-pṛithivyoḥ—between heaven and earth; idam—this; antaram—space between; hi—indeed; vyāptam—pervaded; tvayā—by you; ekena—alone; diśhaḥ—directions; cha—and; sarvāḥ—all; dṛiṣhṭvā—seeing; adbhutam—wondrous; rūpam—form; ugram—terrible; tava—your; idam—this; loka—worlds; trayam—three; pravyathitam—trembling; mahā-ātman—The greatest of all beings
Meaning
This space between the earth and the heavens, and all the quarters, is filled by You alone; having seen this, Your wonderful and terrible form, the three worlds are trembling with fear, O great-souled Being.
Explanation
The sheer scale of what Arjuna sees — filling the space between heaven and earth in every direction — causes the three worlds themselves to tremble. Even reality's stability seems to shake before this unveiling of the Supreme's true magnitude.
अमी हि त्वां सुरसङ्घाः विशन्ति
केचिद्भीताः प्राञ्जलयो गृणन्ति।
स्वस्तीत्युक्त्वा महर्षिसिद्धसङ्घाः
स्तुवन्ति त्वां स्तुतिभिः पुष्कलाभिः।।11.21।।
amī hi tvāṁ sura-saṅghā viśhanti
kechid bhītāḥ prāñjalayo gṛiṇanti
svastīty uktvā maharṣhi-siddha-saṅghāḥ
stuvanti tvāṁ stutibhiḥ puṣhkalābhiḥ
Word-for-Word Translation
amī—these; hi—indeed; tvām—you; sura-saṅghāḥ—assembly of celestial gods; viśhanti—are entering; kechit—some; bhītāḥ—in fear; prāñjalayaḥ—with folded hands; gṛiṇanti—praise; svasti—auspicious; iti—thus; uktvā—reciting; mahā-ṛiṣhi—great sages; siddha-saṅghāḥ—perfect beings; stuvanti—are extolling; tvām—you; stutibhiḥ—with prayers; puṣhkalābhiḥ—hymns
Meaning
Verily, these hosts of gods enter into Thee; some extol Thee with joined palms in fear, saying, 'May it be well!' Bands of great sages and perfected ones praise Thee with complete hymns.
Explanation
Arjuna watches hosts of celestial beings, sages, and perfected souls streaming toward Krishna, some in fear, others in reverent praise. It is a glimpse of the wider truth that all beings, however exalted, ultimately move toward the same Supreme source.
रुद्रादित्या वसवो ये च साध्या
विश्वेऽश्विनौ मरुतश्चोष्मपाश्च।
गन्धर्वयक्षासुरसिद्धसङ्घा
वीक्षन्ते त्वां विस्मिताश्चैव सर्वे।।11.22।।
rudrādityā vasavo ye cha sādhyā
viśhve ’śhvinau marutaśh choṣhmapāśh cha
gandharva-yakṣhāsura-siddha-saṅghā
vīkṣhante tvāṁ vismitāśh chaiva sarve
Word-for-Word Translation
rudra—a form of Lord Shiv; ādityāḥ—the Adityas; vasavaḥ—the Vasus; ye—these; cha—and; sādhyāḥ—the Sadhyas; viśhve—the Vishvadevas; aśhvinau—the Ashvini kumars; marutaḥ—the Maruts; cha—and; uṣhma-pāḥ—the ancestors; cha—and; gandharva—Gandharvas; yakṣha—the Yakshas; asura—the demons; siddha—the perfected beings; saṅghāḥ—the assemblies; vīkṣhante—are beholding; tvām—you; vismitāḥ—in wonder; cha—and; eva—verily; sarve—all
Meaning
The Rudras, Adityas, Vasus, Sadhyas, Visvedevas, the two Asvins, Maruts, the Manus, and the hosts of celestial singers, Yakshas, demons, and the perfected ones, all look upon Thee with great amazement.
Explanation
Arjuna catalogs a further sweep of celestial classes gazing on this form in astonishment — showing that even divine beings, who typically inspire awe in others, are themselves awestruck before Krishna's true magnitude.
रूपं महत्ते बहुवक्त्रनेत्रं
महाबाहो बहुबाहूरुपादम्।
बहूदरं बहुदंष्ट्राकरालं
दृष्ट्वा लोकाः प्रव्यथितास्तथाऽहम्।।11.23।।
rūpaṁ mahat te bahu-vaktra-netraṁ
mahā-bāho bahu-bāhūru-pādam
bahūdaraṁ bahu-danṣhṭrā-karālaṁ
dṛiṣhṭvā lokāḥ pravyathitās tathāham
Word-for-Word Translation
rūpam—form; mahat—magnificent; te—your; bahu—many; vaktra—mouths; netram—eyes; mahā-bāho—mighty-armed Lord; bahu—many; bāhu—arms; ūru—thighs; pādam—legs; bahu-udaram—many stomachs; bahu-danṣhṭrā—many teeth; karālam—terrifying; dṛiṣhṭvā—seeing; lokāḥ—all the worlds; pravyathitāḥ—terror-stricken; tathā—so also; aham—I
Meaning
Having seen Your immeasurable form with many mouths and eyes, O mighty-armed one, with many arms, thighs, and feet, with many stomachs and fearsome with many teeth, the worlds are terrified, and so am I.
Explanation
As the enormity of mouths, arms, and forms grows almost unbearable to witness, Arjuna admits that the same terror gripping the worlds has now gripped him personally. The vision has stopped being merely wondrous and has become genuinely frightening.
नभःस्पृशं दीप्तमनेकवर्णं
व्यात्ताननं दीप्तविशालनेत्रम्।
दृष्ट्वा हि त्वां प्रव्यथितान्तरात्मा
धृतिं न विन्दामि शमं च विष्णो।।11.24।।
nabhaḥ-spṛiśhaṁ dīptam aneka-varṇaṁ
vyāttānanaṁ dīpta-viśhāla-netram
dṛiṣhṭvā hi tvāṁ pravyathitāntar-ātmā
dhṛitiṁ na vindāmi śhamaṁ cha viṣhṇo
Word-for-Word Translation
nabhaḥ-spṛiśham—touching the sky; dīptam—effulgent; aneka—many; varṇam—colors; vyātta—open; ānanam—mouths; dīpta—blazing; viśhāla—enormous; netram—eyes; dṛiṣhṭvā—seeing; hi—indeed; tvām—you; pravyathitāntar-ātmā—my heart is trembling with fear; dhṛitim—firmness; na—not; vindāmi—I find; śhamam—mental peace; cha—and; viṣhṇo—Lord Vishnu
Meaning
On seeing Thee, touching the sky, shining in many colors, with mouths wide open, with large fiery eyes, I am terrified at heart and find neither courage nor peace, O Vishnu.
