Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11, Verse 47

English Translation

The Blessed Lord said Out of grace, O Arjuna, this supreme, radiant, Cosmic, infinite, primeval form-which (form) of Mine has not been seen before by anyone other than you, has been shown to you by Me through the power of My own Yoga.

Detailed Commentary

।।11.47।। Explanation: "*Mayā prasannena tavārjunedaṁ rūpaṁ darśitam*" -- O Arjuna! You are repeatedly asking Me to be pleased, and indeed, I have shown you this *Virāṭ Rūpa* not in jest, but out of My pleasure. Do not be afraid. I have shown you this form out of My joy, not because of your merit, eligibility, or *bhakti*. You had merely inquired about My *Vibhūti* and *Yoga*, and I had told you to understand any unique manifestation as My *Vibhūti*. Therefore, the true reason for answering your question is My *Kṛpā*. You do not need to know My *Vibhūti*s, because all *Vibhūti*s stem from My *Yogaśakti*, and *Yogaśakti* is under My control. I have shown you the *Viśvarūpa* through special *Kṛpā*, and this is solely My *Kṛpā*. The desire to see it was merely a pretext (*nimitta*). "*Ātmayogāt*" -- I showed you this form by My own capability, without anyone's help. "*Param*" -- My this form is supreme. "*Tejomayam*" -- This *Viśvarūpa* is exceedingly radiant; hence, even after receiving *divyadṛṣṭi*, you found it difficult to behold (*durnirīkṣya*). "*Viśvam*" -- You yourself have called it the *Viśvarūpa*. It is all-pervading. "*Anantamādyam*" -- This form has no beginning or end anywhere. "*Yanme tvadanyena na dṛṣṭapūrvam*" -- No one else has seen this form before you. In *Rāmāvatāra*, Kaushalya-ji, and in *Kṛṣṇāvatāra*, Yashoda-ji, along with others, might have seen some forms, but not such a terrifying form. For Arjuna, due to the war, there was a need to show a terrifying form, and he also had the capacity to see it. Sanjaya is also witnessing this form; hence, I did not say that currently no one is seeing it. Sanjaya said, "I rejoice in the memory of the Lord's wondrous *Virāṭ Rūpa*." **Special Point** The Lord said that He showed this form to you out of *kṛpā*; from this, one thought arises: the Lord's *kṛpā* is greater than what a *sādhaka* believes it to be. The Lord's *kṛpā* is infinite, while the *sādhaka*'s perception is limited. The *sādhaka* experiences *kṛpā* in favorable circumstances. But one should not limit *kṛpā* by confining it within boundaries. Experiencing *kṛpā* in favorable conditions should not be renounced, but one should not indulge in it (*bhoga*). *Sādhaka*s should not become engrossed in *sukha*. Attachment to *sukha*, or even contentment, is a fault. This is an impediment to transcending the *guṇa*s (*guṇātīta*). One should carefully detach from *sukha*. If one develops a habit of seeking *sukha* even while making spiritual efforts, a gradual disinterest will arise. If one remains unattached (*asaṅga*) with carefulness, true experience will manifest quickly. **Connection** The *Viśvarūpadarśana* is possible only through the Lord's *kṛpā*; this is specifically stated in the next *śloka*.