Bhagavad Gita 11.38 — Tvam Adi-devah Purushah Puranah — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ११.३८ — त्वमादिदेवः पुरुषः पुराणः
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
त्वम्
tvam
You
आदिदेवः
ādi-devaḥ
the original, primal God
पुरुषः
puruṣhaḥ
the (supreme) Person
पुराणः
purāṇaḥ
primeval; the most ancient
त्वम्
tvam
You
अस्य विश्वस्य
asya viśhvasya
of this universe
परं निधानम्
paraṁ nidhānam
the supreme resting place; final refuge
वेत्ता
vettā
the knower
असि
asi
You are
वेद्यम्
vedyam
that which is to be known; the object of knowledge
च
cha
and
परं धाम
paraṁ dhāma
the supreme abode
त्वया
tvayā
by You
ततम्
tatam
pervaded
विश्वम्
viśhvam
the universe
अनन्तरूप
ananta-rūpa
O Being of infinite forms
Complete Translation
You are the primal God, the most ancient Person; You are the supreme resting place of this universe. You are the knower and that which is to be known, and the supreme abode. O Being of infinite forms, by You the whole universe is pervaded.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11, Verse 38
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the eleventh chapter, Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga, after Krishna grants the divine eye and reveals His universal form, Arjuna is filled with awe and devotion. In a series of verses he glorifies the Lord; here he proclaims Krishna to be the primal God, the supreme refuge, the knower and the known, and the all-pervading Being of infinite forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Arjuna praise in Bhagavad Gita 11.38?▼
Beholding the cosmic form, Arjuna praises Krishna as the original God, the most ancient Person, the supreme refuge of the universe, the knower and the known, the supreme abode, and the one who pervades all of existence.
What does 'ananta-rupa' mean?▼
'Ananta-rupa' means 'O Being of infinite forms'. Arjuna addresses Krishna this way after seeing the universal form, recognising that the Lord manifests in endless shapes while remaining the one Supreme Being.
How is Krishna both 'the knower' and 'that which is to be known'?▼
As the supreme consciousness, the Lord is the ultimate knower of all; and as the highest reality and goal of all wisdom, He is also that which is to be known. This shows that God is both the seer and the seen, the source and the goal of all knowledge.
How can this verse be used in devotion?▼
It is a beautiful verse of praise that can be chanted during worship or meditation. Reciting it helps the devotee contemplate the all-pervading, all-encompassing nature of the Lord and rest the mind in Him as the supreme refuge and abode.
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