Next Shlok Previous Shlok
Bhagwad Gita (English) | Chapter 11 | Verse 10

Chapter 11, Verse 10

The Universal Form

With numerous mouths and eyes, with numerous wondrous sights, with numerous divine adornments, with numerous divine weapons uplifted, such a form He showed.


Verse

अनेकवक्त्रनयनमनेकाद्भुतदर्शनम्।
अनेकदिव्याभरणं दिव्यानेकोद्यतायुधम्।।11.10।।


aneka-vaktra-nayanam anekādbhuta-darśhanam
aneka-divyābharaṇaṁ divyānekodyatāyudham

Meaning of each word

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;

Interpretation

In this verse, Krishna shows Arjuna a very special and incredible form called the 'universal form.' Imagine it like seeing a giant picture that has many parts all at once. This form is not just like a person; it has many faces and many eyes, all watching and understanding everything at the same time.

When Krishna reveals this form to Arjuna, it's like showing him a beautiful and majestic sight that is difficult to describe. The many mouths and eyes symbolize that Krishna can speak and see everything everywhere. It's a way of saying that He is aware of everything happening in the universe. Each mouth can be thought of as a way to convey His teachings or messages to all beings, and each eye represents His knowledge and awareness of all that exists.

The mention of 'wondrous sights' means that Arjuna is not only seeing Krishna, but he is also observing amazing things happening within this form. It could be like watching a spectacular light show with colors and shapes that dazzles the eyes.

Next, the verse talks about 'divine ornaments' and 'uplifted weapons.' These adornments can be compared to jewelry that is not just beautiful but also powerful, showing Krishna's richness and glory. The weapons that are raised indicate protection and strength. They represent Krishna’s ability to defend and uphold righteousness in the world. You can think of it like seeing a very powerful leader or hero who is ready to fight for justice.

The main idea is that Krishna's form is limitless and grand, more so than anything we can normally see. This experience is made possible only through Krishna's amazing powers. Despite the fact that Arjuna is just sitting in one place, he is allowed to see this enormous form that stretches far beyond what anyone usually envisions. It’s as if he’s seeing the entirety of the universe contained within this single form. This shows the power and glory of Krishna, indicating that He is much more than just a friend or charioteer to Arjuna; He is the source of all that exists, reflecting the infinite nature of divinity.


Other Verses of Chapter 11
Download as Image