Bhagavad Gita 11.43 — Pitasi Lokasya Characharasya — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ११.४३ — पितासि लोकस्य चराचरस्य
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
पिता
pitā
the father
असि
asi
You are
लोकस्य
lokasya
of the world
चराचरस्य
charācharasya
of all moving and unmoving beings
त्वम् अस्य
tvam asya
You of this (world)
पूज्यः
pūjyaḥ
worthy of worship
च
cha
and
गुरुः गरीयान्
guruḥ garīyān
the most venerable teacher; greatest guru
न त्वत्समः
na tvat-samaḥ
none equal to You
अस्ति
asti
exists
अभ्यधिकः
abhyadhikaḥ
greater; superior
कुतः अन्यः
kutaḥ anyaḥ
how could there be another
लोकत्रये
loka-traye
in the three worlds
अप्रतिमप्रभाव
apratima-prabhāva
O Being of incomparable power
Complete Translation
You are the father of this world of moving and unmoving beings; You are its worshipful one, the most venerable Guru. There is none equal to You; how then could there be another greater than You in all the three worlds, O Being of incomparable power?
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11, Verse 43
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 awe-inspiring universal form, Arjuna offers a stream of praise to Krishna. In this verse he glorifies the Lord as the father of all moving and unmoving beings, the most worshipful Guru, and the incomparable supreme Being of the three worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Arjuna praise in Bhagavad Gita 11.43?▼
Arjuna praises Krishna as the father of the entire universe of moving and unmoving beings, the supremely worshipful one and the greatest Guru. He affirms that no one in the three worlds is even equal to the Lord, let alone greater.
What does 'characharasya' mean?▼
'Characharasya' means 'of the moving and the unmoving' — that is, of all beings, both animate and inanimate. Arjuna calls Krishna the father of this entire creation, recognising Him as the source of everything that exists.
Why does Arjuna call Krishna 'apratima-prabhava'?▼
'Apratima-prabhava' means 'O Being of incomparable power'. Having seen the overwhelming cosmic form, Arjuna addresses Krishna by this name to express that the Lord's might and glory are beyond all comparison in the three worlds.
How does this verse combine awe and intimacy?▼
It blends reverence and tenderness: Arjuna bows before Krishna as the incomparable, supreme Lord, yet also addresses Him as 'father' and 'Guru'. This shows that the same God who contains all the worlds is also intimately near as parent and guide.
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