Chapter 11, Verse 23
रूपं महत्ते बहुवक्त्रनेत्रं महाबाहो बहुबाहूरुपादम् | बहूदरं बहुदंष्ट्राकरालं दृष्ट्वा लोका: प्रव्यथितास्तथाहम् ॥23॥
rūpaṁ mahat te bahu-vaktra-netraṁ mahā-bāho bahu-bāhūru-pādam | bahūdaraṁ bahu-daṁṣṭrā-karālaṁ dṛṣṭvā lokāḥ pravyathitās tathāham ||
"O mighty-armed One, seeing Your immense form with many mouths and eyes, having numerous arms, thighs and feet, with many bellies, and fearful with many teeth, the creatures are struck with terror, and so am I."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 11.23 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 11.23 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
In this verse, Arjuna describes the 'Virat Rupa' (Universal Form) as overwhelming and terrifying. The 'mahat rūpaṁ' (immense form) signifies the all-pervading nature of the Divine, where every mouth, eye, and limb in existence is seen as belonging to the Supreme. The mention of 'daṁṣṭrā-karālaṁ' (fearful teeth) represents the destructive power of Time (Kāla), which eventually consumes all. The 'pravyathitāḥ' (trembling/terror) felt by the worlds and Arjuna highlights the 'Bhayanaka Rasa' (the sentiment of fear) that occurs when a mortal soul confronts the infinite, raw power of the Absolute that transcends human understanding and control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 11.23?
O mighty-armed One, seeing Your immense form with many mouths and eyes, having numerous arms, thighs and feet, with many bellies, and fearful with many teeth, the creatures are struck with terror, and so am I.