स्वयमेवात्मनात्मानं वेत्थ त्वं पुरुषोत्तम ।
भूतभावन भूतेश देवदेव जगत्पते ॥15॥
swayam evātmanātmānaṁ vettha tvaṁ puruṣhottama
bhūta-bhāvana bhūteśha deva-deva jagat-pate
श्लोक १५: हे पुरुषोत्तम, सबके स्रोत, सभी प्राणियों के स्वामी, सभी देवताओं के और ब्रह्मांड के स्वामी; केवल आप ही अपनी दिव्य शक्तियों से स्वयं को जान सकते हैं।
Shloka 15: O the Supreme person, the source of everything, the controller of all beings, the master of all devatas and the master of the universe; You alone can know Yourself by Your divine energies.
Verse 10.15 of the Bhagavad Gita presents a profound moment in Arjuna's spiritual journey as he addresses Krishna with deep reverence, acknowledging the Supreme Lord's self-knowledge and divine position. The Sanskrit verse "svayam evātmanātmānaṃ vettha tvaṃ puruṣottama, bhūta-bhāvana bhūteśa deva-deva jagat-pate" captures Arjuna's understanding that Krishna alone truly knows Himself through His own inconceivable energy.
In this verse, Arjuna recognizes that Krishna's nature is so transcendental that it is beyond the comprehension of ordinary beings. He addresses Krishna as "Puruṣottama" (the Supreme Person), acknowledging Him as the highest among all beings. This title reflects Krishna's position not just as a divine entity but as the ultimate personality who transcends all others.
Arjuna further glorifies Krishna with several exalted titles that reveal his deepening understanding of the Lord's supreme position. He calls Krishna "Bhūta-bhāvana," recognizing Him as the creator and father of all living beings. This acknowledges Krishna's role as the source from which all existence emanates, establishing His position as the original cause behind creation.
The title "Bhūteśa" (Lord of all created beings) emphasizes Krishna's supreme authority and control over all existence. It's not merely that Krishna creates beings, but He also maintains complete sovereignty over them. This understanding reveals Arjuna's recognition that Krishna is not simply one among many powers in the universe but the ultimate controlling force behind everything.
When Arjuna addresses Krishna as "Deva-deva" (God of gods), he acknowledges that even the celestial beings and demigods are subordinate to Krishna's supreme position. This title places Krishna above all other divine entities, highlighting that He is the source of their power and the ultimate object of their worship as well.
Finally, with the title "Jagat-pate" (Master of the universe), Arjuna recognizes Krishna's role as the protector and ruler of the entire cosmic manifestation. This comprehensive acknowledgment encompasses Krishna's complete dominion over all of existence, from the smallest atom to the vast expanses of the universe.
The essence of this verse lies in Arjuna's understanding that Krishna alone knows Himself by His own potency. While others, including great sages and celestial beings, might understand aspects of the Supreme Lord, only Krishna has complete self-knowledge. This recognition marks a significant evolution in Arjuna's spiritual understanding as he moves from seeing Krishna as a friend and charioteer to fully acknowledging His supreme divinity. Through this verse, we glimpse the profound humility and devotion that forms the foundation of genuine spiritual realization—the understanding that some divine truths remain beyond intellectual comprehension and can only be approached through devotion and surrender.
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