Chapter 11, Verse 45
अदृष्टपूर्वं हृषितोऽस्मि दृष्ट्वा भयेन च प्रव्यथितं मनो मे | तदेव मे दर्शय देवरूपं प्रसीद देवेश जगन्निवास ॥45॥
adṛṣṭa-pūrvaṁ hṛṣito ’smi dṛṣṭvā bhayena cha pravyathitaṁ mano me | tad eva me darśhaya deva-rūpaṁ prasīda deveśha jagan-nivāsa
"I am delighted by seeing something not seen heretofore, and my mind is stricken with fear. O Lord, show me that very form; O supreme God, O Abode of the Universe, be gracious!"
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 11.45 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 11.45 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
This verse captures the transition from Aishvarya Bhakti (awe and reverence) back to Madhurya Bhakti (intimacy). Arjuna, witnessing the infinite Universal Form (Vishwarupa), experiences a paradox: 'Hṛṣita' (joy/thrill) and 'Bhaya' (fear/distress). While the greatness of God is magnificent (Aishvarya), the human soul often yearns for the relatable, sweet, and personal aspect of the Divine (Madhurya). Arjuna addresses Krishna as 'Devesha' (Lord of Gods) and 'Jagannivasa' (Abode of the Universe), yet begs for the familiar 'Deva-rupam'—the four-armed or two-armed human-like form—seeking the comfort of their established friendship (Sakhya-bhava).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 11.45?
I am delighted by seeing something not seen heretofore, and my mind is stricken with fear. O Lord, show me that very form; O supreme God, O Abode of the Universe, be gracious!