Explanation
Arjuna's description turns inward — he speaks of his own heart trembling, unable to find steadiness or peace. This marks the turning point where awe shifts into fear, preparing for the verses that follow describing outright terror.
दंष्ट्राकरालानि च ते मुखानि
दृष्ट्वैव कालानलसन्निभानि।
दिशो न जाने न लभे च शर्म
प्रसीद देवेश जगन्निवास।।11.25।।
danṣhṭrā-karālāni cha te mukhāni
dṛiṣhṭvaiva kālānala-sannibhāni
diśho na jāne na labhe cha śharma
prasīda deveśha jagan-nivāsa
Word-for-Word Translation
danṣhṭrā—teeth; karālāni—terrible; cha—and; te—your; mukhāni—mouths; dṛiṣhṭvā—having seen; eva—indeed; kāla-anala—the fire of annihilation; sannibhāni—resembling; diśhaḥ—the directions; na—not; jāne—know; na—not; labhe—I obtain; cha—and; śharma—peace; prasīda—have mercy; deva-īśha—The Lord of lords; jagat-nivāsa—The shelter of the universe
Meaning
Having seen Thy mouths fearful with teeth blazing like the fires of cosmic dissolution, I know not the four quarters, nor do I find peace. Have mercy, O Lord of the gods, O abode of the universe.
Explanation
The blazing, tooth-filled mouths remind Arjuna of the fire that consumes the universe at the end of time, and he begs for mercy. Even a great warrior, when confronted with the Lord's all-devouring aspect, finds himself utterly disoriented and dependent on grace.
अमी च त्वां धृतराष्ट्रस्य पुत्राः
सर्वे सहैवावनिपालसङ्घैः।
भीष्मो द्रोणः सूतपुत्रस्तथाऽसौ
सहास्मदीयैरपि योधमुख्यैः।।11.26।।
amī cha tvāṁ dhṛitarāśhtrasya putrāḥ
sarve sahaivāvani-pāla-saṅghaiḥ
bhīṣhmo droṇaḥ sūta-putras tathāsau
sahāsmadīyair api yodha-mukhyaiḥ
Word-for-Word Translation
amī—these; cha—and; tvām—you; dhṛitarāśhtrasya—of Dhritarashtra; putrāḥ—sons; sarve—all; saha—with; eva—even; avani-pāla—their allied kings; sanghaiḥ—assembly; bhīṣhmaḥ—Bheeshma; droṇaḥ—Dronacharya; sūta-putraḥ—Karna; tathā—and also; asau—this; saha—with; asmadīyaiḥ—from our side; api—also; yodha-mukhyaiḥ—generals; vaktrāṇi—mouths; te—your; tvaramāṇāḥ—rushing; viśhanti—enter; danṣhṭrā—teeth; karālāni—terrible; bhayānakāni—fearsome; kechit—some; vilagnāḥ—getting stuck; daśhana-antareṣhu—between the teeth; sandṛiśhyante—are seen; chūrṇitaiḥ—getting smashed; uttama-aṅgaiḥ—heads
Meaning
All the sons of Dhritarashtra, along with the hosts of kings of the earth, Bhishma, Drona, and Karna, as well as the chief among our warriors.
Explanation
Arjuna now sees something deeply personal and unsettling — the very warriors he is about to fight, including revered elders like Bhishma and Drona, being drawn into this cosmic form. The vision is revealing not just abstract cosmic truth but the actual fate awaiting the battle ahead.
वक्त्राणि ते त्वरमाणा विशन्ति
दंष्ट्राकरालानि भयानकानि।
केचिद्विलग्ना दशनान्तरेषु
संदृश्यन्ते चूर्णितैरुत्तमाङ्गैः।।11.27।।
vaktrāṇi te tvaramāṇā viśhanti
danṣhṭrā-karālāni bhayānakāni
kechid vilagnā daśhanāntareṣhu
sandṛiśhyante chūrṇitair uttamāṅgaiḥ
Word-for-Word Translation
vaktrāṇi—mouths; te—Your; tvaramāṇāḥ—fearful; viśanti—entering; daṁṣṭrā—teeth; karālāni—terrible; bhayānakāni—very fearful; kechit—some of them; vilagnāḥ—being stuck; daśanāntareṣhu—between the teeth; sandṛiśhyante—are seen; chūrṇitaiḥ—smashed; uttama-aṅgaiḥ—by the head
Meaning
Some hurry into Your mouths with their terrible teeth, fearful to behold. Some are found stuck in the gaps between the teeth, their heads crushed to powder.
Explanation
Arjuna watches these warriors rushing headlong into the Lord's terrible mouths, some already crushed between His teeth. It is a stark image of the truth Krishna will soon state directly — that these deaths are already settled by time itself.
यथा नदीनां बहवोऽम्बुवेगाः
समुद्रमेवाभिमुखाः द्रवन्ति।
तथा तवामी नरलोकवीरा
विशन्ति वक्त्राण्यभिविज्वलन्ति।।11.28।।
yathā nadīnāṁ bahavo ’mbu-vegāḥ
samudram evābhimukhā dravanti
tathā tavāmī nara-loka-vīrā
viśhanti vaktrāṇy abhivijvalanti
Word-for-Word Translation
yathā—as; nadīnām—of the rivers; bahavaḥ—many; ambu-vegāḥ—water waves; samudram—the ocean; eva—indeed; abhimukhāḥ—toward; dravanti—flowing rapidly; tathā—similarly; tava—your; amī—these; nara-loka-vīrāḥ—kings of human society; viśhanti—enter; vaktrāṇi—mouths; abhivijvalanti—blazing
Meaning
Verily, just as many torrents of rivers flow towards the ocean, so too these heroes in the world of men enter Thy flaming mouths.
Explanation
The comparison to rivers rushing irresistibly into the ocean captures the sense of inevitability, but Prabhupada makes clear this is not an impersonal fate — Krishna already knows the outcome of the battle, and these warriors are entering His mouths because their deaths are already arranged by Him. Arjuna is being shown in advance what will happen at Kurukshetra, so that when Krishna later tells him he is merely an instrument (nimitta-mātra), it will be confirmed by what he has seen with his own eyes.
