Adhyāya 33

Swami SivanandaArjuna said, By this explanation of the highest secret concerning the Self which Thou hast spoken, for the sake of blessing me, my delusion has been dispelled.

Swami GambiranandaArjuna said, "This delusion of mine has departed as a result of that speech which is most secret and pertains to the Self, uttered by You for my benefit."

Swami AdidevanandaArjuna said, "To show favor to me, You have told me that most profound mystery concerning the Self; by that, this delusion of mine has been dispelled."

Dr. S. SankaranarayanArjuna said, "My delusion has completely gone, thanks to the great and mysterious discourse, which is termed as a science governing the soul, and which You have delivered to me as a favor."

Shri Purohit SwamiArjuna said: My Lord! Your words concerning the Supreme Secret of Self, given for my blessing, have dispelled the illusions that surrounded me.

Swami SivanandaThe origin and destruction of beings have been heard in detail from You, O lotus-eyed Lord, and also Your inexhaustible greatness.

Swami GambiranandaO you with eyes like lotus leaves, I have heard in detail from You the origin and dissolution of beings, as well as Your undecaying glory.

Swami AdidevanandaO Krsna, I have heard in detail about the origin and dissolution of all beings, which come from You, as well as Your immutable greatness.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanI have listened in detail from You, O Lotus-eyed One, about the origin and dissolution of beings, as well as Your inexhaustible greatness.

Shri Purohit SwamiO Lord, whose eyes are like the lotus petal! You have described in detail the origin and dissolution of beings, and Your own Eternal Majesty.

Swami SivanandaNow, O Supreme Lord, as Thou hast thus described Thyself, O Supreme Person, I wish to behold Thy divine form.

Swami GambiranandaO Supreme Lord, so it is, as You have spoken of Yourself. O Supreme Person, I wish to behold Your divine form.

Swami AdidevanandaO Supreme Lord, as You have described Yourself, so You are. I wish to behold Your divine form, O Supreme Person.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanAs You describe Yourself to be the Supreme Lord, it must be so. O Supreme Self, I desire to behold Your divine form.

Shri Purohit SwamiI believe all as you have declared it. I now long to have a vision of your divine form, O Most High!

Swami SivanandaIf Thou, O Lord, thinkest it possible for me to see it, do Thou, then, O Lord of the Yogis, show me Thy imperishable Self.

Swami GambiranandaO Lord, if You deem it possible for me to behold You, then, O Lord of Yoga, show me Your eternal Self.

Swami AdidevanandaIf you think, O Lord, that it can be seen by me, then, O Lord of Yoga, reveal Yourself fully to me.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanO Master! If you think it is possible for me to behold that form, then, O Lord of the Yogis, please show me Your Immortal Self.

Shri Purohit SwamiIf you think it is possible for me to see it, show me, O Lord of Lords, your eternal self.

Swami SivanandaThe Blessed Lord said, "Behold, O Arjuna, forms of Mine, by the hundreds and thousands, of different sorts, divine, and of various colors and shapes."

Swami GambiranandaThe Blessed Lord said, "O son of Prtha, behold My forms in their hundreds and thousands, of different kinds, celestial, and of various colors and shapes."

Swami AdidevanandaThe Lord said, "Behold, O Arjuna, My forms, hundreds upon thousands, manifold, divine, varied in hue and shape."

Dr. S. SankaranarayanThe Bhagavat said, "Behold, O son of Prtha, My divine forms in hundreds and thousands, of varied nature, colors, and shapes."

Shri Purohit SwamiLord Shri Krishna replied: "Behold, O Arjuna! My celestial forms, by the hundreds and thousands, various in kind, color, and shape."

Swami SivanandaBehold the Adityas, the Vasus, the Rudras, the two Asvins, and the Maruts; behold many wonders never before seen, O Arjuna.

Swami GambiranandaBehold the Adityas, the Vasus, the Rudras, the two Ashvins, and the Maruts. O scion of the Bharata dynasty, also behold the many wonders that have never been seen before.

Swami AdidevanandaBehold, O Arjuna, the Adityas, the Vasus, the Rudras, the two Asvins, and the Maruts—many marvels never seen before.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanBehold the Adityas, the Vasus, the Rudras, the twin Ashvins, and the Maruts; O son of Pandu, behold also many wonders that had never been seen before.

Shri Purohit SwamiBehold, thou seest the powers of Nature: fire, earth, wind, and sky; the sun, the heavens, the moon, the stars; all forces of vitality and healing; and the roving winds. Behold, thou seest the myriad wonders revealed to none but thee.

Swami SivanandaNow, behold, O Arjuna, in this My body, the entire universe centered in one, including the moving and the unmoving, and whatever else you desire to see.

Swami GambiranandaSee now, O Gudakesa, the entire Universe together with the moving and the non-moving, concentrated in the same place here in My body, as also whatever else you would like to see.

Swami AdidevanandaBehold here, O Arjuna, the entire universe with its mobile and immobile things, all centered in My body, and whatever else you desire to see.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanNow, behold the entire universe, including the moving and the unmoving, and whatsoever else you desire to see—all established in Me, O Gudakesa (Arjuna)!

Shri Purohit SwamiHere, living in Me, O Arjuna, behold the entire universe, both movable and immovable, and anything else you would like to see!

Swami SivanandaBut you are not able to behold Me with these your own eyes; I give you the divine eye; behold My lordly Yoga.

Swami GambiranandaBut you are not able to see Me with just this eye of yours. I grant you the divine eye; behold My divine Yoga.

Swami AdidevanandaBut you will not be able to see Me with your own eyes. I give you a divine eye, so behold My Lordly Yoga!

Dr. S. SankaranarayanBut you cannot see Me with just this eye of yours; therefore, I give you the divine eye. Now, behold My divine form.

Shri Purohit SwamiYet, since you cannot see Me with mortal eyes, behold, I give you divine sight. Now, see the glory of My sovereignty.

Swami SivanandaSanjaya said, Having thus spoken, O king, the great Lord of Yoga, Hari (Krishna), showed Arjuna His supreme form as the Lord.

Swami GambiranandaSanjaya said, "O King, having spoken thus, thereafter, Hari, the great Master of Yoga, showed to the son of Prtha the supreme divine form."

