10.13 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 10, Verse 13

In Bhagavad Gita 10.13, Arjuna makes a profound declaration of Krishna's divine nature, stating: "āhus tvām ṛṣayaḥ sarve devarṣir nāradas tathā asito devalo vyāsaḥ svayaḿ caiva bravīṣi me." This verse follows Arjuna's extensive acknowledgment of Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead in verse 10.12, where he called Krishna "paraṁ brahma paraṁ dhāma pavitraṁ paramaṁ bhavān puruṣaṁ śāśvataṁ divyam ādi-devam ajaṁ vibhum."

This declaration marks a significant moment in Arjuna's spiritual journey. After hearing Krishna's teachings through the first nine chapters, Arjuna has moved beyond doubt to firm conviction about Krishna's supreme position. In these verses, Arjuna doesn't merely express personal faith but substantiates his understanding by referring to the testimony of renowned sages like Narada, Asita, Devala, and Vyasa – spiritual authorities whose wisdom was universally respected.

Arjuna's recognition of Krishna as "paraṁ brahma" (Supreme Brahman) is particularly significant as it establishes Krishna not as an ordinary manifestation but as the ultimate spiritual reality itself. By addressing Krishna as "paraṁ dhāma" (ultimate abode), Arjuna acknowledges that Krishna is both the source and final destination of all existence. This recognition fundamentally shifts the relationship between them from merely charioteer and warrior to devotee and Supreme Lord.

The description "pavitraṁ paramaṁ" (the purest) emphasizes Krishna's transcendental nature – untouched by material contamination. When Arjuna calls Krishna "puruṣaṁ śāśvataṁ divyam" (the eternal, divine person), he's making a profound theological statement that the Supreme Truth is not an impersonal force but a divine personality who is eternal (śāśvataṁ), unborn (ajaṁ), and all-pervading (vibhum).

What makes these verses particularly powerful is how Arjuna validates his understanding through multiple sources of authority. By stating that great sages like Narada, Asita, Devala, and Vyasa have confirmed Krishna's supreme position, Arjuna demonstrates that his realization aligns with the highest spiritual wisdom of the age. And by acknowledging that Krishna Himself has declared these truths ("svayaṁ caiva bravīṣi me" – "and now You Yourself are declaring it to me"), Arjuna creates a perfect triangle of verification: personal realization, scriptural authority through sages, and direct revelation from the Supreme.

This moment in the Bhagavad Gita serves as the foundation for the subsequent revelations where Krishna will describe His divine opulences in greater detail. Arjuna's acknowledgment creates the receptive state needed for deeper understanding. It represents the ideal balance between faith and reasoning – Arjuna's conviction isn't blind belief but a conclusion reached after careful consideration of multiple authoritative sources.

The verse also illustrates an important principle in spiritual understanding – that the highest truths are confirmed not just through personal experience but also through the lineage of realized teachers. Arjuna's approach demonstrates humility and wisdom, as he doesn't rely solely on his own perception but seeks confirmation through those who have walked the spiritual path before him. This balanced approach to spiritual knowledge – integrating personal realization with the wisdom of authentic teachers – serves as a model for anyone seeking to understand the nature of ultimate reality.