यथा प्रदीप्तं ज्वलनं पतङ्गा
विशन्ति नाशाय समृद्धवेगाः।
तथैव नाशाय विशन्ति लोका
स्तवापि वक्त्राणि समृद्धवेगाः।।11.29।।
yathā pradīptaṁ jvalanaṁ pataṅgā
viśhanti nāśhāya samṛiddha-vegāḥ
tathaiva nāśhāya viśhanti lokās
tavāpi vaktrāṇi samṛiddha-vegāḥ
Word-for-Word Translation
yathā—as; pradīptam—blazing; jvalanam—fire; pataṅgāḥ—moths; viśhanti—enter; nāśhāya—to be perished; samṛiddha vegāḥ—with great speed; tathā eva—similarly; nāśhāya—to be perished; viśhanti—enter; lokāḥ—these people; tava—your; api—also; vaktrāṇi—mouths; samṛiddha-vegāḥ—with great speed
Meaning
As moths hurriedly rush into a blazing fire, leading to their own destruction, so too these creatures hurry into Your mouths, leading to their own destruction.
Explanation
The moth-and-flame image is a classic picture of self-destructive haste, and Arjuna applies it to the armies charging toward their doom. There is a quiet lesson here about how attachment to conflict and pride can blind beings to their own peril.
लेलिह्यसे ग्रसमानः समन्ता
ल्लोकान्समग्रान्वदनैर्ज्वलद्भिः।
तेजोभिरापूर्य जगत्समग्रं
भासस्तवोग्राः प्रतपन्ति विष्णो।।11.30।।
lelihyase grasamānaḥ samantāl
lokān samagrān vadanair jvaladbhiḥ
tejobhir āpūrya jagat samagraṁ
bhāsas tavogrāḥ pratapanti viṣhṇo
Word-for-Word Translation
lelihyase—you are licking; grasamānaḥ—devouring; samantāt—on all sides; lokān—worlds; samagrān—all; vadanaiḥ—with mouths; jvaladbhiḥ—blazing; tejobhiḥ—by effulgence; āpūrya—filled with; jagat—the universe; samagram—all; bhāsaḥ—rays; tava—your; ugrāḥ—fierce; pratapanti—scorching; viṣhṇo—Lord Vishnu
Meaning
Thou lickest up, devouring all the worlds on every side with Thy flaming mouths. Thy fierce rays, filling the whole world with radiance, burn, O Vishnu!
Explanation
Arjuna sees Krishna's form licking up and consuming all the worlds with blazing mouths, His radiance scorching everything. This is Krishna's all-devouring aspect as time and death, the same power that governs the rise and fall of every living being.
आख्याहि मे को भवानुग्ररूपो
नमोऽस्तु ते देववर प्रसीद।
विज्ञातुमिच्छामि भवन्तमाद्यं
न हि प्रजानामि तव प्रवृत्तिम्।।11.31।।
ākhyāhi me ko bhavān ugra-rūpo
namo ’stu te deva-vara prasīda
vijñātum ichchhāmi bhavantam ādyaṁ
na hi prajānāmi tava pravṛittim
Word-for-Word Translation
ākhyāhi—tell; me—me; kaḥ—who; bhavān—you; ugra-rūpaḥ—fierce form; namaḥ astu—I bow; te—to you; deva-vara—God of gods; prasīda—be merciful; vijñātum—to know; ichchhāmi—I wish; bhavantam—you; ādyam—the primeval; na—not; hi—because; prajānāmi—comprehend; tava—your; pravṛittim—workings
Meaning
Tell me, who you are, so fierce of form. I offer my salutations to you, O God Supreme; have mercy on me. I desire to know you, the original Being. I do not indeed know your workings.
Explanation
Shaken and disoriented, Arjuna finally asks the direct question — who exactly is this fierce being before him? His plea for mercy shows that even a great soul can be humbled to the point of needing simple, direct explanation from the Lord Himself.
श्री भगवानुवाच
कालोऽस्मि लोकक्षयकृत्प्रवृद्धो
लोकान्समाहर्तुमिह प्रवृत्तः।
ऋतेऽपि त्वां न भविष्यन्ति सर्वे
येऽवस्थिताः प्रत्यनीकेषु योधाः।।11.32।।
śhrī-bhagavān uvācha
kālo ’smi loka-kṣhaya-kṛit pravṛiddho
lokān samāhartum iha pravṛittaḥ
ṛite ’pi tvāṁ na bhaviṣhyanti sarve
ye ’vasthitāḥ pratyanīkeṣhu yodhāḥ
Word-for-Word Translation
śhrī-bhagavān uvācha—the Supreme Lord said; kālaḥ—time; asmi—I am; loka-kṣhaya-kṛit—the source of destruction of the worlds; pravṛiddhaḥ—mighty; lokān—the worlds; samāhartum—annihilation; iha—this world; pravṛittaḥ—participation; ṛite—without; api—even; tvām—you; na bhaviṣhyanti—shall cease to exist; sarve—all; ye—who; avasthitāḥ—arrayed; prati-anīkeṣhu—in the opposing army; yodhāḥ—the warriors
Meaning
The Blessed Lord said, "I am the full-grown, world-destroying Time, now engaged in destroying the worlds. Even without you, none of the warriors arrayed in the hostile armies will live."
Explanation
Krishna's answer is stark and unforgettable: He identifies Himself as all-devouring Time, already engaged in the destruction of the worlds regardless of what Arjuna does. This is not fatalism but a teaching Krishna already gave in Chapter Two — the body is temporary and the soul within it is never truly slain, so death on this battlefield is simply the working of Krishna's own arrangement as Time, not a tragedy Arjuna is causing. The warriors' deaths are already settled by the Lord; Arjuna's grief over killing his kinsmen rests on a misunderstanding of who actually acts.
तस्मात्त्वमुत्तिष्ठ यशो लभस्व
जित्वा शत्रून् भुङ्क्ष्व राज्यं समृद्धम्।
मयैवैते निहताः पूर्वमेव
निमित्तमात्रं भव सव्यसाचिन्।।11.33।।
tasmāt tvam uttiṣhṭha yaśho labhasva
jitvā śhatrūn bhuṅkṣhva rājyaṁ samṛiddham
mayaivaite nihatāḥ pūrvam eva
nimitta-mātraṁ bhava savya-sāchin
Word-for-Word Translation
tasmāt—therefore; tvam—you; uttiṣhṭha—arise; yaśhaḥ—honor; labhasva—attain; jitvā—conquer; śhatrūn—foes; bhuṅkṣhva—enjoy; rājyam—kingdom; samṛiddham—prosperous; mayā—by me; eva—indeed; ete—these; nihatāḥ—slain; pūrvam—already; eva nimitta-mātram—only an instrument; bhava—become; savya-sāchin—Arjun, the one who can shoot arrows with both hands
Meaning
Therefore, stand up and obtain fame. Conquer the enemies and enjoy the unparalleled kingdom. Verily, by Me they have already been slain; be thou a mere instrument, O Arjuna.