Swami AdidevanandaSanjaya said, "O King, having spoken, Sri Krishna, the great Lord of Yoga, then revealed to Arjuna the supreme, lordly form."

Dr. S. SankaranarayanSanjaya said, "O king! Having thus stated, Hari, the mighty Lord of the Yogins, showed to the son of Prtha His own Supreme Lordly form."

Shri Purohit SwamiSanjaya continued: "Having thus spoken, O King, the Lord Shri Krishna, the Almighty Prince of Wisdom, showed Arjuna the Supreme Form of the Great God.

Swami SivanandaWith numerous mouths and eyes, with numerous wondrous sights, with numerous divine adornments, with numerous divine weapons uplifted, such a form He showed.

Swami GambiranandaHaving many faces and eyes, possessing many wondrous sights, adorned with numerous celestial ornaments, and holding many uplifted heavenly weapons;

Swami AdidevanandaWith innumerable mouths and eyes, many marvelous aspects, numerous divine ornaments, and numerous divine weapons.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanIt has many mouths and eyes, wondrous sights, heavenly ornaments, and weapons held ready;

Shri Purohit SwamiThere were countless eyes, mouths, and innumerable mystic forms, with shining ornaments and flaming celestial weapons.

Swami SivanandaWearing divine garlands and apparel, anointed with divine unguents, the all-wonderful, resplendent Being is endless with faces on all sides.

Swami GambiranandaWearing heavenly garlands and apparel, anointed with heavenly scents, abounding in all kinds of wonders, resplendent, infinite, and with faces on all sides.

Swami AdidevanandaWearing celestial garlands and raiments, anointed with divine perfumes, full of wonders, resplendent, boundless, and facing all directions.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanIt wears heavenly garlands and garments, is anointed with heavenly sandal paste, is wondrous, radiant, and infinite, and has faces in all directions.

Shri Purohit SwamiCrowned with heavenly garlands, clothed in shining garments, anointed with divine unguents, He showed Himself as the Resplendent One, Marvelous, Boundless, and Omnipresent.

Swami SivanandaIf the splendour of a thousand suns were to blaze out simultaneously in the sky, that would be the splendour of that mighty being.

Swami GambiranandaShould the effulgence of a thousand suns blaze forth simultaneously in the sky, that might be akin to the radiance of that exalted One.

Swami AdidevanandaIf a thousand suns were to rise at once in the sky, the resulting splendour would be like the splendour of that mighty One.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanIf the splendour of a thousand suns were to burst forth at once in the sky, would that be equal to the splendour of that Mighty Self?

Shri Purohit SwamiCould a thousand suns blaze forth together, it would be but a faint reflection of the radiance of the Lord God.

Swami SivanandaThere, in the body of the God of gods, Arjuna then saw the entire universe resting in one, with its myriad of divisions.

Swami GambiranandaAt that time, the Pandava saw, in the body of the God of gods, the whole diversely differentiated universe united in one.

Swami AdidevanandaThere, Arjuna beheld the whole universe, with its manifold divisions gathered together in one single spot within the body of the God of gods.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanAt that time, the son of Pandu beheld, in the body of the God-of-Gods, the entire universe, united yet divided into many groups.

Shri Purohit SwamiIn that vision, Arjuna saw the universe, with its manifold shapes, all embraced in one, its Supreme Lord.

Swami SivanandaThen, Arjuna, filled with wonder and his hair standing on end, bowed his head to the God and spoke with palms joined.

Swami GambiranandaThen, filled with wonder and with hairs standing on end, Arjuna, bowing down with his head to the Lord, said with folded hands:

Swami AdidevanandaThen, Arjuna, overcome with amazement, his hairs standing on end, bowed his head to the Lord and spoke with folded hands.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanThen, possessed by amazement and with his body hair standing on end, Dhananjaya, with his head bowed to the God and with folded hands, spoke to Him.

Shri Purohit SwamiThen, Arjuna, filled with awe, his hair standing on end, bowing his head, and clasping his hands in reverence, spoke to the Lord:

Swami SivanandaArjuna said, "O God, I see all the gods in Your body, as well as hosts of various classes of beings, Brahma the Lord seated on the lotus, all the sages, and the celestial serpents."

Swami GambiranandaArjuna said, "O God, I see in Your body all the gods, as well as hosts of various classes of beings; Brahma the ruler, sitting on a lotus seat, and all the heavenly sages and serpents.

Swami AdidevanandaArjuna said, "O Lord, I behold in Your body all the gods, and all the diverse hosts of beings—Brahma, Siva, who is in Brahma, the seers, and the lustrous snakes."

Dr. S. SankaranarayanArjuna said, "O God! In Your body, I behold all gods and hosts of different kinds of beings—the Lord Brahma seated on the lotus-seat, and all the sages and glowing serpents."

Shri Purohit SwamiArjuna said: O Almighty God! I see in You the powers of Nature, the various creatures of the world, the Progenitor on His lotus throne, the Sages, and the shining angels.

Swami SivanandaI see You with boundless form on every side, with many arms, stomachs, mouths, and eyes; neither the end nor the middle nor the beginning do I see, O Lord of the Universe, O Cosmic Form.

Swami GambiranandaI see You with numerous arms, bellies, mouths, and eyes; with infinite forms all around. O Lord of the Universe, O Cosmic Person, I see no limit, no middle, nor beginning!

Swami AdidevanandaWith manifold arms, stomachs, mouths, and eyes, I behold Your infinite form on all sides. I see no end, no middle, nor the beginning of You, O Lord of the universe, O You of Universal Form.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanI behold You with many arms, bellies, mouths, and eyes, and with infinite forms on all sides; I find neither the end nor the center nor the beginning of You, O Lord of the Universe, O Universal-Formed One!

Shri Purohit SwamiI see You, infinite in form, with faces, eyes, and limbs everywhere; with no beginning, middle, or end. O You, Lord of the Universe, whose form is universal!

Swami SivanandaI see You with the diadem, club, and discus, a mass of radiance shining everywhere, very hard to look at, blazing all around like a burning fire and the sun, and immeasurable.

