Bhagavad Gita 11.35

Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga · English Translation

Sanjaya said Having heard that speech of Lord Krishna, Arjuna, with joined palms, trembling, prostrating himself, again addressed Krishna, in a choked voice, bowing down, overwhelmed with fear.

Sanskrit

सञ्जय उवाच | एतच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं केशवस्य कृताञ्जलिर्वेपमानः किरीटी | नमस्कृत्वा भूय एवाह कृष्णं सगद्गदं भीतभीतः प्रणम्य ||११-३५||

Transliteration

sañjaya uvāca . etacchrutvā vacanaṃ keśavasya kṛtāñjalirvepamānaḥ kirīṭī . namaskṛtvā bhūya evāha kṛṣṇaṃ sagadgadaṃ bhītabhītaḥ praṇamya ||11-35||

What Does This Verse Mean?

After witnessing the terrifying and magnificent cosmic form of Krishna, Arjuna is overwhelmed with fear and awe. Sanjaya describes how Arjuna trembles, bows down with joined palms, and speaks to Krishna in a voice choked by emotion while prostrating himself again. This verse marks the moment when divine revelation transitions from intellectual understanding into deep humility and surrender. The key teaching is that true realization of God's infinite power naturally dissels ego and replaces it with reverent devotion.

The Teaching Behind It

This verse is a pivotal moment in Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion) where the devotee realizes their absolute dependence on the Divine. It develops the concept that true knowledge (jnana) of God's magnitude inevitably leads to surrender (prapatti), dissolving the ego and replacing it with deep reverence.

Word by Word

एतत् that, श्रुत्वा having heard, वचनम् speech, केशवस्य of Kesava, कृताञ्जलिः with joined palms, वेपमानः trembling, किरीटि Arjuna, नमस्कृत्वा prostrating (himself), भूयः again, एव even, आह addressed, कृष्णम् to Krishna, सगद्गदम् in a choked voice, भीतभीतः overwhelmed with fear, प्रणम्य having prostrated

Classical Commentary

When anyone is in a state of extreme terror or joy he sheds tears on account of pain or exhilaration of spirits. Then his throat is choked and he stammers or speaks indistinctly or in a dull, choked voice. Arjuna was extremely frightened when he saw the Cosmic Form and so he spoke in a stammering tone. There is great significane in Sanjayas words. He thought that Dhritarashtra might come to terms or make peace with the Pandavas when he knew that his sons would certainly be killed for want of proper support when Drona and Karna would be killed by Arjuna. He hoped that conseently there would be peace and happiness to both the parties. But Dhritarashtra was obstinate he did not listen to this suggestion on account of the force of destiny.

Where This Happens

This verse is spoken by the narrator Sanjaya to King Dhritarashtra immediately after Lord Krishna reveals his Vishvarupa (Universal Form) and then returns to his four-armed form. The scene takes place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, moments before Arjuna decides to fight in the upcoming war against his own relatives. Having just seen a vision that terrified him with its infinite power and terrifying aspects, Arjuna is shaken from his previous state of hesitation into a mix of terror and deep reverence.

Living It Out Today

When you face a moment where your efforts seem insignificant compared to a massive challenge or when you realize the complexity of a situation beyond your control, it can trigger anxiety. In such moments, instead of panicking or trying to force an outcome through sheer willpower, pause to acknowledge the larger forces at play and surrender your specific anxieties with humility. Like Arjuna prostrating himself, this act of lowering one's ego allows you to regain clarity and focus on performing your duty without being paralyzed by fear.

Explained for Children

Imagine you are looking at a giant, glowing monster in the sky that has thousands of faces, but then you realize this amazing being is your best friend protecting you. Arjuna felt so small and scared seeing God's huge form that his hands started shaking like leaves. He put his hands together to say sorry for not knowing how big and powerful God really was before. Just like when we feel tiny in front of a massive thunderstorm, Arjuna bowed down with all his heart because he loved Krishna more than anything.

Daily Reflection

When life presents moments where everything feels too big to handle, remember that Arjuna's shaking hands were not a sign of weakness but of profound reverence. You do not need to have all the answers right now; simply offering your humility and surrendering to something greater than yourself is enough to transform fear into clarity.

A Practice for Today

Begin by bringing your hands together at your heart, acknowledging the vast mystery of existence that often leaves you feeling small and trembling. Sit with this sense of awe for a few breaths, allowing it to soften any rigid defenses or egoic pride you carry into the day.

Key Teachings

The Power of Surrender
True devotion begins when we drop our weapons, symbolizing the end of ego-driven struggle. By joining palms and bowing down, Arjuna demonstrates that safety is found not in control but in total trust.
Awe as a Path to Clarity
Trembling before the Divine is a natural response when one glimpses their own insignificance against infinite reality. This fear, however terrifying at first, clears the mind of delusion and prepares it for higher wisdom.
The Voice of Devotion
Arjuna speaks with a 'choked voice' because his love is so overwhelming that words fail him. This teaches us that our deepest truths often lie beyond language, in the silent space where we bow.

Themes

Fear and AweDevotion (Bhakti)Ego DissolutionDivine RevelationSurrenderDuty in Crisis

Related Verses

2.47 3.30 4.18 6.5 18.66

Read This Next

2.47 — To understand how Arjuna transitions from this overwhelming vision into the practical duty of action without attachment.
3.30 — To learn the specific instruction on surrendering all actions to the Divine, a direct remedy for the fear felt in verse 11.35.
12.15 — To explore how one who is free from envy and established in devotion becomes dear to Krishna after witnessing His form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Arjuna trembling if he is a great warrior?

Arjuna's fear did not stem from cowardice or physical weakness, but from being overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude and terrifying aspects of Krishna's Universal Form. As a human soul encountering infinite divine power directly, his natural reaction was one of awe that manifested physically as trembling.

What is the significance of Arjuna joining his palms (krtanjali)?

Joining palms signifies deep respect and a request for guidance; in this context, it represents total surrender. It shows that despite being a mighty warrior, Arjuna recognizes Krishna as the supreme authority and submits to His will completely.

How does this verse relate to the concept of Bhakti Yoga?

This verse is a prime example of Bhakti Yoga because it shows that true devotion arises from realizing God's greatness, which naturally leads to humility and love. Arjuna's emotional response demonstrates that intellectual knowledge transforms into an active, loving surrender.

What does 'sagadagam' (choked voice) indicate about the devotee?

Speaking with a choked voice indicates that emotions are so intense and overwhelming that words fail to express them. It signifies a state where the ego is completely dissolved, leaving only pure reverence and a desire for connection.

In Other Languages: Bhagavad Gita 11.35 →