Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 11.30

“You devour all worlds from all sides with Your flaming mouths; Your fierce rays, filling the universe with radiance, burn, O Vishnu.”
Key Teaching: Krishna’s flaming mouths devour worlds, radiating fierce light.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Vishwarupa Darshana Yoga.
Description:
Arjuna describes Krishna’s flaming mouths devouring all worlds from all sides, with fierce rays filling the universe with burning radiance. This verse, continuing 11.29, addresses Arjuna’s vision of Krishna’s destructive form (2.9, 11.3). The themes of guidance, as Krishna reveals his power, dharma, as Arjuna sees destruction, and Vishwarupa Darshana Yoga, as he details the terrifying form, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s fear of war (1.28–46) contrasts with Duryodhana’s ignorance (1.3–11). The destructive vision supports Arjuna’s Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 11.29), emphasizing Krishna’s consuming power.

Philosophically, this verse addresses human awe of divine destruction, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on his role as death (10.34). Arjuna’s vision reflects Krishna’s guidance overcoming reluctance, showing universal dissolution. The theme of Vishwarupa Darshana Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on divine power.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Arjuna’s words objectively, emphasizing their radiant clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s destruction, where Krishna’s rays burn all. Krishna’s revelation prepares readers for performing duty with divine acceptance, aligning with liberation.