Chapter 11, Verse 31
आख्याहि मे को भवानुग्ररूपो नमोऽस्तु ते देववर प्रसीद |
विज्ञातुमिच्छामि भवन्तमाद्यं न हि प्रजानामि तव प्रवृत्तिम् ॥31॥
ākhyāhi me ko bhavān ugra-rūpo namo ’stu te deva-vara prasīda |
vijñātum icchāmi bhavantam ādyaṁ na hi prajānāmi tava pravṛttim ||
"Tell me who You are, fierce in form. Salutation be to you, O supreme God; be gracious. I desire to fully know You who are the Primeval One. For I do not understand Your mission or the nature of Your actions."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 11.31 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 11.31 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Stunned by the overwhelming vision of the Vishwaroop (Universal Form) as a destructive force of time (Kala), Arjuna is no longer looking at a friend, but at the terrifying majesty of the Absolute. He humbles himself, seeking to understand the 'Pravritti'—the underlying intent and functioning—of the Divine in its fierce aspect. It marks a transition from sight to insight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 11.31?
Tell me who You are, fierce in form. Salutation be to you, O supreme God; be gracious. I desire to fully know You who are the Primeval One. For I do not understand Your mission or the nature of Your actions.