Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11, Verse 48

English Translation

Not by the study of the Vedas and sacrifices, not by gifts, not even by rituals, not by severe austerities can I, in this form, be perceived in the human world by anyone ['By anyone who has not received My grace'. other than you, O most valiant among the Kurus.

Detailed Commentary

Commentary on 11.48 "Kuru-pravīra" – here, this address for Arjuna signifies that your eagerness to see and know the Lord among the entire Kuru dynasty is your excellence. The desire to know the Lord is humanity's greatest excellence. 'Na vedayajñādhyayanairna dānairna ca kriyābhirna tapobhirugraiḥ' – reading Vedas, performing Yagnas, giving Dana, performing severe Tapasya cannot lead to the vision of the Vishvarūpa. This vision can only be attained by the Lord's Kr̥pā, because the Lord and His grace are eternal (Nitya). Arjuna beheld the Vishvarūpa only by the Lord's Kr̥pā. Yagna, Dana, and Tapas are described in the Gita. In the twenty-eighth verse of the eighth chapter and the fifty-third verse of this chapter, Veda, Yagna, Dana, and Tapas are mentioned. Here, all these means cannot be the cause for the vision of the Vishvarūpa. The reason is that the vision of the Vishvarūpa is not the fruit (Phala) of any Karma. Just as it is stated here that the Vishvarūpa cannot be seen through Vedas and Yagnas, similarly, in the fifty-third verse, it is stated that the four-armed (Chaturbhuja) form cannot be seen, thereby indicating its rarity (Durlabhatā). Seeing the Chaturbhuja form is possible through Ananya Bhakti (exclusive devotion) (11.54); because even the Devas desire to see it. However, seeing the Vishvarūpa inspires fear, therefore its vision cannot be attained through Bhaktibhāva (devotional sentiment). This is possible only through the Lord's Kr̥pā. The Lord also said, "No one else in the human realm can see this form besides you." This does not mean that you could see it through ordinary means (Sādhanas). These visions occurred due to the Lord's Prasannatā (pleasure or favor). Even Sanjaya received Divya Dr̥ṣṭi (divine vision) by Vyasaji's Kr̥pā. This happens only through the Kr̥pā of the Lord and His devotees. Many people say that the Lord did not show the Vishvarūpa to Arjuna, but the Lord said, "Behold the entire universe, animate and inanimate, within My body" (11.7). And when Arjuna could not see it, the Lord bestowed Divya Dr̥ṣṭi (11.8). After this, the Lord directly showed the Vishvarūpa to Arjuna. Sanjaya also saw the same. Arjuna also said, "I am seeing everyone within Your body" (11.15). This proves that the Lord granted Arjuna a direct (Pratyakṣa) vision. Secondly, with the eye of knowledge (Jñānacakṣu) one is made to understand, but with the divine eye (Divyacakṣu) one has direct vision. Context – To alleviate Arjuna's fear, the Lord grants permission to see the Devarāja (four-armed Vishnu) form in the next verse.