kirīṭinaṁ gadinaṁ chakra-hastam
ichchhāmi tvāṁ draṣhṭum ahaṁ tathaiva
tenaiva rūpeṇa chatur-bhujena
sahasra-bāho bhava viśhva-mūrte
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
In this verse, Arjuna is speaking to Krishna, expressing a deep desire to see Him in His four-armed form. He wants to see Krishna holding specific items: a club (which signifies power), a wheel (which represents the cycle of life), a conch shell (often used in announcements), and a lotus flower (symbolizing purity and beauty).
This longing reflects Arjuna's belief in Krishna as a supreme figure who embodies many forms. In Indian spiritual texts, it is said that God can appear in countless ways, and Arjuna recognizes Krishna as the most original and important of these forms. He understands that while Krishna has shown him a vast cosmic form—something quite overwhelming—he wishes to see Krishna in a more relatable and peaceful aspect, as the Divine Protector, Narayana.
Arjuna's request highlights his longing for a connection with Krishna that feels more personal and less intimidating than the universal form he saw earlier. He sees Krishna not just as a powerful entity but as someone who can be understood and loved in familiar ways.
The verse also emphasizes the belief in Krishna’s eternal youth and vitality, a trait that signifies His divine nature. This idea reassures devotees that God, in whichever form He takes, remains full of life and energy, which draws people closer to Him.
In essence, this verse captures the essence of devotion, portraying a seeker yearning for a more direct experience of the divine, one that is less overwhelming and more approachable. It suggests that understanding and connecting with God can become a source of peace and liberation from worldly troubles.