Chapter 11, Verse 17
किरीटिनं गदिनं चक्रिणं च तेजोराशिं सर्वतो दीप्तिमन्तम् | पश्यामि त्वां दुर्निरीक्ष्यं समन्ताद् दीप्तानलार्कद्युतिमप्रमेयम् ॥17॥
kirīṭinaṃ gadinaṃ cakriṇaṃ ca tejorāśiṃ sarvato dīptimantam | paśyāmi tvāṃ durnirīkṣyaṃ samantād dīptānalārkadyutimaprameyam ||
"I see You wearing a crown, wielding a mace, and holding a disc; a mass of brilliance glowing everywhere, difficult to behold, blazing like burning fire and the sun, and immeasurable in every way."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 11.17 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 11.17 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Arjuna describes the overwhelming majesty of the Vishwarupa (Universal Form). The specific mention of the crown (kirīṭin), mace (gadin), and disc (cakrin) identifies the Supreme as the source of all-pervading Vishnu-tattva. The term 'Aprameyam' is vital; it suggests that the Divine cannot be measured by the senses or limited by human logic. The brilliance is compared to 'Anala' (Fire) and 'Arka' (Sun), indicating an intensity that requires 'divine sight' to process, as it transcends the physical capacity of the human eye.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 11.17?
I see You wearing a crown, wielding a mace, and holding a disc; a mass of brilliance glowing everywhere, difficult to behold, blazing like burning fire and the sun, and immeasurable in every way.