पश्यादित्यान्वसून्रुद्रानश्िवनौ मरुतस्तथा। बहून्यदृष्टपूर्वाणि पश्याऽश्चर्याणि भारत।।11.6।।
paśyādityān vasūn rudrān aśvinau marutaḥ tathā; bahūni adṛṣṭa pūrvāṇi paśyāścar yāṇi bhārata
Translation
Behold, O scion of the Bharatas, the sons of Aditi, the Vasus, the Rudras, the twin Ashvins, and the Maruts, and many other marvels never revealed before.
Word Meanings
paśyā — see; ādityān — the twelve sons of Aditi; vasūn — the eight Vasus; rudrān — the eleven forms of Rudra; aśvinau — the two Ashvins; marutaḥ — the forty‑nine Maruts (demigods of the wind); tathā — also; bahūni — many; adṛṣṭa — that you have not seen; pūrvāṇi — before; paśyā — see; āścaryāṇi — all the wonders; bhārata — O best of the Bhāras
Understanding the Verse
In this awe‑inspiring vision of the universal form (Vishvarupa), Krishna invites Arjuna to witness the fullness of Divine manifestation. The verse enumerates specific categories of celestial beings that are integral to the cosmic order. The twelve sons of Aditi, known as the Adityas, embody various aspects of the sun and light, symbolizing the sustaining power of the cosmos. Their presence underscores the principle that the Divine pervades even the highest celestial hierarchy.
The eight Vasus represent elemental forces such as fire, water, and wind, each governing essential natural phenomena. By revealing them within His own body, Krishna communicates that the Deva‑world is not separate from the Supreme but is an expression of His own being. The eleven Rudras, fierce and transformative energies, point to the destructive and regenerative aspects of reality, reminding Arjuna that creation is inseparable from dissolution.
The twin Ashvins, the celestial physicians and bringers of dawn, signify healing, swift action, and the renewal that follows darkness. Their inclusion highlights the compassionate dimension of the Divine, ever ready to restore balance. The forty‑nine Maruts, the wind‑gods, embody the dynamic, ever‑changing forces that stir the atmosphere and drive the cycles of life. Their multitude indicates the vast, subtle currents that permeate existence.
Beyond these identified groups, Krishna mentions "bahūni adṛṣṭa pūrvāṇi" – countless marvels never seen before. This phrase opens the imagination to the infinite aspects of divinity that transcend human comprehension. It conveys that the vision is not limited to known deities but includes all that is beyond the scope of mythology, the unseen layers of reality that the mind cannot ordinarily grasp.
The address "bhārata" is a reverent appellation for Arjuna, linking him to the great lineage of the Bharata dynasty and emphasizing his role as a representative of dharma. By calling him "best of the Bhāratas," Krishna acknowledges Arjuna's noble spirit while urging him to rise above personal doubts and recognize his duty within the grand cosmic design.
Overall, this verse serves as a theological assertion that every facet of the created universe – from the radiant suns to the subtle winds – is an integral part of the Divine. It invites the seeker to expand consciousness, seeing beyond the material battlefield to the spiritual battlefield of the self, where recognizing the unity of all existence leads to the ultimate surrender and liberation.
