वायुर्यमोऽग्निर्वरुणः शशाङ्कः प्रजापतिस्त्वं प्रपितामहश्च। नमो नमस्तेऽस्तु सहस्रकृत्वः पुनश्च भूयोऽपि नमो नमस्ते
Arjuna mentions several divine forms when addressing Krishna: Vayu (the wind-god), Yama (the god of death), Agni (the god of fire), Varuna (the god of water), Chandra (the moon-god), Prajapati (the lord of creation), and even the father of Prajapati, signifying the ultimate origin. By listing these, Arjuna acknowledges Krishna as the embodiment of all deities and cosmic powers.
Awe can make us notice where familiarity became carelessness. If a relationship matters, consider whether an apology, a gentler tone, or more attentive presence is needed.
Go deeper into this verse
In Chapter 11, Verse 39, who is offering repeated salutations and to whom are they directed?
Arjuna is the one offering repeated salutations, and he directs them to Krishna. Through his words, Arjuna expresses deep reverence, recognizing Krishna's supreme divinity and his unity with all cosmic forces. His salutations are a gesture of humility and awe before Krishna’s universal form.
How does Arjuna describe Krishna's relationship to Prajapati and the other gods in this teaching on Vayu?
Arjuna describes Krishna as not only embodying gods like Vayu, Yama, Agni, Varuna, and Chandra, but also as Prajapati, the creator, and even as the father of Prajapati, the ultimate source. This description establishes Krishna as the supreme origin and the essence behind all divine beings, emphasizing his unparalleled position in the cosmos.
What does Arjuna mean by saying 'salutations, repeated salutations' and 'a thousand times' to Krishna?
By repeatedly offering salutations and saying 'a thousand times,' Arjuna conveys his overwhelming devotion, respect, and surrender to Krishna’s vast, all-encompassing form. This repetition signifies the boundless nature of Krishna’s greatness and Arjuna’s desire to honor him beyond measure, reflecting the depth of his realization and humility.
Why does Arjuna see Krishna as both the individual gods and their ultimate source in this teaching on Vayu?
Arjuna recognizes that all the distinct gods and cosmic forces are but manifestations of Krishna's infinite power. By seeing Krishna as both the forms and the source, Arjuna expresses a profound philosophical insight: the divine is both immanent in all things and transcendent beyond them. This vision inspires reverence and breaks down the illusion of separation among the various deities, pointing to the unity underlying all existence.
Thou art Vâyu and Yama, Agni, moon, Varuna, Father, Grandsire of all; Hail, hail to Thee! a thousand times all hail! Hail unto Thee! again, again all hail!
What do “thy” and “thou” mean?
“Thy” means “your”; “thou” and “thee” mean “you”; “thine” means “yours.” This historical translation is preserved as published.