Swami GambiranandaI see You wearing a diadem, wielding a mace, and holding a disc; a mass of brilliance glowing all around, difficult to look at from all sides, possessing the radiance of the blazing fire and sun, and immeasurable.

Swami AdidevanandaI behold You as a mass of light, shining everywhere, with a diadem, mace, and discus, hard to behold, blazing like a burning fire and the sun, and immeasurable.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanI behold You as having crowns, clubs, and discs; as a mass of radiance, shining on all sides, hard to look at and blazing like burning fire and the sun on each side; and as an immeasurable one.

Shri Purohit SwamiI see you with the crown, the scepter, and the discus; a blaze of splendor. Scarcely can I gaze upon you, so radiant you are, glowing like a blazing fire, brilliant as the sun, immeasurable.

Swami SivanandaYou are the Imperishable, the Supreme Being, worthy of being known. You are the great treasure-house of this universe; You are the imperishable protector of the eternal Dharma; You are the Primal Person, I believe.

Swami GambiranandaYou are the Unchanging, the supreme One to be known; You are the most perfect repository of this Universe. You are the Imperishable, the Protector of the ever-existing religion; You are the eternal Person. This is my belief.

Swami AdidevanandaYou are the Imperishable, Supreme One to be realized. You are the Supreme Substratum of this universe. You are immutable, the guardian of the eternal law; I know You are the Supreme Person who is everlasting.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanYou are the imperishable, the Supreme Being to be known; You are the ultimate place of rest for this universe; You are changeless and the guardian of the pious acts of the Satvatas; You are the everlasting Soul, I believe.

Shri Purohit SwamiYou are imperishable, the only one worthy of being known, the priceless treasure-house of the universe, the immortal guardian of eternal life, and the everlasting spirit.

Swami SivanandaI see You without beginning, middle, or end, infinite in power, with endless arms, the sun and moon as Your eyes, the burning fire Your mouth, heating the entire universe with Your radiance.

Swami GambiranandaI see You as having no beginning, middle, or end, possessing infinite valor, with innumerable arms, the sun and moon as eyes, a mouth like a blazing fire, and heating up this universe with Your own brilliance.

Swami AdidevanandaI behold You as having no beginning, middle, or end; Your might is infinite. You are endowed with an innumerable number of arms. The sun and moon are Your eyes, and Your mouth emits burning fire. With Your own radiance, You are warning the entire universe.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanI observe You with no beginning, no middle, and no end; having infinite creative power and infinite arms; with the moon and the sun as Your eyes and the blazing fire as Your mouth; and scorching this universe with Your radiance.

Shri Purohit SwamiWithout beginning, without middle, and without end, infinite in power, with arms all-embracing, the sun and moon as Your eyes, Your face beaming with the fire of sacrifice, flooding the whole universe with light.

Swami SivanandaThis space between the earth and the heavens, and all the quarters, is filled by You alone; having seen this, Your wonderful and terrible form, the three worlds are trembling with fear, O great-souled Being.

Swami GambiranandaIndeed, this intermediate space between heaven and earth, as well as all the directions, are pervaded by You alone. O exalted One, the three worlds are struck with fear upon seeing this strange and fearful form of Yours.

Swami AdidevanandaYou alone have pervaded the interspace between heaven and earth, and all the quarters. Beholding your marvelous and terrible form, O Mahatman, the three worlds are greatly overwhelmed with fear.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanThis space between heaven and earth, as well as all the directions, is pervaded singly by You; seeing this wondrous form of Yours, O Exalted Soul, the triple world is greatly frightened.

Shri Purohit SwamiAlone, you fill all the quarters of the sky, earth, and heaven, and the regions between. O Almighty Lord! Seeing your marvelous and awe-inspiring form, the spheres tremble with fear.

Swami SivanandaVerily, these hosts of gods enter into Thee; some extol Thee with joined palms in fear, saying, 'May it be well!' Bands of great sages and perfected ones praise Thee with complete hymns.

Swami GambiranandaThose very groups of gods enter into You; struck with fear, some extol You with joined palms. Groups of great sages and perfected beings praise You with elaborate hymns, saying, 'May it be well!'

Swami AdidevanandaVerily, the hosts of Devas enter into You. Some, in fear, extol You with clasped hands, crying "Hail!" The bands of great seers and Siddhas praise You with meaningful hymns.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanThese hosts of gods enter into You; some, frightened, recite [hymns] with folded palms; simply crying 'Hail!', the hosts of great seers praise You with excellent praising hymns.

Shri Purohit SwamiThe troops of celestial beings enter into You, some invoking You in fear, with folded palms; the great seers and adepts sing hymns to Your glory, saying, "All hail!"

Swami SivanandaThe Rudras, Adityas, Vasus, Sadhyas, Visvedevas, the two Asvins, Maruts, the Manus, and the hosts of celestial singers, Yakshas, demons, and the perfected ones, all look upon Thee with great amazement.

Swami GambiranandaThose who are the Rudras, the Adityas, the Vasus, and the Sadhyas, the Visvedevas, the two Asvins, the Maruts, and the Usmapas, and hosts of Gandharvas, Yaksas, demons, and Siddhas—all of those very ones gaze at You, being indeed struck with wonder.

Swami AdidevanandaThe Rudras, the Adityas, the Vasus, the Sadhyas, the Visvas, the Asvins, the Maruts, and the Manes, as well as the hosts of Gandharvas, Yaksas, Asuras, and Siddhas—all gaze upon You in amazement.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanThe Rudras, the Adityas, the Vasus, the Sadhyas, the Visvadevas, the twin Asvins, and the Maruts, the Manes, the hosts of the Gandharvas, the Yaksas, the demons, and the perfected ones—all gaze upon You in amazement.

Shri Purohit SwamiThe vital forces, major stars, fire, earth, air, sky, sun, heaven, moon, and planets; the angels, guardians of the universe, divine healers, winds, fathers, heavenly singers, and hosts of mammon-worshippers, demons, and saints are all amazed.

Swami SivanandaHaving seen Your immeasurable form with many mouths and eyes, O mighty-armed one, with many arms, thighs, and feet, with many stomachs and fearsome with many teeth, the worlds are terrified, and so am I.

