Chapter 11
Shri Krishna shows his Universal Form
Verse 1 to 4
Arjun expresses gratitude to Shri Krishna for revealing his magnificent essence and wholeheartedly accepts his description. Arjun then humbly appeals to Shri Krishna to reveal his universal divine form (“Vishwa Roop”), if he deems it possible for Arjun to behold.
Verse 5 to 8
Shri Krishna instructs Arjun to observe the divine form with focused attention as he continues to delineate his majestic nature. Shri Krishna also bestows divine vision upon Arjun, enabling him to perceive the awe-inspiring divine form that transcends ordinary sight.
Verse 9 to 13
In these verses, Sanjay, narrating the battlefield scene to King Dhritarashtra, reveals that Shri Krishna has revealed his divine form to Arjun. Sanjay proceeds to depict what he witnesses, describing Shri Krishna's appearance as unrivalled, majestic, and resplendent. He states that within the divine manifestation of the God of Gods, Shri Krishna, Arjun perceives the entire universe encompassed in one form.
Verse 14 to 22
Upon witnessing the awe-inspiring form of Shri Krishna, Arjun's hair stood on end. With hands folded and head bowed, he meticulously describes the grandeur of his vision. In essence, Arjun articulates that he beholds all the deities, including Lord Brahma, within Shri Krishna. He witnesses the infinite form adorned with countless arms, stomachs, mouths, and eyes on every side. Arjun perceives Shri Krishna as the embodiment of the universe, devoid of any origin, midpoint, or conclusion. Furthermore, he notes the presence of the sun and moon within Shri Krishna's divine gaze.
Verse 23 to 25
Confronted with the divine form of Shri Krishna, Arjun becomes overwhelmed with awe and fear, beseeching for his mercy.
Arjuns question 11: Witnessing the divine form of Shri Krishna, Arjun's curiosity is piqued, and he yearns to understand the deeper significance and nature of this formidable manifestation. In Verse 31, he implores Shri Krishna to elucidate who exactly he is in this awe-inspiring divine form.
Verse 26 to 31
Arjun notices numerous warriors from both sides entering Shri Krishna's mouth, facing certain death. Witnessing the complete annihilation of the army, Arjun is perplexed and seeks to understand the profound meaning and identity of Shri Krishna in this form.
Shri Krishnas Answer 11
Verse 32 to 34
Shri Krishna presents an alternative perspective of his identity to Arjun and reveals the war's outcome. He explains that he personifies time, the force that concludes all in the world. Additionally, Shri Krishna assures Arjun that regardless of his participation, the opposing army will face destruction, as preordained. He encourages Arjun to become the instrument of this outcome and impels him to engage in the battle on the side of righteousness.
Verse 35 to 40
In a state of both reverence and terror, Arjun acknowledges the world's rightful praise of Shri Krishna and the homage offered by saints, noting that even demons retreat fearfully in his presence. Arjun further extols Shri Krishna's glories, drawing from his firsthand experience of witnessing the Divine form “Vishwa Roop”. He passionately describes Shri Krishna's magnificence from various angles, recognizing that the Supreme Lord surpasses even the creator Brahma. With deep reverence, Arjun continues to glorify Shri Krishna.
Verse 41 to 44
Arjun seeks forgiveness from Shri Krishna if he has shown any disrespect towards him in his previous understanding of Shri Krishna as a friend. Arjun recognizes Shri Krishna as the universal father and the greatest of all. He humbly requests for Shri Krishna's grace and forgiveness, now that he has witnessed the divine “Vishwa Roop” form and comprehends Shri Krishna's true nature.
Verse 45 and 46
Having witnessed the divine form of Shri Krishna, Arjun experiences a mixture of reverence, joy, and fear. Therefore, he humbly requests Shri Krishna, who currently manifests in a thousand-armed form, to revert to his more familiar four-armed form as Lord Vishnu.
Verse 47 to 49
Observing Arjun's fearful state, Shri Krishna reassures him by explaining that his ability to perceive the divine form is a result of the special vision granted by Shri Krishna himself. This unparalleled form has never been witnessed by anyone else. No amount of Vedic study, austerities, or rituals can lead to this vision. Shri Krishna consoles Arjun, urging him not to be apprehensive as he transitions back to his familiar four-armed form as Lord Vishnu.
Verse 50 and 51
Sanjay describes how Shri Krishna initially appeared in his four-armed form and then transitioned into his two-armed form. Arjun, upon witnessing Shri Krishna's return to his familiar form, expresses relief and a sense of normalcy.
Verse 52 and 53
Shri Krishna reaffirms to Arjun that the divine form he has witnessed is exceptionally rare to see and cannot be perceived through extensive Vedic studies, austerities, or rituals.
Verse 54 and 55
Shri Krishna concludes this chapter by asserting that only through Bhakti can one achieve union with the Supreme Lord and perceive His four-armed form. He proceeds to elucidate the essence of Bhakti:
"Those who perform all their duties for me, view me as their ultimate objective, worship me, remain detached, and hold no ill will towards any being—such devotees undeniably attain me."
Conclusion: This penultimate chapter focuses on Shri Krishna's detailed exposition of Bhakti. Here, Shri Krishna unveils his glorious self to Arjun. The chapter culminates with Shri Krishna's guidance to Arjun, detailing how an individual should ideally lead their life to attain union with the Supreme. The following chapter marks the final chapter dedicated to Bhakti, wherein Arjun raises the query of which form of God one should pray to.