उच्चैःश्रवसमश्वानां विद्धि माममृतोद्भवम्। ऐरावतं गजेन्द्राणां नराणां च नराधिपम्
Krishna identifies Himself with Uccaihsrava, the celestial horse that was born from the churning of the ocean. This horse is considered the best among all horses, symbolizing unique excellence and divine origin.
The descriptions of excellence and nature offer a practice of noticing. Pause to appreciate skill, beauty, or courage without turning admiration into the thought that you are inadequate.
Go deeper into this verse
How is Airavata described in relation to elephants in this teaching on Among?
Airavata is referred to as the foremost among elephants, the leader and most majestic of them all. It is said to be the elephant of Indra, the king of the gods, representing strength, nobility, and grandeur.
Why does Krishna mention the king among men in the same verse as Uccaihsrava and Airavata?
Krishna mentions the king among men alongside Uccaihsrava and Airavata to illustrate that, in every category of beings or entities, the highest, most exemplary form is a reflection of His divine presence. The king among men symbolizes leadership and authority, just as the celestial horse and elephant represent excellence in their own realms.
What is the significance of the churning of the ocean in relation to Uccaihsrava?
The churning of the ocean is a legendary event where gods and demons worked together to obtain the nectar of immortality. From this great event, many divine treasures emerged, including Uccaihsrava, the celestial horse. This story emphasizes the horse's divine origin and its connection to cosmic events.
What can one learn about the divine qualities represented by Uccaihsrava, Airavata, and the king in this teaching on Among?
These three—Uccaihsrava, Airavata, and the king—each represent supreme qualities in their domains: speed and grace, strength and majesty, leadership and authority. By declaring Himself as these, Krishna teaches that the highest virtues and powers seen in the world are manifestations of the divine, encouraging us to recognize divinity in all forms of greatness.
Uchchaishravas of horses know me, nectar-born; Airâvata of lordly elephants, and of men the Monarch.