10.35 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 10, Verse 35

In Bhagavad Gita 10.35, Lord Krishna continues His divine discourse on vibhūtis (divine manifestations), revealing His presence in extraordinary elements across creation. This verse is part of a broader section where Krishna helps Arjuna understand how the Supreme Lord manifests in various aspects of existence, enabling devotees to recognize divinity in everything around them.

The verse begins with Krishna declaring "Of the hymns in the Sāma Veda I am the Bṛhat-sāma." The Bṛhat-sāma is considered the most sublime and melodious of all hymns in the Sāma Veda, traditionally sung as prayers to Lord Indra. Its profound beauty and spiritual depth make it especially representative of Krishna's divine splendor.

Krishna then states "of poetry I am the Gāyatrī," referring to both a specific poetic meter and a sacred mantra. The Gāyatrī is often revered as the "mother of the Vedas" and is especially meant for spiritual advancement. Its significance lies in its ability to elevate consciousness and facilitate God realization, making it a direct representation of the Supreme Lord Himself.

In the next part of the verse, Krishna reveals "Of months I am Mārgaśīrṣa," which corresponds to November-December in the Gregorian calendar. This month holds special significance in the Indian lunar calendar as it typically follows the harvest season, symbolizing abundance, prosperity, and joy. During this time, nature transitions from autumn to winter, making it a period of significance and celebration in many cultural traditions.

The verse concludes with "of seasons I am flower-bearing spring." Spring represents nature's renewal and vibrant expression, when trees blossom and flowers bloom in abundance. This season symbolizes growth, beauty, and rejuvenation—all qualities that reflect Krishna's creative energy. The Sanskrit term "kusumākaraḥ" specifically highlights the flower-bearing aspect of spring, emphasizing its colorful, fragrant abundance that brings joy and renewal to the world.

Through these specific manifestations, Krishna is teaching Arjuna (and by extension, all spiritual seekers) to recognize the divine presence in both the extraordinary and the ordinary. Each manifestation Krishna identifies represents the highest expression or most excellent quality within its category. The Bṛhat-sāma among hymns, the Gāyatrī among meters, Mārgaśīrṣa among months, and spring among seasons—each exemplifies beauty, harmony, and divine perfection.

This verse serves as part of Krishna's larger instruction about seeing the divine in all things. By understanding these vibhūtis, we develop the vision to recognize Krishna's presence everywhere, fostering deeper devotion and spiritual awareness. Rather than seeing the world as separate from God, we begin to perceive it as infused with divine energy, with each excellent quality or manifestation serving as a reminder of the Supreme Lord's omnipresence.