श्री भगवानुवाच पश्य मे पार्थ रूपाणि शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः। नानाविधानि दिव्यानि नानावर्णाकृतीनि च।।11.5।।
śrī-bhagavān uvāca paśy me pārtha rūpāṇi śataśo'tha sahasraśaḥ nānā-vidhāni divyāni nānā-varṇākṛtīni ca
Translation
The Supreme Lord said: Behold, O Partha, My hundreds and thousands of wondrous forms of many kinds, divine, of many colors and shapes also.
Word Meanings
śrī-bhagavān uvāca — the Supreme Personality of Godhead said; paśya — just see; me — My; pārtha — O son of Pṛthā; rūpāṇi — forms; śataśaḥ — hundreds; atha — also; sahasraśaḥ — thousands; nānā-vidhāni — variegated; divyāni — divine; nānā — variegated; varṇa — colors; ākṛtīni — forms; ca — also.
Understanding the Verse
In this majestic verse, Lord Krishna unveils the cosmic panorama of His universal form to Arjuna. The numbers ‘hundreds’ (śataśaḥ) and ‘thousands’ (sahasraśaḥ) are not meant to be taken literally; they symbolize an immeasurable multiplicity that transcends ordinary perception. By using such grand scales, the text conveys that the Divine encompasses every conceivable manifestation, from the infinitesimally small to the boundlessly vast.
The word ‘rūpāṇi’ (forms) emphasizes that the Divine is not confined to a single image or personality. Instead, the Lord is a tapestry of countless appearances, each reflecting a different aspect of cosmic order. These forms are described as ‘nānā‑vidhāni’ – of many kinds – underscoring the diversity of divine expressions, be they elemental forces, celestial beings, or even the subtle energies that animate the universe.
‘Divyāni’ (divine) affirms that every form, irrespective of how it manifests, is imbued with sacredness. The verse thereby rejects any hierarchy between the mundane and the exalted; all are expressions of the same ultimate reality. By declaring the forms ‘nānā‑varṇākṛtīni’ (of many colors and shapes), Krishna highlights the aesthetic richness of creation. Color and shape are symbols of the myriad qualities – compassion, valor, wisdom, joy – that pervade existence and reflect the boundless creativity of the Divine.
For Arjuna, a warrior accustomed to the concrete realities of battlefield strategy, this revelation is both awe‑inspiring and disorienting. The vision dissolves the binary of good versus evil, self versus other, urging him to see beyond the superficial layers of identity. The verse invites the seeker to recognize that all differentiated forms are ultimately inseparable from the singular source, encouraging a shift from ego‑centered action to devotional surrender.
Philosophically, the verse encapsulates the Advaitic insight that the ultimate reality (Brahman) is both one and many. It is one in essence yet manifests as a multiplicity of forms for the purpose of divine play (līlā). This paradox is central to the Gita’s teaching: while the soul perceives plurality, true wisdom discerns the underlying unity. By urging Arjuna to ‘paśy’ (see), Krishna is not merely offering a visual spectacle but prompting an inner vision – a direct experiential knowledge that transcends intellectual understanding.
In a practical sense, the verse serves as a guide for modern readers. It suggests that every person, object, and experience we encounter can be regarded as a facet of the Divine. This perspective cultivates respect, compassion, and humility, qualities essential for navigating the moral complexities of contemporary life. By embracing the infinite diversity of divine forms, we learn to act with equanimity, recognizing that all actions are ultimately a part of the same cosmic tapestry.
