श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ११.१७ — किरीटिनं गदिनं चक्रिणम् — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ११.१७ — किरीटिनं गदिनं चक्रिणम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
किरीटिनम्
kirīṭinam
adorned with a crown (diadem)
गदिनम्
gadinam
bearing a mace (club)
चक्रिणम् च
chakriṇaṁ cha
and holding a discus (chakra)
तेजोराशिम्
tejo-rāśhim
a mass of splendor; abode of radiance
सर्वतः दीप्तिमन्तम्
sarvato dīptimantam
shining radiantly on all sides
पश्यामि त्वाम्
paśhyāmi tvām
I see You
दुर्निरीक्ष्यम्
durnirīkṣhyam
hard to look upon
समन्तात्
samantāt
on every side; all around
दीप्तानल
dīpta-anala
blazing fire
अर्कद्युतिम्
arka-dyutim
with the brilliance of the sun
अप्रमेयम्
aprameyam
immeasurable; beyond comprehension
Complete Translation
मैं आपको मुकुट धारण किए हुए, गदा और चक्र लिए हुए, सब ओर से देदीप्यमान तेज की राशि के रूप में देख रहा हूँ; आप सब ओर प्रज्वलित अग्नि और सूर्य के समान कान्ति वाले, देखने में अति कठिन और अप्रमेय (अपरिमित) हैं।
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11, Verse 17
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 universal form through the divine eye, he describes its overwhelming features. Here he sees the Lord crowned and bearing mace and discus, blazing with immeasurable radiance on every side — part of his awe-struck account of the cosmic vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Arjuna describe in Bhagavad Gita 11.17?▼
Arjuna describes the universal form of Krishna as crowned and holding a mace and discus, yet shining as an immeasurable mass of radiance on all sides — so dazzling, like blazing fire and the sun, that it is hard to look upon.
What do the crown, mace and discus signify?▼
The crown (kirita), mace (gada) and discus (chakra) are the well-known emblems of Lord Vishnu. Seeing them within the cosmic form shows that the all-encompassing universal form is none other than the Supreme Lord Vishnu-Krishna.
Why is the form 'hard to look upon'?▼
The cosmic form blazes with the brilliance of countless suns and flaming fire in every direction. Its radiance is so overwhelming and immeasurable that ordinary perception can scarcely bear it — conveying the transcendent, infinite glory of the Divine.
How can this verse be used in devotion?▼
It is excellent for meditative visualisation. Reciting it while picturing the radiant, immeasurable form helps the devotee contemplate the boundless splendor of God, deepening awe, reverence and loving devotion toward the supreme Lord.
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