Explanation
Krishna's practical instruction follows directly from His revelation — since these warriors have already been slain by Him as Time, Arjuna's fighting will not be the true cause of their deaths; he is called to act as a mere instrument (nimitta-mātra) of a result the Lord has already ordained. This frees Arjuna from the false burden of feeling personally responsible for killing his kinsmen, and lets him fight for dharma, fame, and his rightful kingdom without incurring the sin of violence, since it is Krishna, not Arjuna, who is the actual doer.
द्रोणं च भीष्मं च जयद्रथं च
कर्णं तथाऽन्यानपि योधवीरान्।
मया हतांस्त्वं जहि मा व्यथिष्ठा
युध्यस्व जेतासि रणे सपत्नान्।।11.34।।
droṇaṁ cha bhīṣhmaṁ cha jayadrathaṁ cha
karṇaṁ tathānyān api yodha-vīrān
mayā hatāṁs tvaṁ jahi mā vyathiṣhṭhā
yudhyasva jetāsi raṇe sapatnān
Word-for-Word Translation
droṇam—Dronacharya; cha—and; bhīṣhmam—Bheeshma; cha—and; jayadratham—Jayadratha; cha—and; karṇam—Karn; tathā—also; anyān—others; api—also; yodha-vīrān—brave warriors; mayā—by me; hatān—already killed; tvam—you; jahi—slay; mā—not; vyathiṣhṭhāḥ—be disturbed; yudhyasva—fight; jetā asi—you shall be victorious; raṇe—in battle; sapatnān—enemies
Meaning
Drona, Bhishma, Jayadratha, Karna, and other brave warriors have already been slain by Me; do not be distressed with fear; fight and you shall conquer your enemies in battle.
Explanation
Krishna names key warriors already destined to fall and urges Arjuna not to be shaken by grief over what time has already decided. The instruction is not callous but liberating — freeing Arjuna from the false burden of feeling personally responsible for outcomes beyond his control.
सञ्जय उवाच
एतच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं केशवस्य
कृताञ्जलिर्वेपमानः किरीटी।
नमस्कृत्वा भूय एवाह कृष्णं
सगद्गदं भीतभीतः प्रणम्य।।11.35।।
sañjaya uvācha
etach chhrutvā vachanaṁ keśhavasya
kṛitāñjalir vepamānaḥ kirīṭī
namaskṛitvā bhūya evāha kṛiṣhṇaṁ
sa-gadgadaṁ bhīta-bhītaḥ praṇamya
Word-for-Word Translation
sañjayaḥ uvācha—Sanjay said; etat—thus; śhrutvā—hearing; vachanam—words; keśhavasya—of Shree Krishna; kṛita-añjaliḥ—with joined palms; vepamānaḥ—trembling; kirītī—the crowned one, Arjun; namaskṛitvā—with palms joined; bhūyaḥ—again; eva—indeed; āha—spoke; kṛiṣhṇam—to Shree Krishna; sa-gadgadam—in a faltering voice; bhīta-bhītaḥ—overwhelmed with fear; praṇamya—bowed down
Meaning
Sanjaya said, Having heard that speech of Lord Krishna, Arjuna, with joined palms, trembling, prostrated himself, again addressing Krishna in a choked voice, bowing down, overwhelmed with fear.
Explanation
Sanjaya describes Arjuna's trembling response to these startling words, bowing again in a faltering voice. The narrative captures how deeply this revelation has moved a warrior otherwise known for steadiness and courage.
अर्जुन उवाच
स्थाने हृषीकेश तव प्रकीर्त्या
जगत् प्रहृष्यत्यनुरज्यते च।
रक्षांसि भीतानि दिशो द्रवन्ति
सर्वे नमस्यन्ति च सिद्धसङ्घाः।।11.36।।
arjuna uvācha
sthāne hṛiṣhīkeśha tava prakīrtyā
jagat prahṛiṣhyaty anurajyate cha
rakṣhānsi bhītāni diśho dravanti
sarve namasyanti cha siddha-saṅghāḥ
Word-for-Word Translation
arjunaḥ uvācha—Arjun said; sthāne—it is but apt; hṛiṣhīka-īśha—Shree Krishna, the master of the senses; tava—your; prakīrtyā—in praise; jagat—the universe; prahṛiṣhyati—rejoices; anurajyate—be enamored; cha—and; rakṣhānsi—the demons; bhītāni—fearfully; diśhaḥ—in all directions; dravanti—flee; sarve—all; namasyanti—bow down; cha—and; siddha-saṅghāḥ—hosts of perfected saints
Meaning
Arjuna said, "It is fitting, O Krishna, that the world delights and rejoices in Your praise; demons fly in fear in all directions and the hosts of the perfected ones bow to You."
Explanation
Arjuna now shifts from fear into praise, observing that it is only fitting that the whole universe should rejoice in Krishna's glory while the wicked flee in terror. His words begin a long hymn of glorification that continues through the coming verses.
कस्माच्च ते न नमेरन्महात्मन्
गरीयसे ब्रह्मणोऽप्यादिकर्त्रे।
अनन्त देवेश जगन्निवास
त्वमक्षरं सदसत्तत्परं यत्।।11.37।।
kasmāch cha te na nameran mahātman
garīyase brahmaṇo ’py ādi-kartre
ananta deveśha jagan-nivāsa
tvam akṣharaṁ sad-asat tat paraṁ yat
Word-for-Word Translation
kasmāt—why; cha—and; te—you; na nameran—should they not bow down; mahā-ātman—The Great one; garīyase—who are greater; brahmaṇaḥ—than Brahma; api—even; ādi-kartre—to the original creator; ananta—The limitless One; deva-īśha—Lord of the devatās; jagat-nivāsa—Refuge of the universe; tvam—you; akṣharam—the imperishable; sat-asat—manifest and non-manifest; tat—that; param—beyond; yat—which
Meaning
And why should they not, O great Soul, bow to Thee Who art greater than all else, the primal cause even of the Creator (Brahma), O Infinite Being, O Lord of the gods, O Abode of the universe; Thou art the imperishable, the Being, the non-being, and That which is supreme—that which is beyond the Being and the non-being.
