Bhagavad Gita 11.5

Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga · English Translation

The Blessed Lord said Behold, O Arjuna, forms of Mine, by the hundreds and thousands, of different sorts, divine, and of various colours and shapes.

Sanskrit

श्रीभगवानुवाच | पश्य मे पार्थ रूपाणि शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः | नानाविधानि दिव्यानि नानावर्णाकृतीनि च ||११-५||

Transliteration

śrībhagavānuvāca . paśya me pārtha rūpāṇi śataśo.atha sahasraśaḥ . nānāvidhāni divyāni nānāvarṇākṛtīni ca ||11-5||

What Does This Verse Mean?

In this verse, Lord Krishna invites Arjuna to witness the infinite variety of His divine forms, ranging from hundreds to thousands of unique manifestations. He emphasizes that these cosmic shapes are not limited but appear in countless colors and types, reflecting the boundless nature of the Divine. The key teaching is that God transcends human limitations and can be perceived as a vast, multi-faceted reality beyond any single image or concept.

The Teaching Behind It

This verse is central to Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion) and integrates Jnana Yoga concepts regarding the infinite nature of Brahman (Ultimate Reality). It develops the teaching that the Absolute One manifests as the Many, illustrating how a singular consciousness can express itself through limitless forms without losing its unity.

Word by Word

पश्य behold, मे My, पार्थ O Partha, रूपाणि forms, शतशः by hundreds, अथ and, सहस्रशः by thousands, नानाविधानि of different sorts, दिव्यानि divine, नानावर्णाकृतीनि of various colours and shapes, च and

Classical Commentary

Divyani Divine supernatural. Satasah? Sahasrasah By the hundreds and thousands -- countless. O Arjuna? I want you to behold the Cosmic Form. All beings and entities are there. The fat and the lean, the short and the tall, the red and the black, the active and the passive, the rich and the poor, the intelligent and the dull, the healthy and the sick, the noisy and the silent, those that are awake, those that are asleep, the beautiful and the ugly, and all grades of beings with their distinctive marks are all there. The blueness of the sky, the yellowness of the silk, the redness of the twilight, the blackness of the coal, the whiteness of the snow, and the greenness of the leaves will be seen by you. You will also behold the objects of various shapes.

Where This Happens

This verse occurs in Chapter 11 during the 'Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga,' shortly after Krishna reveals his terrifying universal form to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Overwhelmed by this vision, which displays gods, demons, and all of creation within a single body, Arjuna is filled with awe and fear. He has just witnessed time itself consuming armies, and he now asks for permission to see more of these divine manifestations as Krishna offers him the spiritual eyes required to comprehend it.

Living It Out Today

When facing an overwhelming life crisis or a complex problem that seems impossible to solve in one way, remember this verse's lesson about infinite possibilities. Instead of fixating on a single failed solution, expand your perspective to see multiple approaches, resources, and outcomes available to you. Just as the Divine has countless forms for every need, you too can find diverse paths forward by looking beyond your initial fears.

Explained for Children

Imagine if you could see your favorite superhero not just once, but in thousands of different costumes, colors, and powers all at the same time! That is what Krishna wants Arjuna to see: that God isn't just one small picture, but a giant universe full of beautiful, amazing forms. It's like looking into a magical mirror where every reflection shows something new and wonderful.

Daily Reflection

You often feel small when comparing yourself to the vastness of life's challenges or mysteries, yet this verse reminds you that the Divine is not distant but intimately present in every variation. Just as a single sun reflects differently on water, glass, and gold, your unique struggles and joys are distinct expressions of one infinite reality. Today, try to see the divine diversity in others rather than judging their differences; each person carries a fragment of that cosmic light.

A Practice for Today

Close your eyes and invite the Divine to reveal not just one face, but a thousand faces within you today. Visualize every emotion, role, and color of your existence as a unique reflection of that boundless cosmic form.

Key Teachings

Divine Diversity
The Supreme Reality is not limited to one static image but manifests through infinite varieties, shapes, and colors. This teaches us that the sacred exists in all forms of creation, from the microscopic to the cosmic.
Beyond Human Limitations
Arjuna's request for hundreds or thousands of forms highlights how finite human perception cannot fully contain the infinite nature of God. We are invited to expand our vision beyond what we can immediately see or understand.
The Unity in Multiplicity
While there are 'nānāvidhāni' (different sorts) and various forms, they all originate from the one source speaking to Arjuna. This verse bridges the gap between seeing many gods or faces while realizing they are ultimately manifestations of One.

Themes

Divine OmnipresenceDevotion and SurrenderCosmic VisionInfinite Variety of FormsFaith in AdversitySpiritual Perception

Related Verses

2.47 3.30 4.18 6.5 18.66

Read This Next

2.47 — After seeing the cosmic forms, return to Arjuna's duty and learn that action must be performed without attachment to results or specific outcomes.
3.30 — Continue exploring how one dedicates all actions and their fruits completely to the Divine, transforming ordinary work into worship.
12.15 — Shift focus from the vision of forms back to the qualities of a devotee who is dear to Krishna because they are free from egoism and envy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the specific meaning of 'Pārtha' used by Krishna?

'Partha' means 'Son of Pritha,' which refers to Arjuna's mother, Kunti. By using this affectionate name, Krishna reminds Arjuna of his lineage and gently calls him back from fear with a sense of familial closeness rather than just formal authority.

How does this verse help someone dealing with anxiety about the future?

It teaches that reality is not limited to a single negative outcome or current struggle; there are countless potential forms and solutions available. By shifting focus from fear to the vast, supportive presence of the Divine in all its varieties, one can find courage and new perspectives for any challenge.

In Other Languages: Bhagavad Gita 11.5 →