In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna talking more about His Bhaktas to Arjuna and eventually He goes on to explain that for those Bhaktas who are extremely ardent towards Him, Bhagawan gives a special intellect to them and help them retain that focus, with which they are able to reach Him with ease. Upon hearing all these aspects, Arjuna asks Bhagawan a very important question – “How do you say that you are omni-present and you are someone beyond anyone’s imagination? In what all forms do you exist in this world? As a layman, how should I understand and feel your existence and presence in this world?” For this, Bhagawan is going to give a very important accord, and we shall commence the same in today’s episode.
So now, this is what Arjuna is asking Bhagawan Krishna:
“Vittharena aatmano yogam vibhootim cha janaardhana!
Bhooyah katayah krityayihi shrinvano naastime dhrtham!!”
In this shloka, Arjuna is requesting Bhagawan to explain His divine omni-presence once again and Arjuna says that he is extremely eager to listen to it, even if it is a repetition. As Arjuna says thus, Bhagawan heaves a sigh, and keeps His hands on His head! 🙂 Thus, Bhagawan Krishna replies back to Arjuna – “Oh Arjuna! You’re once again asking me a very important question, for which I do not have a definitive answer! Yet, since the question is from my dearest Arjuna, how can I go away without answering it? Let me try. Maybe I shall reply like this – I shall take groups of people, animals, things, etc. and say that I’m the leader in all these groups. Will this suffice? Let me try!”
Saying thus, Bhagawan commences His lengthy accord form this following shloka:
“Aadityaanaam aham vishnuhu jyotishaam ravim amsumaan!
Mareechir manutaam asmi nakshatraanaam aham sashi!!”
This is an extremely important shloka in the “Vibhooti Yoga” wherein Bhagawan commences His accord on how He exists. Bhagawan says thus, “Oh Arjuna! Amongst the twelve “Aadityaas” (Suns) I exist as Vishnu. Amongst all the Rudras in this world, I exist as Shankara (Bhagawan Shiva). Amongst all the “Nakshatras” (Stars), I exist as Chandra (Moon). Amongst all the “Marut-Ganas” in this world, I exist as Mareechi!” Further continuing thus, Bhagawan picks up group after group. Now He continues to say thus, “Oh Arjuna! Amongst all the four Vedas in this world, I exist as the “Saama Veda”. Amongst all the mountains in this world, I exist as the Himalayan Mountains. Amongst all the tallest mountain peaks in this world, I exist as the “Meru Mountain” which has the tallest peak. Amongst all the “Senapatis” in this world, I exist as Bhagawan Skandha (Bhagawan Muruga). Amongst all the months of the year, I exist as the “Maargazhi” month (An auspicious month of the regional calendar). Amongst all the greatest devotees in this world, I’m existing as the great person by name “Shambu”! Amongst all the great poets in this world, I exist as the great “Shukraachaarya”! Amongst all the Vrishnis in this world, I exist as “Vaasudeva”! Amongst all the great warriors with the bow and arrow, I exist as Bhagawan Rama!”
As Bhagawan says that He exists as Bhagawan Rama amongst all the experts in the bow and arrow technique, Arjuna looks with awe! 🙂 All of us know how much of an expertise Arjuna has in the bow and arrow technique, but instead of mentioning Arjuna, Bhagawan prefers to talk about Bhagawan Rama, isn’t He? Thus, as Arjuna looks with a kind of shock, Bhagawan quickly realizes that somewhere down the line, Arjuna’s ego is slightly hurt, and hence, He immediately changes His narrative! Now Bhagawan says thus, “Oh Arjuna! Most importantly of all the things that I’ve mentioned till now, amongst all the five Paandava brothers, I exist as Arjuna! 🙂 Hence, please understand my dear Arjuna! You and I are the same! I exist as you and you exist as me!” As Bhagawan says thus, Arjuna heaves a huge sigh of relief that his name too gets a mention! 🙂
So for today, let us understand up to this point, and we shall continue this important accord in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 