Explanation
Arjuna reasons that if Krishna is even the source of Brahma, the traditional creator, then all beings owe Him their deepest reverence. He is working out, in real time, the logical and devotional implications of what he has just witnessed.
त्वमादिदेवः पुरुषः पुराण
स्त्वमस्य विश्वस्य परं निधानम्।
वेत्तासि वेद्यं च परं च धाम
त्वया ततं विश्वमनन्तरूप।।11.38।।
tvam ādi-devaḥ puruṣhaḥ purāṇas
tvam asya viśhvasya paraṁ nidhānam
vettāsi vedyaṁ cha paraṁ cha dhāma
tvayā tataṁ viśhvam ananta-rūpa
Word-for-Word Translation
tvam—you; ādi-devaḥ—the original Divine God; puruṣhaḥ—personality; purāṇaḥ—primeval; tvam—you; asya—of (this); viśhwasya—universe; param—Supreme; nidhānam—resting place; vettā—the knower; asi—you are; vedyam—the object of knowledge; cha—and; param—Supreme; cha—and; dhāma—Abode; tvayā—by you; tatam—pervaded; viśhwam—the universe; ananta-rūpa—posessor of infinite forms
Meaning
You are the primal God, the ancient Purusha, the supreme refuge of this universe, the knower, the knowable, and the supreme Abode. Through You, the universe is pervaded, O Being of infinite forms.
Explanation
Arjuna recognizes Krishna as the primeval Person, the knower and the known, the resting place of all existence pervading the universe in infinite forms. This is a mature theological statement arising directly from lived experience rather than mere instruction.
वायुर्यमोऽग्निर्वरुणः शशाङ्कः
प्रजापतिस्त्वं प्रपितामहश्च।
नमो नमस्तेऽस्तु सहस्रकृत्वः
पुनश्च भूयोऽपि नमो नमस्ते।।11.39।।
vāyur yamo ’gnir varuṇaḥ śhaśhāṅkaḥ
prajāpatis tvaṁ prapitāmahaśh cha
namo namas te ’stu sahasra-kṛitvaḥ
punaśh cha bhūyo ’pi namo namas te
Word-for-Word Translation
vāyuḥ—the god of wind; yamaḥ—the god of death; agniḥ—the god of fire; varuṇaḥ—the god of water; śhaśha-aṅkaḥ—the moon-God; prajāpatiḥ—Brahma; tvam—you; prapitāmahaḥ—the great-grandfather; cha—and; namaḥ—my salutations; namaḥ—my salutations; te—unto you; astu—let there be; sahasra-kṛitvaḥ—a thousand times; punaḥ cha—and again; bhūyaḥ—again; api—also; namaḥ—(offering) my salutations; namaḥ te—offering my salutations unto you
Meaning
You are Vayu, Yama, Agni, Varuna, the moon, the Creator, and the great-grandfather. I offer my salutations to You a thousand times, and again I offer my salutations to You.
Explanation
Arjuna identifies Krishna with the presiding deities of wind, death, fire, and water, and with the very origin of creation, offering repeated salutations. The repetition of namaḥ conveys an overflow of feeling that ordinary words cannot fully express.
नमः पुरस्तादथ पृष्ठतस्ते
नमोऽस्तु ते सर्वत एव सर्व।
अनन्तवीर्यामितविक्रमस्त्वं
सर्वं समाप्नोषि ततोऽसि सर्वः।।11.40।।
namaḥ purastād atha pṛiṣhṭhatas te
namo ’stu te sarvata eva sarva
ananta-vīryāmita-vikramas tvaṁ
sarvaṁ samāpnoṣhi tato ’si sarvaḥ
Word-for-Word Translation
namaḥ—offering salutations; purastāt—from the front; atha—and; pṛiṣhṭhataḥ—the rear; te—to you; namaḥ astu—I offer my salutations; te—to you; sarvataḥ—from all sides; eva—indeed; sarva—all; ananta-vīrya—infinite power; amita-vikramaḥ—infinite valor and might; tvam—you; sarvam—everything; samāpnoṣhi—pervade; tataḥ—thus; asi—(you) are; sarvaḥ—everything
Meaning
Salutations to You in front and behind! Salutations to You on every side! O All! You, infinite in power and prowess, pervade all; therefore You are all.
Explanation
Arjuna's praise becomes all-encompassing — salutations from every direction, because Krishna's power and presence pervade everything without exception. There is nowhere one could stand outside of Krishna's all-inclusive being.
सखेति मत्वा प्रसभं यदुक्तं
हे कृष्ण हे यादव हे सखेति।
अजानता महिमानं तवेदं
मया प्रमादात्प्रणयेन वापि।।11.41।।
sakheti matvā prasabhaṁ yad uktaṁ
he kṛiṣhṇa he yādava he sakheti
ajānatā mahimānaṁ tavedaṁ
mayā pramādāt praṇayena vāpi
Word-for-Word Translation
sakhā—friend; iti—as; matvā—thinking; prasabham—presumptuously; yat—whatever; uktam—addressed; he kṛiṣhṇa—O Shree Krishna; he yādava—O Shree Krishna, who was born in the Yadu clan; he sakhe—O my dear mate; iti—thus; ajānatā—in ignorance; mahimānam—majesty; tava—your; idam—this; mayā—by me; pramādāt—out of negligence; praṇayena—out of affection; vā api—or else
Meaning
Whatever I have presumptuously said from carelessness or love, addressing You as O Krishna! O Yadava! O Friend! regarding You merely as a friend, unknowing of Your greatness.
Explanation
Arjuna's mood now turns tender and remorseful as he recalls the many times he addressed Krishna casually as a mere friend, unaware of this boundless majesty. This moment captures a beautiful paradox of bhakti — that intimate, familiar love and awe-filled reverence for the same Supreme Person can coexist.
यच्चावहासार्थमसत्कृतोऽसि
विहारशय्यासनभोजनेषु।
एकोऽथवाप्यच्युत तत्समक्षं
तत्क्षामये त्वामहमप्रमेयम्।।11.42।।
yach chāvahāsārtham asat-kṛito ’si
vihāra-śhayyāsana-bhojaneṣhu
eko ’tha vāpy achyuta tat-samakṣhaṁ
tat kṣhāmaye tvām aham aprameyam
Word-for-Word Translation
yat—whatever; cha—also; avahāsa-artham—humorously; asat-kṛitaḥ—disrespectfully; asi—you were; vihāra—while at play; śhayyā—while resting; āsana—while sitting; bhojaneṣhu—while eating; ekaḥ—(when) alone; athavā—or; api—even; achyuta—Krishna, the infallible one; tat-samakṣham—before others; tat—all that; kṣhāmaye—beg for forgiveness; tvām—from you; aham—I; aprameyam—immeasurable
Meaning
In whatever way I may have insulted You for the sake of fun, while at play, reposing, sitting, or at meals, when alone (with You), O Krishna, or in company, that I implore You, immeasurable one, to forgive.
