arjuna uvācha
sthāne hṛiṣhīkeśha tava prakīrtyā
jagat prahṛiṣhyaty anurajyate cha
rakṣhānsi bhītāni diśho dravanti
sarve namasyanti cha siddha-saṅghāḥ
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
In this verse, Arjuna is speaking to Krishna, who is referred to as Hrsikesa, the master of the senses. After learning about the events of the battle, Arjuna has gained a deeper understanding of Krishna’s role. He sees that when people hear Krishna’s name, it brings them joy and makes them feel connected to Him. This shows how powerful and influential Krishna is; His presence lights up the world and brings happiness to many.
On the other hand, there are the perfected beings—these are high beings like demigods, sages, or saints who have achieved great wisdom and purity. They respect and honor Krishna, recognizing Him as their source of strength and guidance. They offer Him their homage because they understand His divine qualities and how He helps everyone.
However, the verse also mentions demons who feel fear in the presence of Krishna. When they see Krishna’s true form, which can be overwhelming and fearsome, they run away in panic. This reaction shows how different groups of beings react to Krishna differently based on their own nature and actions.
Arjuna is observing that it's natural for perfection and goodness to bring joy and for darkness or evil to feel threatened. This situation reinforces Arjuna's belief that Krishna's actions are always appropriate and just. Whether it's bringing joy to the devotees or instilling fear in the demons, everything Krishna does is for a purpose that benefits all beings.
Arjuna's acceptance of Krishna as the sustainer and protector of His devotees, while also being a force of destruction against negativity, illustrates an important spiritual teaching: that divine power serves to maintain balance in the universe. In essence, this verse highlights the contrasting responses to divinity, showing that true devotees are uplifted, while those with negative tendencies withdraw in fear. Arjuna praises Krishna for how He manages these responses, affirming his deep respect for Him.
This understanding leads Arjuna to become even more devoted to Krishna, as he recognizes that in all circumstances, Krishna's actions are ultimately for the good of everyone.