Swami GambiranandaO Mighty-Armed One, seeing Your immense form with many mouths, eyes, arms, thighs, feet, bellies, and teeth, the creatures are struck with terror, and so am I.

Swami AdidevanandaBeholding Your great form with many mouths and eyes, many arms, thighs, and feet, many stomachs, and terrible with many teeth, the worlds tremble, and I too quake, O mighty-armed one.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanO Mighty-armed One! Having seen Your mighty form, with its many faces and eyes, many arms, thighs, feet, and bellies, and its terrible array of tusks, the worlds are frightened, as am I.

Shri Purohit SwamiSeeing Thy stupendous Form, O Most Mighty One, with its myriad faces, its innumerable eyes, limbs, and terrible jaws, I myself and all the worlds are overwhelmed with awe.

Swami SivanandaOn seeing Thee, touching the sky, shining in many colors, with mouths wide open, with large fiery eyes, I am terrified at heart and find neither courage nor peace, O Vishnu.

Swami GambiranandaO Vishnu, indeed, upon seeing Your form touching the heavens, blazing with many colors, open-mouthed, with fiery, large eyes, I become terrified in my mind and do not find steadiness and peace.

Swami AdidevanandaWhen I behold You touching the Supreme Heaven, shining, multicolored, with yawning mouths and large, resplendent eyes, my inner being trembles in fear. I am unable to find support or peace, O Vishnu.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanAs I observe You, touching the sky, blazing, with many colors, mouths wide open, eyes blazing and large, I am terrified in my inner soul and I do not find courage and peace, O Visnu!

Shri Purohit SwamiWhen I see You, touching the heavens, glowing with color, with open mouth and wide, fiery eyes, I am terrified. O my Lord! My courage and peace of mind abandon me.

Swami SivanandaHaving seen Thy mouths fearful with teeth blazing like the fires of cosmic dissolution, I know not the four quarters, nor do I find peace. Have mercy, O Lord of the gods, O abode of the universe.

Swami GambiranandaHaving merely seen Your mouths made terrible with their teeth and resembling the fire of Dissolution, I have lost my sense of direction and find no comfort. Be gracious, O Lord of gods, O Abode of the Universe.

Swami AdidevanandaViewing Your mouths, presenting awe-generating fangs and looking like the consuming fire of final destruction, I know not the quarters of the globe nor do I find repose. Be gracious, O Lord of the Devas! O Abode of the universe!

Dr. S. SankaranarayanBy merely seeing Your faces, which are frightening with tusks and look like the fire of destruction, I do not know the arters and get no peace. Have mercy, O Lord of gods! O Abode of the Universe!

Shri Purohit SwamiWhen I see Thy mouths with their fearful jaws, like glowing fires at the dissolution of creation, I lose all sense of place and find no rest. Be merciful, O Lord, in whom this universe abides!

Swami SivanandaAll the sons of Dhritarashtra, along with the hosts of kings of the earth, Bhishma, Drona, and Karna, as well as the chief among our warriors.

Swami GambiranandaAnd into You enter all those sons of Dhrtarastra, along with multitudes of the rulers of the earth, Bhisma, Drona, and that son of a Suta, Karna, together with our prominent warriors.

Swami AdidevanandaAll these sons of Dhrtarastra, together with the hosts of monarchs, Bhisma, Drona, and Karna, along with the leading warriors of our side,

Dr. S. SankaranarayanAll these sons of Dhrtarastra, along with the entire host of kings, Bhisma, Drona, and the son of the charioteer (Karna), together with the chief warriors of ours as well;

Shri Purohit SwamiAll these sons of Dhritarashtra, along with the hosts of princes, Bheeshma, Drona, and Karna, as well as the other warrior chiefs on our side;

Swami SivanandaSome hurry into Your mouths with their terrible teeth, fearful to behold. Some are found stuck in the gaps between the teeth, their heads crushed to powder.

Swami GambiranandaThey rapidly enter into Your terrible mouths with cruel teeth! Some are seen sticking in the gaps between the teeth, with their heads crushed!

Swami AdidevanandaHasten to enter Your fearful mouths with terrible fangs, crushing some of those caught between the teeth to powder.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanThey hurry into Your fearsome mouths, with tusks that terrify; some of them, stuck between Your teeth, are clearly visible with their heads crushed.

Shri Purohit Swami1 See them all rushing headlong into Thy mouths, with terrible tusks, horrible to behold. Some are mangled between Thy jaws, with their heads crushed to atoms.

Swami SivanandaVerily, just as many torrents of rivers flow towards the ocean, so too these heroes in the world of men enter Thy flaming mouths.

Swami GambiranandaAs the numerous currents of the waters of rivers rush towards the sea alone, so too do those heroes of the human world enter into Your blazing mouths.

Swami AdidevanandaAs many torrents of rivers flow towards the ocean, so do these heroes of the world of men enter into Your flaming mouths.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanJust as many water-rapids of the rivers race heading towards the ocean, in the same manner these heroes of the world of men enter into Your mouths, flaming all around.

Shri Purohit SwamiAs rivers in flood surge furiously towards the ocean, so these heroes, the greatest among men, fling themselves into Thy flaming mouths.

Swami SivanandaAs moths hurriedly rush into a blazing fire, leading to their own destruction, so too these creatures hurry into Your mouths, leading to their own destruction.

Swami GambiranandaAs moths hasten with increased speed into a blazing fire for destruction, so too do creatures hasten into Your mouths with increased speed for destruction.

Swami AdidevanandaAs moths rush swiftly into a blazing fire, leading to their destruction, so do these men swiftly rush into Your mouths, leading to their destruction.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanJust as moths, with full speed, enter into the flaming fire for their own destruction, in the same manner the worlds also enter, with full speed, into the mouths of Yours for their own destruction.

Shri Purohit SwamiAs moths impetuously fly towards the flame, only to be killed, so these men rush into Your mouths to court their own destruction.

Swami SivanandaThou lickest up, devouring all the worlds on every side with Thy flaming mouths. Thy fierce rays, filling the whole world with radiance, burn, O Vishnu!

Swami GambiranandaYou lick Your lips as You devour all creatures from every side with flaming mouths that fill the entire world with heat.