Explanation
Arjuna specifically recalls moments of play, rest, and companionship where he may have spoken to Krishna without due respect, and now begs forgiveness. His confession shows that true humility grows, rather than shrinks, the closer one draws to the Lord.
पितासि लोकस्य चराचरस्य
त्वमस्य पूज्यश्च गुरुर्गरीयान्।
न त्वत्समोऽस्त्यभ्यधिकः कुतोऽन्यो
लोकत्रयेऽप्यप्रतिमप्रभाव।।11.43।।
pitāsi lokasya charācharasya
tvam asya pūjyaśh cha gurur garīyān
na tvat-samo ’sty abhyadhikaḥ kuto ’nyo
loka-traye ’py apratima-prabhāva
Word-for-Word Translation
pitā—the father; asi—you are; lokasya—of the entire universe; chara—moving; acharasya—nonmoving; tvam—you; asya—of this; pūjyaḥ—worshipable; cha—and; guruḥ—spiritual master; garīyān—glorious; na—not; tvat-samaḥ—equal to you; asti—is; abhyadhikaḥ—greater; kutaḥ—who is?; anyaḥ—other; loka-traye—in the three worlds; api—even; apratima-prabhāva—possessor of incomparable power
Meaning
Thou art the Father of this world, both moving and unmoving. Thou art to be adored by this world; Thou, the greatest Guru; for none exists who is equal to Thee; how then could there be another superior to Thee in the three worlds, O Being of unrivaled power?
Explanation
Arjuna acknowledges Krishna as father, worshipable guide, and teacher beyond compare in all three worlds. Having witnessed the cosmic form, his understanding of Krishna's relationship to him has deepened from friend to something far more exalted, without losing the friendship itself.
तस्मात्प्रणम्य प्रणिधाय कायं
प्रसादये त्वामहमीशमीड्यम्।
पितेव पुत्रस्य सखेव सख्युः
प्रियः प्रियायार्हसि देव सोढुम्।।11.44।।
tasmāt praṇamya praṇidhāya kāyaṁ
prasādaye tvām aham īśham īḍyam
piteva putrasya sakheva sakhyuḥ
priyaḥ priyāyārhasi deva soḍhum
Word-for-Word Translation
tasmāt—therefore; praṇamya—bowing down; praṇidhāya—prostrating; kāyam—the body; prasādaye—to implore grace; tvām—your; aham—I; īśham—the Supreme Lord; īḍyam—adorable; pitā—father; iva—as; putrasya—with a son; sakhā—friend; iva—as; sakhyuḥ—with a friend; priyaḥ—a lover; priyāyāḥ—with the beloved; arhasi—you should; deva—Lord; soḍhum—forgive
Meaning
Therefore, bowing down and prostrating my body, I crave Thy forgiveness, O adorable Lord. As a father forgives his son, a friend his dear friend, a lover his beloved, even so may Thou forgive me, O God.
Explanation
Arjuna's plea for forgiveness draws on the most tender human bonds — a father with a son, a friend with a friend, a lover with the beloved — to ask that Krishna bear with his earlier familiarity. It shows that devotion can hold reverence and closeness together without contradiction.
अदृष्टपूर्वं हृषितोऽस्मि दृष्ट्वा
भयेन च प्रव्यथितं मनो मे।
तदेव मे दर्शय देव रूपं
प्रसीद देवेश जगन्निवास।।11.45।।
adṛiṣhṭa-pūrvaṁ hṛiṣhito ’smi dṛiṣhṭvā
bhayena cha pravyathitaṁ mano me
tad eva me darśhaya deva rūpaṁ
prasīda deveśha jagan-nivāsa
Word-for-Word Translation
adṛiṣhṭa-pūrvam—that which has not been seen before; hṛiṣhitaḥ—great joy; asmi—I am; dṛiṣhṭvā—having seen; bhayena—with fear; cha—yet; pravyathitam—trembles; manaḥ—mind; me—my; tat—that; eva—certainly; me—to me; darśhaya—show; deva—Lord; rūpam—form; prasīda—please have mercy; deva-īśha—God of gods; jagat-nivāsa—abode of the universe
Meaning
I am delighted, having seen something never seen before; yet my mind is distressed with fear. Show me that form only, O God; have mercy, O God of gods, O Abode of the universe.
Explanation
Arjuna admits mixed feelings — joy at having seen something unprecedented, yet a mind still shaken with fear — and asks Krishna to return to the form he first showed. The intensity of the cosmic vision, however glorious, is not what sustains ongoing loving exchange.
किरीटिनं गदिनं चक्रहस्त
मिच्छामि त्वां द्रष्टुमहं तथैव।
तेनैव रूपेण चतुर्भुजेन
सहस्रबाहो भव विश्वमूर्ते।।11.46।।
kirīṭinaṁ gadinaṁ chakra-hastam
ichchhāmi tvāṁ draṣhṭum ahaṁ tathaiva
tenaiva rūpeṇa chatur-bhujena
sahasra-bāho bhava viśhva-mūrte
Word-for-Word Translation
kirīṭinam—wearing the crown; gadinam—carrying the mace; chakra-hastam—disc in hand; ichchhāmi—I wish; tvām—you; draṣhṭum—to see; aham—I; tathā eva—similarly; tena eva—in that; rūpeṇa—form; chatuḥ-bhujena—four-armed; sahasra-bāho—thousand-armed one; bhava—be; viśhwa-mūrte—universal form
Meaning
I desire to see You as before, crowned, bearing a mace, with the discus in hand, in Your former form only, having four arms, O thousand-armed, Cosmic Being.
Explanation
Overwhelmed by the terrifying cosmic form, Arjuna asks Krishna to withdraw it and instead show the four-armed Narayana form of crown, mace, and discus. Prabhupada notes this shows that the awe-inspiring universal form, however impressive, is not what a devotee actually wants to see — even the four-armed form is only a step back toward the form Arjuna truly loves, and Krishna will shortly reveal that His original two-armed form is dearer still.
