Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11, Verse 22

English Translation

Those who are the Rudras, the Adityas, the Vasus and the Sadhyas [sadhyas: A particular class of celestial beings.-V.S.A.], the Visve (-devas), the two Asvins, the Maruts and the Usmapas, and hosts of Gandharvas, Yaksas, demons and Siddhas-all of those very ones gaze at You, being indeed struck with wonder.

Detailed Commentary

'Rudrādityā Vasavo ye cha Sādhyā Vishve’shvinau Marutashchoṣhmapāshcha' – The eleven Rudras, twelve Adityas, eight Vasus, two Ashvinikumars, and forty-nine Maruts – the names of all these are given in the explanation of the sixth verse of this very chapter; therefore, one can refer to it there. Mana, Anumanta, Prana, Nara, Yana, Chitti, Haya, Naya, Hamsa, Narayana, Prabhava, and Vibhu – these are the twelve 'Sadhyas' (Vayu Purana 66. 15-16). Kratu, Daksha, Shrava, Satya, Kala, Kama, Dhuni, Kuruvana, Prabhavaan, and Rochamana – these are the ten 'Vishvedevas' (Vayu Purana 66. 31-32). Kavyavaha, Anala, Soma, Yama, Aryama, Agnishvatta, and Barhishad – these are the seven 'Pitṛs' (Shiva Purana, Dharma 63. 2). The Pitṛs are called 'Ushmapas' (eaters of warmth/vapour) because they partake of warm food. 'Gandharva-yakṣā-sura-siddha-saṅghāḥ' – From Kashyapa Ji's wives Muni, Pradha, and Arishtā, the Gandharvas originated. The Gandharvas are highly skilled in the art of Ragas and Raginis (musical modes). They are the celestial musicians of Svargaloka. From Kashyapa Ji's wife Khasā, the Yakshas originated. The Daityas, Danavas, and Rakshasas, who are adversaries of the Devas, are called Asuras. Kapila and others are called Siddhas. 'Vikshante tvām vismitāśchaiva sarve' – All the above-mentioned Devas, Pitṛs, Gandharvas, Yakshas, etc., are gazing at You in astonishment. All these Devas and others are but parts of the Virāṭ Rupa (Cosmic Form). Now, in the following three verses, Arjuna describes the magnificent and terrifying form of the Vishvarūpa (Universal Form) and then explains its consequence.