अर्जुन उवाच स्थाने हृषीकेश तव प्रकीर्त्या जगत् प्रहृष्यत्यनुरज्यते च। रक्षांसि भीतानि दिशो द्रवन्ति सर्वे नमस्यन्ति च सिद्धसङ्घाः।।11.36।।
arjuna uvaca sthane hrishikesha tava prakirtya jagat prahrisyati anurajyate ca rakshansi bhitani disa dravanti sarve namasyanti ca siddhasanghah
Translation
Arjuna said: O Master of the senses, in that place, by Your glorious manifestation the whole world rejoices and becomes attached to You. The demons, terrified, flee in all directions, while all perfected saints bow down to You.
Word Meanings
arjunaḥ uvāca — Arjuna said; sthāne — in that place; hṛṣīkeśa — O master of the senses; tava — your; prakīrtyā — by the glories; jagat — the world; prahṛṣyati — rejoices; anurajyate — becomes attached; ca — and; rākṣāṇi — the demons; bhītāni — fearful; diśaḥ — in all directions; dravanti — flee; sarve — all; namasyanti — bow; ca — also; siddha‑saṅghāḥ — perfected saints
Understanding the Verse
In this pivotal verse of the eleventh chapter, the divine vision that Krishna has just displayed to Arjuna reaches its emotional climax. Arjuna, overwhelmed by the cosmic form (Vishvarupa), attempts to articulate the universal impact of the sight. The phrase “sthāne” (in that place) refers to the battlefield of Kurukshetra, now transformed into a stage where the entire cosmos is laid bare. Krishna’s form, described as “hṛṣīkeśa” – the lord of all senses – transcends ordinary perception, uniting sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell in a single radiant existence.
The term “prakīrtyā” emphasizes that it is not merely Krishna’s physical appearance but His divine glory, radiance, and auspicious power that cause the world (“jagat”) to rejoice (“prahṛṣyati”). This rejoicing is not simple happiness; it is a profound recognition of the ultimate reality that sustains all creation. Simultaneously, the world becomes “anurajyate” – it grows attached, drawn irresistibly toward the supreme consciousness, indicating the innate longing of every being for its source.
The second half of the verse presents a stark contrast: the demonic forces (“rākṣāṇi”) shrink back in terror. These demons symbolize ignorance, ego, and the forces of adharma that cannot endure the presence of divine truth. Their flight “in all directions” (diśaḥ) illustrates the universal disintegration of falsehood when true knowledge shines forth. Meanwhile, “sarve namasyanti” – all perfect saints – bow respectfully. The “siddha‑saṅghāḥ” are the realized yogis, saints, and sages who have already merged their consciousness with the divine. Their reverence signifies that the sight of the universal form is a validation of the spiritual path they have pursued.
Theologically, this verse encapsulates the Bhagavad Gita’s core teaching: the Supreme Being pervades everything, delighting the world while simultaneously dispelling darkness. It underscores that true devotion is a recognition of Krishna’s all‑encompassing presence, prompting reverence from the enlightened and fear from the ignorant. For the seeker, the verse serves as an invitation to internalize this vision – to see the divine in every aspect of life, to rejoice in the divine’s glory, and to let the ego‑driven demons dissolve.
Practically, the verse invites contemplation on three levels: first, acknowledging that every experience, whether joyful or challenging, is an expression of the divine; second, allowing the awe of Krishna’s universal form to transform attachment from worldly cravings to a deeper, spiritual yearning; third, embodying the humility of the saints by bowing to the divine presence within and around us. In doing so, a practitioner aligns with the ultimate purpose of the Gita – to realize one’s identity as an inseparable part of the Supreme.