श्री भगवानुवाच
मया प्रसन्नेन तवार्जुनेदं
रूपं परं दर्शितमात्मयोगात्।
तेजोमयं विश्वमनन्तमाद्यं
यन्मे त्वदन्येन न दृष्टपूर्वम्।।11.47।।
śhrī-bhagavān uvācha
mayā prasannena tavārjunedaṁ
rūpaṁ paraṁ darśhitam ātma-yogāt
tejo-mayaṁ viśhvam anantam ādyaṁ
yan me tvad anyena na dṛiṣhṭa-pūrvam
Word-for-Word Translation
śhrī-bhagavān uvācha—the Blessed Lord said; mayā—by me; prasannena—being pleased; tava—with you; arjuna—Arjun; idam—this; rūpam—form; param—divine; darśhitam—shown; ātma-yogāt—by my Yogmaya power; tejaḥ-mayam—resplendent; viśhwam—cosmic; anantam—unlimited; ādyam—primeval; yat—which; me—my; tvat anyena—other than you; na dṛiṣhṭa-pūrvam—no one has ever seen
Meaning
The Blessed Lord said, "O Arjuna, this Cosmic Form has graciously been shown to you by Me through My own Yogic power. It is full of splendour, primeval, and infinite; this Cosmic Form of Mine has never been seen before by anyone other than you."
Explanation
Krishna explains that this cosmic form was manifested through His own internal potency (yoga-aiśvarya), and that no one before Arjuna had ever seen it — not even the great demigods or sages, since it cannot be perceived by ordinary effort. Prabhupada stresses that Arjuna alone was granted this vision because of his unique position as Krishna's dearmost friend and devotee; the form is revealed through intimate love, not merely displayed as raw power.
न वेदयज्ञाध्ययनैर्न दानै
र्न च क्रियाभिर्न तपोभिरुग्रैः।
एवंरूपः शक्य अहं नृलोके
द्रष्टुं त्वदन्येन कुरुप्रवीर।।11.48।।
na veda-yajñādhyayanair na dānair
na cha kriyābhir na tapobhir ugraiḥ
evaṁ-rūpaḥ śhakya ahaṁ nṛi-loke
draṣhṭuṁ tvad anyena kuru-pravīra
Word-for-Word Translation
na—not; veda-yajña—by performance of sacrifice; adhyayanaiḥ—by study of the Vedas; na—nor; dānaiḥ—by charity; na—nor; cha—and; kriyābhiḥ—by rituals; na—not; tapobhiḥ—by austerities; ugraiḥ—severe; evam-rūpaḥ—in this form; śhakyaḥ—possible; aham—I; nṛi-loke—in the world of the mortals; draṣhṭum—to be seen; tvat—than you; anyena—by another; kuru-pravīra—the best of the Kuru warriors
Meaning
Neither by the study of the Vedas, nor by gifts, nor by sacrifices, nor by severe austerities, can I be seen in this form in the world of men by any other than yourself, O great hero of the Kurus (Arjuna).
Explanation
Krishna states plainly that no amount of scriptural study, charity, ritual, or austerity can produce this vision — it comes only by His grace. This verse quietly redirects the emphasis of the whole episode away from human effort and toward divine mercy.
मा ते व्यथा मा च विमूढभावो
दृष्ट्वा रूपं घोरमीदृङ्ममेदम्।
व्यपेतभीः प्रीतमनाः पुनस्त्वं
तदेव मे रूपमिदं प्रपश्य।।11.49।।
mā te vyathā mā cha vimūḍha-bhāvo
dṛiṣhṭvā rūpaṁ ghoram īdṛiṅ mamedam
vyapeta-bhīḥ prīta-manāḥ punas tvaṁ
tad eva me rūpam idaṁ prapaśhya
Word-for-Word Translation
mā te—you shout not be; vyathā—afraid; mā—not; cha—and; vimūḍha-bhāvaḥ—bewildered state; dṛiṣhṭvā—on seeing; rūpam—form; ghoram—terrible; īdṛik—such; mama—of mine; idam—this; vyapeta-bhīḥ—free from fear; prīta-manāḥ—cheerful mind; punaḥ—again; tvam—you; tat eva—that very; me—my; rūpam—form; idam—this; prapaśhya—behold
Meaning
Do not be afraid, nor be bewildered on seeing such a terrible form of Mine; with your fear dispelled and with a gladdened heart, now behold again this former form of Mine.
Explanation
Krishna gently reassures Arjuna, telling him not to be troubled or confused by having seen such a terrifying aspect, and promises to show him His gentler form again. The Lord's compassion is evident in how quickly He moves to comfort His devotee after the overwhelming vision.
सञ्जय उवाच
इत्यर्जुनं वासुदेवस्तथोक्त्वा
स्वकं रूपं दर्शयामास भूयः।
आश्वासयामास च भीतमेनं
भूत्वा पुनः सौम्यवपुर्महात्मा।।11.50।।
sañjaya uvācha
ity arjunaṁ vāsudevas tathoktvā
svakaṁ rūpaṁ darśhayām āsa bhūyaḥ
āśhvāsayām āsa cha bhītam enaṁ
bhūtvā punaḥ saumya-vapur mahātmā
Word-for-Word Translation
sañjayaḥ uvācha—Sanjay said; iti—thus; arjunam—to Arjun; vāsudevaḥ—Krishna, the son of Vasudev; tathā—in that way; uktvā—having spoken; svakam—his personal; rūpam—form; darśhayām āsa—displayed; bhūyaḥ—again; āśhvāsayām āsa—consoled; cha—and; bhītam—frightened; enam—him; bhūtvā—becoming; punaḥ—again; saumya-vapuḥ—the gentle (two-armed) form; mahā-ātmā—the compassionate
Meaning
Sanjaya said, Having thus spoken to Arjuna, Krishna again showed His own form. The great Soul, assuming His gentle form, then consoled Arjuna, who was terrified.
Explanation
Sanjaya reports that Krishna, true to His word, resumed His gentle two-armed form (saumya-vapu) and comforted the still-shaken Arjuna. The scene softens after the storm of the cosmic vision, and Prabhupada stresses the contrast: the awe-inspiring universal form could overwhelm and terrify, but only this intimate, human-like form actually brings peace and restores the loving warmth between friend and Lord — the true business of a devotee is with this personal form, not the cosmic display.
