Bhagavad Gita Chapter 10, Verse 28

English Translation

Among weapons I am the thunderbolt; among cows I am kamadhenu. I am Kandarpa, the Progenitor, and among serpents I am Vasuki.

Detailed Commentary

Explanation: 'Among weapons, I am the Vajra.' Those with which war is waged are called *Āyudha* (weapons or arms). Among these *Āyudhas*, Indra's Vajra is the most prominent. It is made from the bones of Rishi Dadhichi and contains the radiance of his *tapas*. Therefore, the Lord has declared the Vajra to be His *Vibhūti*. 'Among *Dhenus*, I am Kāmadhuk.' A cow that has recently given birth to a calf is called a *Dhenu*. Among all *Dhenus*, Kāmadhenu is the most prominent, having originated from the Samudra Manthan. She fulfills the desires of all gods, goddesses, and humans. Therefore, she is a *Vibhūti* of the Lord. 'Among procreators, I am Kandarp (Kāma-deva).' The creation of the world originates from *Kāma*. The *Kāma* that is employed for procreation in accordance with Dharma is a *Vibhūti* of the Lord. In the eleventh verse of the seventh chapter also, the Lord declared *Kāma* as His *Vibhūti*: 'Dharmāviruddho bhūteṣu kāmo'smi Bharatarṣabha' (In all beings, I am *Kāma* (desire) that is not contrary to Dharma, O best of Bharatas), meaning, 'Among all beings, I am the desire that conforms to Dharma.' 'Among serpents, I am Vāsuki.' Vāsuki is the sovereign of all serpents and a devotee of the Lord. During the Samudra Manthan, he was utilized as the churning rope. Therefore, the Lord has declared him His *Vibhūti*. The distinctiveness perceived in these *Vibhūtis* cannot originate from the transient world; it is verily of the Paramātmā alone.