अश्वत्थः सर्ववृक्षाणां देवर्षीणां च नारदः ।
गन्धर्वाणां चित्ररथः सिद्धानां कपिलो मुनिः ॥26॥
aśhvatthaḥ sarva-vṛikṣhāṇāṁ devarṣhīṇāṁ cha nāradaḥ
gandharvāṇāṁ chitrarathaḥ siddhānāṁ kapilo muniḥ
श्लोक २६: वृक्षों में मैं अश्वत्था का वृक्ष हूँ; देवऋषियों में मैं नारद हूँ। गंधर्वों में मैं चित्ररथ हूँ, और सिद्ध प्राणियों में मैं कपिल मुनि हूँ।
Shloka 26: Among trees, I am the Ashvattha tree; among the celestial sages, I am Narada. Among the Gandharvas, I am Chitraratha and among the Siddhas, I am the sage Kapila.
In Bhagavad Gita verse 10.26, Krishna continues to reveal His divine presence by citing His manifestations among various prominent beings and objects in the universe. These examples are not arbitrary; rather, they are chosen to evoke a sense of awe, reverence, and connection to the divine in the ordinary and extraordinary alike. Through these illustrations, Krishna provides Arjuna—and, by extension, all seekers—a vivid lens to perceive the underlying unity and divinity that pervades creation.
Krishna first identifies Himself as the ashvattha, or sacred fig tree (also known as the peepal or banyan tree), among all trees. This tree is significant in Indian tradition—not merely for its physical attributes of strength, longevity, and shelter, but also for its spiritual symbolism. In many ancient texts and traditions, the ashvattha is revered as immortal and deeply connected with the cycles of life and wisdom. Its longevity and capacity to provide shade and sustenance make it a natural embodiment of divine shelter and generosity. When Krishna associates Himself with this tree, He is pointing out how the grandest attributes in nature are, in essence, reflections of His own greatness and nurturing spirit.
He goes on to say that among the Devarshis—celestial sages—He is Narada. Narada is celebrated not only for his profound devotion to Krishna but also for his unique role as a cosmic messenger and inspirer of spiritual awakening. Through music, stories, and wisdom, Narada connects disparate realms and beings to the central truth of divine love and devotion. By aligning Himself with Narada, Krishna highlights the power of devotion and the art of sharing divine messages as direct manifestations of His will.
The next example Krishna gives is that among Gandharvas—the celestial musicians—He is Citraratha. Gandharvas are renowned for their artistry, beauty, and musical prowess, and Citraratha stands out as the chief, exemplifying excellence in this domain. Music, a universal language, has the ability to touch hearts, uplift minds, and unify people across boundaries. Krishna’s identification with Citraratha signifies how the highest artistic expression, when suffused with beauty and harmony, is an expression of the divine presence in the world.
Finally, among the Siddhas—perfected beings endowed with mystical powers—Krishna declares Himself to be Kapila Muni. Kapila is widely revered as the founder of the Sankhya philosophy, one of the classical schools of Indian thought that deeply analyzes the nature of consciousness, matter, and liberation. Kapila’s teachings are seen as direct instructions for those seeking inner realization and transcendence. Through Kapila, Krishna’s wisdom, compassion, and role as a guide toward liberation are embodied in their highest form.
What ties these seemingly disparate manifestations together is the principle of excellence and spiritual potency. Each example—be it a tree, a sage, a musician, or a perfected seer—represents the pinnacle or a source of transformative energy in its respective sphere. Thus, Krishna invites the seeker to not merely worship Him in abstract but to recognize and honor His presence wherever the qualities of greatness, beauty, devotion, or wisdom are seen in the world.
This approach ultimately transforms perception. Instead of seeing the world as a collection of random phenomena, devotees are encouraged to view every extraordinary being or object as an opportunity to remember Krishna’s omnipresence. Such recognition is not just philosophical—it is a direct invitation to experience awe, humility, and a sense of connection in daily life. In the sacred fig tree’s shade, in the inspiring wisdom of a sage, in the beauty of music, or in the guidance of a wise teacher, one can glimpse the divine hand at work.
In this way, verse 10.26 serves as a guide for spiritual vision. It encourages individuals to seek out the extraordinary in the ordinary, to revere not only the divine in temples but also in the world around them, and to let these manifestations uplift their minds toward a deeper awareness of the Supreme. By meditating on these select forms of divine opulence, the heart naturally grows in devotion, appreciation, and understanding—drawing ever closer to Krishna through the marvels spread throughout creation.
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