Bhagavad Gita Chapter 10, Verse 29

English Translation

Among snakes I am Ananta, and Varuna among gods of the waters. Among the manes I am Aryama, and among the maintainers of law and order I am Yama (King of death).

Detailed Commentary

'Among Nāgas, I am Ananta'—Sheshanaga is the king of all Nāgas. He has a thousand hoods and serves as the couch for Bhagavān in Kṣīrasāgara, providing Him comfort. He has often incarnated with Bhagavān, participating in His divine pastimes (Līlās). Therefore, Bhagavān has declared Him to be His Vibhūti. 'Among aquatic beings, I am Varuṇa'—Varuṇa is the lord of aquatic creatures and water deities, and a devotee of Bhagavān. Therefore, Bhagavān has declared Him to be His Vibhūti. 'Among the Pitṛs (ancestors), I am Aryamā'—There are seven classes of Pitṛs such as Kavyavāha, Anala, Soma, etc., among whom the Pitṛ named Aryamā is foremost. Therefore, Bhagavān has declared Him to be His Vibhūti. 'Among those who subdue, I am Yama'—Among all ruling sovereigns, Yamarāja is pre-eminent. He purifies beings by making them experience the fruits of their merits and demerits. His rule is just and righteous (Dharmapūrva). He is also a devotee of Bhagavān and a Lokapāla (guardian of the world). Therefore, Bhagavān has declared Him to be His Vibhūti. The distinctiveness seen in these Vibhūtis is not individual, but originates from Bhagavān Himself and belongs solely to Him. Therefore, one should contemplate Bhagavān alone in them.