Swami AdidevanandaDevouring all the worlds on every side with your flaming mouths, you lick them up. Your fiery rays, filling the whole universe with their radiance, scorch it, O Vishnu.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanDevouring, on all sides with Your blazing mouths, the entire worlds, You are licking up; Your terrible rays scorch the entire universe, filling it with their radiance, O Vishnu!

Shri Purohit SwamiYou seem to swallow up the worlds, lapping them in flame. Your glory fills the universe. Your fierce rays beat down upon it irresistibly.

Swami SivanandaTell me, who you are, so fierce of form. I offer my salutations to you, O God Supreme; have mercy on me. I desire to know you, the original Being. I do not indeed know your workings.

Swami GambiranandaTell me who You are, fierce in form. Salutations to You, O Supreme God; be gracious. I desire to fully know You, who are the Prime One. For I do not understand Your actions!

Swami AdidevanandaTell me, who are You with this terrible form? Salutations to You, O Supreme God. Be gracious to me. I desire to know You, the Primal One. I do not know Your activities.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanPlease tell me who You are with a terrible form, O Best of gods! Salutations to You; please be merciful. I am desirous of knowing You, the Primal One, in detail, for I do not clearly comprehend Your actions.

Shri Purohit SwamiTell me then, who are You, who wears this dreadful form? I bow before You, O Mighty One! Have mercy, I pray, and let me see You as You were at first. I do not know what Your intentions are.

Swami SivanandaThe Blessed Lord said, "I am the full-grown, world-destroying Time, now engaged in destroying the worlds. Even without you, none of the warriors arrayed in the hostile armies will live."

Swami GambiranandaThe Blessed Lord said, "I am the world-destroying Time, grown in stature and now engaged in annihilating the creatures. Even without you, all the warriors arrayed in the confronting armies will cease to exist!"

Swami AdidevanandaThe Lord said, "I am the world-destroying Time. Manifesting myself fully, I have begun to destroy the worlds here. Even without you, none of the warriors arrayed in the hostile ranks will survive."

Dr. S. SankaranarayanThe Bhagavat said, "I am Time, the world-destroyer, engaged here in withdrawing the worlds that are overgrown. Even without you (your fighting), all the warriors standing in the rival armies would cease to be."

Shri Purohit SwamiLord Shri Krishna replied: I have shown myself to you as the Destroyer who lays waste the world and whose purpose is destruction. In spite of your efforts, all these warriors gathered for battle shall not escape death.

Swami SivanandaTherefore, stand up and obtain fame. Conquer the enemies and enjoy the unparalleled kingdom. Verily, by Me they have already been slain; be thou a mere instrument, O Arjuna.

Swami GambiranandaTherefore, rise up and gain fame; and, defeating the enemies, enjoy a prosperous kingdom. These have been killed by Me even earlier; be you merely an instrument, O Savyasacin (Arjuna).

Swami AdidevanandaTherefore, arise, win glory. Conquering your foes, enjoy a prosperous kingdom. By Me they have already been slain. You be merely an instrument, O Arjuna, you great archer!

Dr. S. SankaranarayanTherefore, stand up, win glory, and vanquish your foes; enjoy the rich kingdom; for these foes have already been killed by Myself; be a mere token cause in their destruction, O ambidextrous archer!

Shri Purohit SwamiThen gird up your loins and conquer. Subdue your foes and enjoy the kingdom in prosperity. I have already doomed them. Be thou my instrument, Arjuna!

Swami SivanandaDrona, Bhishma, Jayadratha, Karna, and other brave warriors have already been slain by Me; do not be distressed with fear; fight and you shall conquer your enemies in battle.

Swami GambiranandaYou destroy Drona, Bhisma, Jayadratha, Karna, and the other heroic warriors who have been killed by Me. Do not be afraid. Fight! You will conquer the enemies in battle.

Swami AdidevanandaSlay Drona, Bhisma, Jayadratha, Karna, as well as other mighty warriors who have been doomed by Me. Do not feel distressed. Fight; you shall conquer your rivals in the battle.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanSlay Drona, Bhisma, Jayadratha, and Karna, as well as the other heroes of the world—all already slain by Me. Do not be distressed; fight, and you shall vanquish your enemies in the battle.

Shri Purohit SwamiDrona, Bheeshma, Jayadratha, Karna, and other brave warriors - I have condemned them all. Destroy them; fight without fear. Your foes shall be crushed."

Swami SivanandaSanjaya said, Having heard that speech of Lord Krishna, Arjuna, with joined palms, trembling, prostrated himself, again addressing Krishna in a choked voice, bowing down, overwhelmed with fear.

Swami GambiranandaSanjaya said: Hearing this utterance of Kesava, Kiriti (Arjuna), with joined palms and trembling, prostrated himself, and then, with a faltering voice, bowed down and overcome by fits of fear, said again to Krsna:

Swami AdidevanandaSanjaya said, Having heard this speech of Krsna, Arjuna did Him obeisance; and trembling with awe, he bowed down again, and with folded palms, his voice choked with emotion, he spoke to Krsna.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanSanjaya said, On hearing this speech of Kesava, the crowned-prince Arjuna had his palms folded; trembling, he prostrated himself to Krsna; stammering, and very much afraid, he bowed down and spoke to Him again.

Shri Purohit SwamiSanjaya continued: "Having heard these words from the Lord Shri Krishna, the Prince Arjuna, with folded hands trembling, prostrated himself and with a choked voice, bowing down again and again, and overwhelmed with awe, once more addressed the Lord.

Swami SivanandaArjuna said, "It is fitting, O Krishna, that the world delights and rejoices in Your praise; demons fly in fear in all directions and the hosts of the perfected ones bow to You."

Swami GambiranandaArjuna said, "O Hrsikesa, it is proper that the world be delighted and attracted by Your praise; that the Raksasas, stricken with fear, run in all directions; and that all the groups of the Siddhas bow down to You."

Swami AdidevanandaArjuna said, Rightly it is, O Krsna, that Your praise should move the world to joy and love. The rakshasas flee in fear on all sides, and all the hosts of siddhas bow down to You.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanArjuna said, "O Lord of sense-organs (Krsna)! The universe is rightly rejoicing and feeling exceedingly delighted by Your high glory; the demons are fleeing in fear in all directions; and the hosts of the perfected ones are bowing down to You."