अर्जुन उवाच
दृष्ट्वेदं मानुषं रूपं तवसौम्यं जनार्दन।
इदानीमस्मि संवृत्तः सचेताः प्रकृतिं गतः।।11.51।।
arjuna uvācha
dṛiṣhṭvedaṁ mānuṣhaṁ rūpaṁ tava saumyaṁ janārdana
idānīm asmi saṁvṛittaḥ sa-chetāḥ prakṛitiṁ gataḥ
Word-for-Word Translation
arjunaḥ uvācha—Arjun said; dṛiṣhṭvā—seeing; idam—this; mānuṣham—human; rūpam—form; tava—your; saumyam—gentle; janārdana—he who looks after the public, Krishna; idānīm—now; asmi—I am; saṁvṛittaḥ—composed; sa-chetāḥ—in my mind; prakṛitim—to normality; gataḥ—have become
Meaning
Arjuna said, "Having seen this Thy gentle human form, O Krishna, now I am composed and have been restored to my own nature."
Explanation
Seeing Krishna's gentle, familiar human form again, Arjuna feels his mind settle and return to its natural composure. This return to normalcy shows that intimate, personal love for Krishna, not overwhelming cosmic awe, is where the heart finds its true rest.
श्री भगवानुवाच
सुदुर्दर्शमिदं रूपं दृष्टवानसि यन्मम।
देवा अप्यस्य रूपस्य नित्यं दर्शनकाङ्क्षिणः।।11.52।।
śhrī-bhagavān uvācha
su-durdarśham idaṁ rūpaṁ dṛiṣhṭavān asi yan mama
devā apy asya rūpasya nityaṁ darśhana-kāṅkṣhiṇaḥ
Word-for-Word Translation
śhrī-bhagavān uvācha—the Supreme Lord said; su-durdarśham—exceedingly difficult to behold; idam—this; rūpam—form; dṛiṣhṭavān asi—that you are seeing; yat—which; mama—of mine; devāḥ—the celestial gods; api—even; asya—this; rūpasya—form; nityam—eternally; darśhana-kāṅkṣhiṇaḥ—aspiring to see
Meaning
The Blessed Lord said, "It is very hard indeed to see this form of Mine which thou hast seen; even the gods are ever longing to behold it."
Explanation
Krishna notes that even the celestial gods long constantly to see the form Arjuna has just witnessed, emphasizing its rarity and value. Yet Prabhupada points out that this rarity is not the same as loveliness — the universal form inspires wonder, reverence, and even fear, and the gods desire to see it out of awe at Krishna's opulence, not out of intimate love; the next verses will make clear that this cosmic vision, however astonishing, is still not the form the Lord's true devotees actually cherish.
नाहं वेदैर्न तपसा न दानेन न चेज्यया।
शक्य एवंविधो द्रष्टुं दृष्टवानसि मां यथा।।11.53।।
nāhaṁ vedair na tapasā na dānena na chejyayā
śhakya evaṁ-vidho draṣhṭuṁ dṛiṣhṭavān asi māṁ yathā
Word-for-Word Translation
na—never; aham—I; vedaiḥ—by study of the Vedas; na—never; tapasā—by serious penances; na—never; dānena—by charity; na—never; cha—also; ijyayā—by worship; śhakyaḥ—it is possible; evam-vidhaḥ—like this; draṣhṭum—to see; dṛiṣhṭavān—seeing; asi—you are; mām—me; yathā—as
Meaning
Neither by the Vedas, nor by austerity, nor by gift, nor by sacrifice can I be seen in this form as thou hast seen Me so easily.
Explanation
Krishna reiterates that no combination of scriptural study, austerity, charity, or ritual worship could produce the vision Arjuna has just had. This repetition drives home that the vision was purely a matter of grace, setting up the pivotal teaching of the next verse.
भक्त्या त्वनन्यया शक्यमहमेवंविधोऽर्जुन।
ज्ञातुं दृष्टुं च तत्त्वेन प्रवेष्टुं च परंतप।।11.54।।
bhaktyā tv ananyayā śhakya aham evaṁ-vidho ’rjuna
jñātuṁ draṣhṭuṁ cha tattvena praveṣhṭuṁ cha parantapa
Word-for-Word Translation
bhaktyā—by devotion; tu—alone; ananyayā—unalloyed; śhakyaḥ—possible; aham—I; evam-vidhaḥ—like this; arjuna—Arjun; jñātum—to be known; draṣhṭum—to be seen; cha—and; tattvena—truly; praveṣhṭum—to enter into (union with me); cha—and; parantapa—scorcher of foes
Meaning
But by single-minded devotion, I can be known, seen, and entered into in reality, O Arjuna.
Explanation
Here Krishna delivers the essential teaching of the whole chapter, and one of the most important statements in the entire Gita: neither Vedic study, nor austerity, nor charity, nor sacrifice, nor even the mystic vision of the universal form itself can grant real knowledge of Krishna, sight of Him, or entrance into intimate association with Him — only unalloyed, single-minded devotion (ananya bhaktyā) can. The cosmic form proved Krishna's supreme authority and opulence, but it is bhakti alone, Prabhupada emphasizes, that gives the devotee actual access to the Lord's personal, loving form and company.
मत्कर्मकृन्मत्परमो मद्भक्तः सङ्गवर्जितः।
निर्वैरः सर्वभूतेषु यः स मामेति पाण्डव।।11.55।।
mat-karma-kṛin mat-paramo mad-bhaktaḥ saṅga-varjitaḥ
nirvairaḥ sarva-bhūteṣhu yaḥ sa mām eti pāṇḍava
Word-for-Word Translation
mat-karma-kṛit—perform duties for my sake; mat-paramaḥ—considering me the Supreme; mat-bhaktaḥ—devoted to me; saṅga-varjitaḥ—free from attachment; nirvairaḥ—without malice; sarva-bhūteṣhu—toward all entities; yaḥ—who; saḥ—he; mām—to me; eti—comes; pāṇḍava—Arjun, the son of Pandu
Meaning
He who does all actions for Me, who regards Me as the Supreme, who is devoted to Me, who is free from attachment, who bears no enmity towards any creature, he comes to Me, O Arjuna.
Explanation
Krishna closes the chapter by describing the devotee who reaches Him — one who works for His sake, holds Him as the supreme goal, is devoted to Him, remains free from material attachment, and bears no enmity toward any living being. Prabhupada regards this verse as effectively a summary of the whole Gita's teaching on bhakti-yoga: after showing Arjuna the terrifying cosmic form to establish His supreme position beyond all doubt, Krishna's real conclusion is that this qualification of pure, practical devotional life — not the awesome vision itself — is what actually brings a soul to Him.