Bhagavad Gita Chapter 10, Verse 23

English Translation

Among the Rudras [Aja, Ekapada, Ahirbudhnya, Pinaki, Aparajita, Tryam-baka, Mahesvara, Vrsakapi, Sambhu, Harana and Isvara. Different Puranas give different lists of eleven names.-Tr,] I am Sankara, and among the Yaksas and goblins I am Kubera [God of wealth. Yaksas are a class of demigods who attend on him and guard his wealth.]. Among the Vasus [According to the V.P. they are: Apa, dhruva, Soma, Dharma, Anila, Anala (Fire), Pratyusa and Prabhasa. The Mbh. and the Bh. given a different list.-Tr.] I am Fire, and among the mountains I am Meru.

Detailed Commentary

'Among the Rudras, I am Shankara' – Among the eleven Rudras such as Hara, Bahurūpa, Tryambaka, etc., Shambhu, or Shankara, is the lord of all. He is the bestower of welfare and the very embodiment of welfare. Therefore, the Lord has declared Him as His Vibhūti. 'Among Yakshas and Rakshasas, I am Kubera (the lord of wealth)' – Kubera is the lord of Yakshas and Rakshasas. He has been appointed as the custodian of wealth. Being supreme among all Yakshas and Rakshasas, he is a Vibhūti of the Lord. 'Among the Vasus, I am Pāvaka (Agni)' – Among the eight Vasus like Dhara, Dhruva, Soma, etc., Anala, or Pāvaka (Agni), is the lord of all. He conveys the oblations of Yajña to the Devas and is the mouth of the Lord. Therefore, the Lord has declared Him as His Vibhūti. 'Among mountains, I am Meru' – Among all mountains with peaks of gold, silver, copper, etc., Mount Sumeru is the chief. It is a treasure-house of gold and jewels. Therefore, the Lord has declared it as His Vibhūti. The distinctiveness of the four Vibhūtis mentioned in this verse originates solely from Paramātmā, the fundamental source of these manifestations. Therefore, one should meditate upon Paramātmā alone in these Vibhūtis.