Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11, Verse 31

English Translation

Tell me who You are, fierce in form. Salutation be to you, O supreme God; be gracious. I desire to fully know You who are the Prima One. For I do not understand Your actions!

Detailed Commentary

।।11.31।। Explanation—'Aakhyaahi me ko bhavaan ugraroopo namo'stu te devavara praseeda'—You appear both as a *Devata* and in a fierce form; so who are You truly? Arjuna, out of fear, can only offer salutations. When he could not comprehend this *Virat Roopa* of the Lord, he said, "O best among *Devatas*! Salutations to You!" The Lord, with His tongue, is repeatedly licking everyone by drawing them into His mouth. Seeing this terrifying sight, Arjuna prays for Him to be pleased. 'Vijnaatumichchhaami bhavantamaadyaṁ na hi prajaanaami tava pravṛttim'—The Lord's first incarnation was indeed in the *Virat* (Cosmic/Universal) form. Therefore, Arjuna says, "O *Adi Narayana*! I do not clearly know You. I also do not know this *pravritti* (activity/manifestation) of Yours, why You have appeared here? Many warriors from both our side and the opposing side are entering Your mouth, so what exactly do You wish to do? I wish to know." The question is, the Lord's first incarnation was in the *Virat* (Cosmic/Universal) form, and Arjuna is seeing the *Virat Roopa* of the Lord in one specific location—are these two forms the same or different? The answer to this is that only the Lord truly knows the reality, but upon reflection, it appears that the *Virat Roopa* Arjuna saw also encompassed this *Virat Roopa* of the universe. Just as it is said that the Lord is *Sarvavyapi* (all-pervading), its meaning is not just that the Lord pervades the entire universe, but also that the Lord pervades beyond the universe. The universe exists in but a fraction of the Lord, and countless such creations exist in a fraction of the Lord. The *Virat Roopa* that Arjuna is beholding includes this universe and much more besides. *Sambandha* (Connection/Context): In the preceding verse, the Lord provides the correct answer to the question Arjuna posed through his prayer.