Bhagavad Gita 11.36 — Sthane Hrishikesha — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ११.३६ — स्थाने हृषीकेश
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
अर्जुनः उवाच
arjunaḥ uvācha
Arjuna said
स्थाने
sthāne
it is fitting; rightly so
हृषीकेश
hṛiṣhīkeśha
O Hrishikesha, master of the senses (Krishna)
तव प्रकीर्त्या
tava prakīrtyā
by Your glory; in praise of You
जगत्
jagat
the world; the universe
प्रहृष्यति
prahṛiṣhyati
rejoices; is delighted
अनुरज्यते
anurajyate
is drawn in love; becomes devoted
च
cha
and
रक्षांसि
rakṣhānsi
the demons; the rakshasas
भीतानि
bhītāni
frightened; in fear
दिशः द्रवन्ति
diśho dravanti
flee in all directions
सर्वे
sarve
all
नमस्यन्ति
namasyanti
bow down; offer salutations
च
cha
and
सिद्धसङ्घाः
siddha-saṅghāḥ
the hosts of perfected beings (siddhas)
Complete Translation
Arjuna said: It is fitting, O Hrishikesha, that the world rejoices and is drawn in love by Your glory; the frightened demons flee in all directions, and all the hosts of perfected beings bow down to You.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11, Verse 36
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the eleventh chapter, Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga, after beholding the overwhelming universal form, Arjuna composes himself and offers a series of prayers. This verse opens that hymn of praise, affirming that the world rightly rejoices in Krishna's glory while the demonic flee and the perfected sages bow before Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Arjuna say in Bhagavad Gita 11.36?▼
Arjuna says it is only fitting that the world rejoices and is drawn in love by Krishna's glory, that the frightened demons flee in all directions, and that all the hosts of perfected beings bow down to the Lord.
Why is this verse considered a turning point in Chapter 11?▼
After being shaken by the fearsome aspect of the cosmic form, Arjuna here recovers and begins a beautiful series of prayers in praise of Krishna. It marks the shift from terror to adoration, as Arjuna glorifies the Lord's all-pervading majesty.
What does 'sthane' mean at the start of the verse?▼
'Sthane' means 'it is fitting' or 'rightly so'. Arjuna uses it to affirm that the world's joy and devotion toward Krishna, the flight of the demons, and the homage of the siddhas are all entirely appropriate responses to the Lord's glory.
How can this verse be used devotionally?▼
It is an uplifting verse of praise suited to kirtan and contemplation. Reciting it helps the devotee rejoice in the Lord's greatness and feel reassured that remembering God brings joy and dispels fear, while inspiring humble reverence like that of the siddhas.
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