Bhagavad Gita 10.21 — Adityanam Aham Vishnur — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १०.२१ — आदित्यानामहं विष्णुः
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
आदित्यानाम्
ādityānām
amongst the twelve sons of Aditi (the Adityas)
अहम्
aham
I
विष्णुः
viṣhṇuḥ
Lord Vishnu
ज्योतिषाम्
jyotiṣhām
amongst luminous objects
रविः
raviḥ
the sun
अंशुमान्
anśhu-mān
radiant
मरीचिः
marīchiḥ
Marichi
मरुताम्
marutām
of the Maruts (wind-gods)
अस्मि
asmi
I am
नक्षत्राणाम्
nakṣhatrāṇām
amongst the stars
अहम्
aham
I
शशी
śhaśhī
the moon
Complete Translation
Among the twelve Adityas, I am Vishnu; among luminaries, I am the radiant sun; among the Maruts, I am Marichi; and among the stars, I am the moon.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 10, Verse 21
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the tenth chapter, the Yoga of Divine Glories (Vibhuti Yoga), Arjuna asks Krishna to describe his manifestations so that he may meditate upon them. Krishna responds with a sweeping list of his vibhutis, and this verse opens that revelation — naming the foremost being in several classes so that Arjuna may behold the Supreme wherever splendour is greatest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main message of Bhagavad Gita 10.21?▼
Krishna begins listing his vibhutis (divine glories), declaring that he is Vishnu among the Adityas, the radiant sun among lights, Marichi among the Maruts, and the moon among the stars. The teaching is that God is best recognized through whatever is most glorious and resplendent in each category of creation.
What are the vibhutis described from this verse onward?▼
Vibhutis are the special manifestations or 'opulences' of the Lord. From this verse, Krishna names the foremost being in many classes — among gods, lights, stars, sages, mountains, rivers and more — so that Arjuna may perceive the one Supreme shining at the height of all things.
Why does Krishna identify himself with the sun and the moon?▼
The sun and moon are the most radiant lights visible to all. By naming them, Krishna invites us to feel the Divine presence in the very sources of light and life, turning our gaze on the heavens into an act of remembrance and worship.
How can I use this verse in daily life?▼
Whenever you see the sunrise, gaze at the moon, or behold anything supremely beautiful, recall that its glory is a spark of the Lord's own splendour. This transforms ordinary moments of natural beauty into living reminders of God.
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