Chapter 11, Verse 18 (Bhagavad Gita 11.18)
Chapter 11: Viśhwarūp Darśhan Yog – Yoga through Beholding the Cosmic Form of God
Sanskrit Shloka
त्वमक्षरं परमं वेदितव्यं त्वमस्य विश्वस्य परं निधानम्। त्वमव्ययः शाश्वतधर्मगोप्ता सनातनस्त्वं पुरुषो मतो मे
Transliteration
tvam akṣharaṁ paramaṁ veditavyaṁ tvam asya viśhvasya paraṁ nidhānam tvam avyayaḥ śhāśhvata-dharma-goptā sanātanas tvaṁ puruṣho mato me
Word Meanings
tvam—you; akṣharam—the imperishable; paramam—the supreme being; veditavyam—worthy of being known; tvam—you; asya—of this; viśhwasya—of the creation; param—supreme; nidhānam—support; tvam—you; avyayaḥ—eternal; śhāśhvata-dharma-goptā—protector of the eternal religion; sanātanaḥ—everlasting; tvam—you; puruṣhaḥ—the Supreme Divine Person; mataḥ me—my opinion
Translation
You are the Imperishable, the Supreme Being to be known. You are the ultimate refuge of this universe; You are the immutable protector of the eternal Dharma; You are the Primal Person, such is my conviction.
Meaning & Commentary
In this profound moment of the Vishwaroop Darshan, Arjuna realizes that Shri Krishna is not merely his friend and charioteer, but the very source of all existence. By addressing Shri Krishna as the 'Primal Person' and 'Supreme Being,' Arjuna acknowledges that the Lord is the architect of the cosmic order and the only destination for a liberated soul. This realization invites every seeker to move beyond their limited identity and find refuge in the eternal embrace of Shri Krishna. To walk the path of Dharma is to align oneself with the immutable will of the Lord, who preserves the truth through all ages. Ultimately, Arjuna’s confession serves as a guide for humanity to surrender fully to Shri Krishna, the only beacon of light in the cycle of samsara.