Chapter 11, Verse 52 (Bhagavad Gita 11.52)
Chapter 11: Viśhwarūp Darśhan Yog – Yoga through Beholding the Cosmic Form of God
Sanskrit Shloka
श्री भगवानुवाच सुदुर्दर्शमिदं रूपं दृष्टवानसि यन्मम। देवा अप्यस्य रूपस्य नित्यं दर्शनकाङ्क्षिणः
Transliteration
śhrī-bhagavān uvācha su-durdarśham idaṁ rūpaṁ dṛiṣhṭavān asi yan mama devā apy asya rūpasya nityaṁ darśhana-kāṅkṣhiṇaḥ
Word Meanings
śhrī-bhagavān uvācha—the Supreme Lord said; su-durdarśham—exceedingly difficult to behold; idam—this; rūpam—form; dṛiṣhṭavān asi—that you are seeing; yat—which; mama—of mine; devāḥ—the celestial gods; api—even; asya—this; rūpasya—form; nityam—eternally; darśhana-kāṅkṣhiṇaḥ—aspiring to see;
Translation
The Supreme Lord Shri Krishna said: This form of Mine, which you have seen, is very difficult to perceive; even the celestial beings are always longing to behold this vision.
Meaning & Commentary
In this profound moment, Bhagwan Shri Krishna reveals that the Vishwarupa—His universal, cosmic form—is not accessible through worldly effort, intellectual study, or even celestial merit. He emphasizes that the divine vision granted to Arjuna is a result of supreme grace, as even the Devas, who possess immense power, perpetually yearn for this experience. This teaches the seeker that the ultimate realization of the Supreme Lord is not a human achievement but a divine gift bestowed upon those whose hearts are surrendered in pure devotion. By manifesting this reality, Shri Krishna reminds all souls that He is the origin and the culmination of all existence, and true liberation lies in seeking Him with a heart of absolute surrender.