Shri Purohit SwamiArjuna said: My Lord! It is natural for the world to revel and rejoice when singing praises of Your glory; the demons fly in fear and the saints offer You their salutations.

Swami SivanandaAnd why should they not, O great Soul, bow to Thee Who art greater than all else, the primal cause even of the Creator (Brahma), O Infinite Being, O Lord of the gods, O Abode of the universe; Thou art the imperishable, the Being, the non-being, and That which is supreme—that which is beyond the Being and the non-being.

Swami GambiranandaAnd why should they not bow down to You, O exalted One, who are greater than all and who are the first Creator even of Brahma! O infinite One, supreme God, Abode of the Universe, You are the Immutable, being and non-being, and that which is Transcendental.

Swami Adidevananda(a) And why should they not, O Mahatma, bow down to You who are great, being the first Creator, even of Brahma? (b) O Infinite, Lord of gods, O You who have the universe as Your abode! You are the imperishable individual self, the existent and the non-existent, and that which is beyond both.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanO Mighty One! Why should they not bow down to You, the Primal Creator, Who is greater than even Brahma (personal god)? O Endless One, O Lord of gods, O Abode of the universe! You are unalterable, existent, non-existent, and also that which is beyond both.

Shri Purohit SwamiHow else should they do? O Supreme Self, greater than the powers of creation, the first cause, infinite, the Lord of Lords, the home of the universe, imperishable, being and non-being, yet transcending both.

Swami SivanandaYou are the primal God, the ancient Purusha, the supreme refuge of this universe, the knower, the knowable, and the supreme Abode. Through You, the universe is pervaded, O Being of infinite forms.

Swami GambiranandaYou are the primal Deity, the ancient Person; You are the supreme Refuge of this world. You are the knower and the object of knowledge, and the supreme Abode. O You of infinite forms, You pervade the Universe!

Swami Adidevananda(a) You are the Primal God and the Ancient One. You are the Supreme resting place of the universe... (b)...You are the Knower and the object of knowledge, and the Supreme Abode. Through You, O infinite of form, is this universe pervaded.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanYou are the Primal God; You are the Ancient Soul; You are the transcendent place of rest for this universe; You are the knower and the knowable; You are the Highest Abode; and the universe with its infinite forms is pervaded by You.

Shri Purohit SwamiYou are the Primal God, the Ancient One, the Supreme Abode of this universe, the Knower, the Knowledge, and the Final Home. You fill everything. Your form is infinite.

Swami SivanandaYou are Vayu, Yama, Agni, Varuna, the moon, the Creator, and the great-grandfather. I offer my salutations to You a thousand times, and again I offer my salutations to You.

Swami GambiranandaYou are air, death, fire, the god of the waters, the moon, the Lord of creatures, and the great-grandfather. Salutations to you a thousand times! Salutations to you again and again! Salutations!

Swami Adidevananda(a) You are Yayu, Yama, Agni, Varuna, Sashanka, Prajapati, and the great-grandsire. (b) Hail to You a thousand times! Hail to You again and yet again!

Dr. S. SankaranarayanYou are Vayu, Yama, Agni, Varuna, the Moon, Prajapati, and the great-paternal-grandfather; I offer salutations to You a thousand times, and again, even more salutations to You.

Shri Purohit SwamiYou are the wind, you are death, you are the fire, the water, the moon, the father, and the grandfather. Honor and glory to you a thousand and a thousand times! Again and again, salutations to you, O my Lord!

Swami SivanandaSalutations to You in front and behind! Salutations to You on every side! O All! You, infinite in power and prowess, pervade all; therefore You are all.

Swami GambiranandaSalutations to You in the East and behind. Salutations to You on all sides indeed, O All! You possess infinite strength and infinite heroism. You pervade everything; thus You are all!

Swami Adidevananda(a) Salutations to You from before and behind! Salutations to You from all sides, O All!৷৷. (b) ৷৷. O You of infinite prowess and heroic action, which are measureless! You pervade all beings, and therefore, You are all.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanSalutations to You in front and behind; salutations to You on all sides, O One Who is All! You are of infinite might and immeasurable power; and You pervade all, and thus You are all.

Shri Purohit SwamiSalutations to Thee in front and on all sides, Thou who encompasseth me round about. Thy power is infinite; Thy majesty immeasurable; Thou upholdest all things; indeed, Thou Thyself art All.

Swami SivanandaWhatever I have presumptuously said from carelessness or love, addressing You as O Krishna! O Yadava! O Friend! regarding You merely as a friend, unknowing of Your greatness.

Swami GambiranandaWithout knowing Your greatness, whatever I said rashly, inadvertently, or even out of familiarity, thinking You to be a friend, addressing You as 'O Krsna,' 'O Yadava,' 'O friend,' etc.

Swami AdidevanandaUnaware of Your majesty, and either out of negligence or love, or considering You to be a friend, whatever I have said rudely, such as 'O Krsna, O Yadava, O Comrade,'

Dr. S. SankaranarayanTaking You as a companion, not knowing Your greatness, and out of carelessness or even affection, whatever I have importunately called You—O Krsna, O Yadava, O Comrade—

Shri Purohit SwamiWhatever I have said to you in rashness, taking you only as a friend and addressing you as “O Krishna! O Yadava! O Friend!” in thoughtless familiarity, without understanding your greatness;

Swami SivanandaIn whatever way I may have insulted You for the sake of fun, while at play, reposing, sitting, or at meals, when alone (with You), O Krishna, or in company, that I implore You, immeasurable one, to forgive.

Swami GambiranandaAnd that You have been discourteously treated out of fun—while walking, while on a bed, while on a seat, while eating, in privacy, or, O Acyuta, even in public—for that, I beg pardon of You, the incomprehensible One.

Swami AdidevanandaAnd whatever disrespect has been shown to You in jest, while playing, resting, sitting, or eating, whether alone or in the presence of others, O Acyuta—I implore You for forgiveness, You who are incomprehensible.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanWhatever disrespect I have shown to You, making fun of You in the course of play, or while on the bed, or on the seat, or at meals, either alone or in the presence of respectable persons—for that, I beg pardon of You, the Unconceivable One, O Acyuta!

