Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 11.39

“You are Vayu, Yama, Agni, Varuna, the moon, Brahma, and the father of Brahma; salutations to You a thousand times, and again and again salutations to You.”
Key Teaching: Arjuna praises Krishna as cosmic deities and offers repeated salutations.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Vishwarupa Darshana Yoga.
Description:
Arjuna praises Krishna as Vayu, Yama, Agni, Varuna, the moon, Brahma, and Brahma’s father, offering salutations a thousand times and repeatedly. This verse, continuing 11.38, addresses Arjuna’s awe of Krishna’s cosmic form (2.9, 11.3). The themes of guidance, as Krishna inspires reverence, dharma, as Arjuna expresses devotion, and Vishwarupa Darshana Yoga, as he praises the cosmic form, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s reverence (1.28–46) contrasts with Duryodhana’s ignorance (1.3–11). His salutations support his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 11.38), exalting Krishna’s supremacy.

Philosophically, this verse addresses human devotion to divine vastness, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on his pervasion (10.19). Arjuna’s praise reflects Krishna’s guidance overcoming fear. The theme of Vishwarupa Darshana Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on divine reverence.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Arjuna’s words objectively, emphasizing their devotional clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s worship, where Krishna embodies all deities. Krishna’s revelation prepares readers for performing duty with divine devotion, aligning with liberation.