Bhagavad Gita Chapter 10, Verse 27

English Translation

Among horses, know Me to be Uccaihsravas, born of nectar; Airavata among the lordly elephants; and among men, the Kind of men. [Uccaihsravas and Airavata are respectively the divine horse and elephant of Indra.]

Detailed Commentary

Elucidation – 'Among horses, know Me as Uchchaishravas, born of nectar.' Uchchaishravas, the horse, is one of the fourteen jewels (Ratnas) that emerged during the Samudra Manthan (ocean churning). It is the vehicle (Vahana) of Indra and the king of all horses. Therefore, the Lord has declared it to be His Vibhuti (divine manifestation). 'Among lordly elephants (Gajendras), Airavata.' One who is supreme among a herd of elephants is called a Gajendra. Among these Gajendras, Airavata is the foremost elephant. Like the horse Uchchaishravas, Airavata the elephant also originated from the ocean and is also Indra's Vahana. Therefore, the Lord has declared it to be His Vibhuti. 'And among men, the king (Naradhipam).' A king who nourishes, protects, and governs all subjects is supreme among all humans. Compared to ordinary humans, a king possesses greater power of the Lord. Therefore, the Lord has declared the king to be His Vibhuti. The strength and capability present in these Vibhutis originate from the Lord Himself; hence, one should meditate upon the Lord by considering them as His own manifestations.