Bhagavad Gita 11.24 — Nabhah-sprisham Diptam — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ११.२४ — नभःस्पृशं दीप्तम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
नभःस्पृशम्
nabhaḥ-spṛiśham
touching the sky
दीप्तम्
dīptam
blazing; effulgent
अनेकवर्णम्
aneka-varṇam
of many colors
व्यात्ताननम्
vyāttānanam
with mouths wide open
दीप्तविशालनेत्रम्
dīpta-viśhāla-netram
with large, blazing eyes
दृष्ट्वा हि त्वाम्
dṛiṣhṭvā hi tvām
indeed, on seeing You
प्रव्यथितान्तरात्मा
pravyathitāntar-ātmā
my inmost self is trembling with fear
धृतिम्
dhṛitim
firmness; steadiness
न विन्दामि
na vindāmi
I do not find
शमम् च
śhamaṁ cha
and peace
विष्णो
viṣhṇo
O Vishnu
Complete Translation
Seeing You touching the sky, blazing with many colors, with mouths wide open and great fiery eyes, my inmost self trembles with fear, and I find neither steadiness nor peace, O Vishnu.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11, Verse 24
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the eleventh chapter, Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga, as Arjuna beholds the overwhelming universal form, its sublime and terrifying aspect grips him. Here he describes the sky-touching, blazing, many-colored form with gaping mouths and fiery eyes, and confesses to Krishna, addressed as Vishnu, that he can find no steadiness or peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Arjuna describe in Bhagavad Gita 11.24?▼
Arjuna describes the awe-inspiring universal form touching the sky, blazing with many colors, with gaping mouths and huge fiery eyes. Overcome and trembling within, he tells Krishna, addressed as Vishnu, that he can find neither steadiness nor peace.
Why does Arjuna become afraid here?▼
The cosmic form reveals its sublime, overwhelming and even terrifying aspect — vast, blazing and boundless. Confronted with such infinite majesty, Arjuna's heart trembles, showing how the full vision of God can humble and awe the human spirit.
Why does Arjuna call Krishna 'Vishnu'?▼
'Vishnu' means the all-pervading Lord. Beholding the form that fills and pervades the entire cosmos, Arjuna naturally addresses Krishna as Vishnu, recognising Him as the all-encompassing Supreme Being.
How does this verse fit the flow of Chapter 11?▼
It expresses the peak of Arjuna's awe and fear before the cosmic form. This trembling leads him to pray for reassurance, which Krishna lovingly gives later in the chapter, restoring Arjuna's peace and revealing God's tender compassion.
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