Shri Purohit SwamiWhatever insults I have offered to You in jest, in sport, in repose, in conversation, or at a banquet, alone or in a crowd, I ask for Your forgiveness for them all, O You Who are without equal!

Swami SivanandaThou art the Father of this world, both moving and unmoving. Thou art to be adored by this world; Thou, the greatest Guru; for none exists who is equal to Thee; how then could there be another superior to Thee in the three worlds, O Being of unrivaled power?

Swami GambiranandaYou are the Father of all beings, both moving and non-moving; to You, the Teacher, are they worthy of worship, and You are greater than a teacher. There is none equal to You; how can there be anyone greater even in all the three worlds, O You of unrivaled power?

Swami AdidevanandaYou are the father of this world, of all that moves and does not move. You are its teacher and the one most worthy of reverence. There is none equal to You. How then could there be in the three worlds another greater than You, O Being of matchless greatness?

Dr. S. SankaranarayanYou are the father of the world of the moving and the unmoving; you are the great preceptor of this universe; in the triad of worlds, there is no one equal to you—how can there be anyone else superior, having greatness not comprehended?

Shri Purohit SwamiFor you are the Father of all things movable and immovable, the Worshipful, the Master of Masters! In all the worlds, there is none equal to you; how then could there be one superior, O you who stand alone, Supreme?

Swami SivanandaTherefore, bowing down and prostrating my body, I crave Thy forgiveness, O adorable Lord. As a father forgives his son, a friend his dear friend, a lover his beloved, even so may Thou forgive me, O God.

Swami GambiranandaTherefore, by bowing down and prostrating my body, I seek to propitiate You who are God and are adorable. O Lord, You should forgive my faults as a father would forgive the faults of a son, as a friend would forgive the faults of a friend, and as a lover would forgive the faults of a beloved.

Swami AdidevanandaTherefore, bowing down and prostrating my body, I implore Your mercy, O adorable Lord. As a father listens to his son or a friend to his friend, it is fitting, O Lord, that You, who are dear to me, should bear with me who am dear to You.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanHence, paying homage and prostrating my body, I solicit grace from You, the praiseworthy Lord. O God! Be pleased to bear with me, just as a beloved father would with his beloved son, and just as a dear friend would with his dear friend.

Shri Purohit SwamiTherefore, I prostrate myself before You, O Lord! Most Adorable! I salute You, and I ask for Your blessing. Only You can be trusted to bear with me, like a father to a son, like a friend to a friend, and like a lover to his beloved.

Swami SivanandaI am delighted, having seen something never seen before; yet my mind is distressed with fear. Show me that form only, O God; have mercy, O God of gods, O Abode of the universe.

Swami GambiranandaI am delighted by seeing something I have not seen before, and my mind is stricken with fear. O Lord, show me that very form; O Supreme God, O Abode of the Universe, be gracious!

Swami AdidevanandaSeeing something never seen before, I am delighted. But my mind is also filled with awe. Show me, O Lord! Your other form. O Lord of the gods! Be gracious, O Abode of the universe!

Dr. S. SankaranarayanI am thrilled by what I have not seen before; my mind is greatly distressed with fear; show me Your usual form, O God! Lord of gods! O Abode of the worlds!

Shri Purohit SwamiI rejoice that I have seen what no man has ever seen before; yet, O Lord! I am overwhelmed with fear. Please take on the form I know. Be merciful, O Lord! You who are the home of the entire universe.

Swami SivanandaI desire to see You as before, crowned, bearing a mace, with the discus in hand, in Your former form only, having four arms, O thousand-armed, Cosmic Being.

Swami GambiranandaI want to see You just as before, wearing a crown, wielding a mace, and holding a disc in hand. O You with a thousand arms, O You of Cosmic form, appear with that very form with four hands.

Swami AdidevanandaI wish to see You ever as before, with crown and mace and discus in hand. Assume again that four-armed shape, O Thou the thousand-armed, of Universal Form!

Dr. S. SankaranarayanI desire to see You in the same manner, wearing a crown, holding the club and the discus in Your hands; please be with the same form having four hands, O Thousand-armed One! O Universal Form!

Shri Purohit SwamiI long to see Thee as Thou wert before, with the crown, the scepter, and the discus in Thy hands; in Thy other form, with Thy four hands, O Thou whose arms are countless and whose forms are infinite.

Swami SivanandaThe Blessed Lord said, "O Arjuna, this Cosmic Form has graciously been shown to you by Me through My own Yogic power. It is full of splendour, primeval, and infinite; this Cosmic Form of Mine has never been seen before by anyone other than you."

Swami GambiranandaThe Blessed Lord said, Out of grace, O Arjuna, this supreme, radiant, cosmic, infinite, primeval form—which no one other than you has seen before—has been shown to you by Me through the power of My own Yoga.

Swami AdidevanandaThe Lord said, "By My grace, O Arjuna, this Supreme Form, luminous, universal, infinite, and primal—never seen before by anyone but you—has been revealed to you through My own free will."

Dr. S. SankaranarayanThe Bhagavat said, "Being gracious towards you, I have shown you, O Arjuna, this supreme form, as a result of your concentration on the Self. This form of Mine, full of universal splendour, unending and primal, has never been seen before by anyone other than yourself."

Shri Purohit SwamiLord Shri Krishna replied: My beloved friend! It is only through My grace and power that you have been able to see this vision of splendour, the Universal, the Infinite, the Original. Never has it been seen by anyone else.

Swami SivanandaNeither by the study of the Vedas, nor by gifts, nor by sacrifices, nor by severe austerities, can I be seen in this form in the world of men by any other than yourself, O great hero of the Kurus (Arjuna).

Swami GambiranandaNot by the study of the Vedas and sacrifices, not by gifts, not even by rituals, nor by severe austerities, can I, in this form, be perceived in the human world by anyone other than you, O most valiant among the Kurus, who has not received My grace.

