10.23 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 10, Verse 23

In verse 10.23 of the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna continues His revelation of divine vibhutis (opulences) by identifying Himself as the supreme essence within various categories of beings. Krishna declares, "Of all the Rudras I am Lord Śiva, of the Yakṣas and Rākṣasas I am the Lord of wealth [Kuvera], of the Vasus I am fire [Agni], and of mountains I am Meru."

This verse is part of Krishna's systematic explanation of how He manifests throughout creation in its most excellent forms. Among the eleven Rudras (powerful demigods associated with destruction and transformation), Krishna identifies Himself as Shankara or Lord Shiva, who is considered the most powerful and revered of them all. Shiva, sometimes called Shankar, represents the destructive aspect of divinity necessary for cosmic renewal and balance.

Krishna then reveals that among the Yakshas and Rakshasas (semi-celestial beings and demons), He is Kubera (also spelled Kuvera), the lord of wealth and treasurer of the demigods. This association demonstrates that even wealth, when properly understood, can be seen as a manifestation of divine energy. Kubera is described as "the wealthy friend of Shambhu (God Shiva)," indicating the interconnected nature of these divine manifestations.

Moving on to the Vasus (a group of eight elemental deities), Krishna identifies Himself as Agni, the god of fire. Fire represents purification, transformation, and the digestive energy that sustains life. It symbolizes Krishna's power to consume and transform, to purify and illuminate. This connection shows how fundamental forces of nature are expressions of divine energy.

Finally, among mountains, Krishna declares Himself as Mount Meru, considered the golden axis of creation in Hindu cosmology. Meru is "famed for its rich natural resources" and symbolizes stability, grandeur, and the center around which everything revolves. Just as Meru stands tall among mountains, Krishna represents the ultimate pinnacle of divine manifestation in the material world.

Through these examples, Krishna is teaching Arjuna a profound lesson about divine presence in creation. He isn't suggesting that these entities themselves should be worshipped, but rather helping Arjuna understand that whenever we encounter excellence, power, or beauty in the world, we are glimpsing a fraction of Krishna's unlimited opulence. The point is to recognize Krishna as the source of all attractive qualities and to direct our attention and devotion toward Him.

These vibhutis serve as windows through which we can perceive Krishna's greatness in everyday experience. By identifying Himself with these prominent beings and forces, Krishna provides tangible references that help focus the mind on the divine. He demonstrates that His presence permeates creation at every level, from destructive forces (Rudras) to wealth (Kubera), from transformative energy (Agni) to enduring stability (Meru), covering all aspects of existence and revealing the comprehensive nature of divine manifestation.