Swami AdidevanandaNeither through the study of the Vedas, nor by sacrifices, nor by recitations of the scriptures, nor by gifts, nor by rituals, nor by strict austerities can I be realized in a form like this in the world of men by anyone else but you. O Arjuna!

Dr. S. SankaranarayanNot by the knowledge of the Vedas and sacrifices, nor by making gifts, nor by the rituals, nor by severe austerities, can I be seen in this form in the world of men by anyone other than yourself, O great hero of the Kurus!

Shri Purohit SwamiIt is not possible for man on earth to see what thou hast seen, O thou foremost hero of the Kuru-clan, through study of the scriptures, sacrifice or gift, ritual or rigorous austerity!

Swami SivanandaDo not be afraid, nor be bewildered on seeing such a terrible form of Mine; with your fear dispelled and with a gladdened heart, now behold again this former form of Mine.

Swami GambiranandaMay you have no fear, and may there be no bewilderment upon seeing this form of Mine so terrible. Becoming free from fear and gladdened in mind once again, behold this earlier form of Mine.

Swami AdidevanandaYou need not fear any longer, nor be perplexed, looking upon this awe-inspiring form of Mine. Free from fear and with a gladdened heart, behold once again that other form of Mine.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanLet there be no distress or bewilderment in you upon seeing this terrifying and violent form of Mine; be free from fear, and with a cheerful heart, behold again this form of Mine which is the same as before.

Shri Purohit SwamiDo not be afraid or confused by the terrible vision. Put away your fear and, with a joyful mind, see Me again in My usual form.

Swami SivanandaSanjaya said, Having thus spoken to Arjuna, Krishna again showed His own form. The great Soul, assuming His gentle form, then consoled Arjuna, who was terrified.

Swami GambiranandaSanjaya said, Thus, having spoken to Arjuna in that manner, Vasudeva showed His own form again. And He, the exalted One, reassured this terrified one by again becoming serene in his form.

Swami AdidevanandaSanjaya said, Having thus spoken to Arjuna, Sri Krsna once more revealed His own form. The Mahatman, assuming a benign form again, reassured him who had been struck with awe.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanHaving said this to Arjuna, Vasudeva revealed His own tiny form; assuming His gentle body once again, the Mighty Soul (Krsna) consoled the frightened Arjuna.

Shri Purohit SwamiSanjaya continued: "Having thus spoken to Arjuna, Lord Shri Krishna showed Himself again in His accustomed form; and the Mighty Lord, in gentle tones, softly consoled him who had recently trembled with fear.

Swami SivanandaArjuna said, "Having seen this Thy gentle human form, O Krishna, now I am composed and have been restored to my own nature."

Swami GambiranandaArjuna said, "O Janardana, having seen this serene human form of Yours, I have now become calm in mind and restored to my own nature."

Swami AdidevanandaArjuna said, "Having beheld Your human and pleasing form, O Krsna, I am now composed in mind and have been restored to my normal nature."

Dr. S. SankaranarayanArjuna said, "On seeing this gentle human form of Yours, O Janardana, I have now regained my nature and collected my thinking faculty."

Shri Purohit SwamiArjuna said: Seeing You in Your gentle human form, my Lord, I am myself again, calm once more.

Swami SivanandaThe Blessed Lord said, "It is very hard indeed to see this form of Mine which thou hast seen; even the gods are ever longing to behold it."

Swami GambiranandaThe Blessed Lord said, "This form of Mine, which you have seen, is very difficult to behold; even the gods are ever desirous of a vision of this form."

Swami AdidevanandaThe Lord said, "It is very hard to behold this form of Mine which you have seen. Even the gods everlong to behold this form."

Dr. S. SankaranarayanThe Bhagavat said, "This form of Mine, which you have just observed, is extremely difficult to behold; even the gods are ever eager to behold it."

Shri Purohit SwamiLord Shri Krishna replied: It is difficult to see the vision of Me that thou hast seen. Even the most powerful have longed for it in vain.

Swami SivanandaNeither by the Vedas, nor by austerity, nor by gift, nor by sacrifice can I be seen in this form as thou hast seen Me so easily.

Swami GambiranandaNot through the Vedas, nor by austerity, nor by gifts, nor even by sacrifice can I be seen in this form as you have seen Me.

Swami AdidevanandaSri Krishna says, "I cannot be seen in such a form as You have seen Me, not by the Vedas, nor by austerities, nor by gifts, nor by sacrifice."

Dr. S. SankaranarayanNeither by reciting the Vedas, nor by observing austerity, nor by giving gifts, nor by performing sacrifice, can I be seen in this way as you have seen Me now.

Shri Purohit SwamiIt is not possible to see Me as you have done through studying the scriptures, performing austerities, giving gifts, or making sacrifices.

Swami SivanandaBut by single-minded devotion, I can be known, seen, and entered into in reality, O Arjuna.

Swami GambiranandaBut, O Arjuna, by single-minded devotion am I, in this form, able to be known and seen in reality, and also entered into, O destroyer of foes.

Swami AdidevanandaBut by single-minded devotion, O Arjuna, it is possible to truly know, to see, and to enter into Me, who am of this form, O harasser of foes.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanBut, through an unwavering devotion, it is possible to know, observe, and even enter into Me, O Arjuna! O scorcher of foes!

Shri Purohit SwamiOnly through tireless devotion can I be seen and known; only in this way can a person become one with Me, O Arjuna!

Swami SivanandaHe who does all actions for Me, who regards Me as the Supreme, who is devoted to Me, who is free from attachment, who bears no enmity towards any creature, he comes to Me, O Arjuna.

Swami GambiranandaO son of Pandu, he who works for Me, accepts Me as the supreme goal, is devoted to Me, is devoid of attachment and free from enmity towards all beings—he attains Me.

Swami AdidevanandaWhoever works for Me, regards Me as the highest and is devoted to Me, free from attachment and without animosity towards any creature, they come to Me, O Arjuna.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanHe who performs actions for Me, who regards Me as his supreme goal, who is devoted to Me, who is free from attachment, and who is free from hatred towards all beings—he attains Me, O son of Pandu!

Shri Purohit SwamiHe who does every action for My sake, to whom I am the final goal, who loves Me alone and hates no one—O My dearest son, only he can realize Me!