पितासि लोकस्य चराचरस्य
त्वमस्य पूज्यश्च गुरुर्गरीयान्।
न त्वत्समोऽस्त्यभ्यधिकः कुतोऽन्यो
लोकत्रयेऽप्यप्रतिमप्रभाव ॥43॥
pitāsi lokasya charācharasya
tvam asya pūjyaśh cha gurur garīyān
na tvat-samo ’sty abhyadhikaḥ kuto ’nyo
loka-traye ’py apratima-prabhāva
श्लोक ४३: आप सभी लोकों, चल व अचल प्राणियों के पिता हैं। आप पूजनीय हैं और परम गुरु हैं। हे प्रभु, आपकी शक्ति अकल्पनीय है! तीनों लोकों में कोई भी आपसे महान कैसे हो सकता है, जब कोई भी आप जैसा हो ही नहीं सकता?
Shloka 43: You are the father of all the worlds, of both moving and non moving beings. You are worthy of worship and the supreme teacher. O Lord, with unimaginable power! How can anyone in the three worlds be greater than You, when no one even matches Your might?
In Bhagavad Gita Verse 11.43, Arjuna reaches a profound realization about the true nature of Sri Krishna. He ceases to perceive Krishna merely as a friend or charioteer and instead recognizes Him as the Supreme Father of the entire cosmos—embracing both what moves and what does not. This verse captures Arjuna’s awe and reverence as he acknowledges Krishna’s unparalleled position as the ultimate teacher and the most worthy of worship. The verse emphatically declares that there is no equal or superior to Krishna across the three worlds, emphasizing His unmatched and cosmic status.
Arjuna’s expression in this verse reflects a deep transformation in his understanding. He now sees Krishna not just as a guide in battle or a spiritual mentor, but as the originator and sustainer of all existence. The phrase “father of this universe” conveys Krishna’s role as the source, protector, and caretaker of everything—whether living creatures or inanimate matter. This metaphor of Krishna as father elevates Him beyond ordinary relationships, highlighting a universal parental care that is both nurturing and supreme.
Moreover, Arjuna acknowledges Krishna’s role as the “most worshipable” and “greatest teacher among teachers.” This acknowledges Krishna’s unparalleled wisdom and spiritual authority. Unlike any earthly teacher or guru, Krishna stands alone, beyond comparison, and beyond any who might claim superiority. The verse’s rhetorical question about the possibility of anyone being higher than Krishna in the three worlds underscores the absolute nature of His supremacy and limitless influence.
Arjuna’s humility is evident in how he confesses his past casualness toward Krishna. This humility is not a mere formality; it emerges from a heartfelt awareness of Krishna’s boundless compassion, patience, and forgiveness. Arjuna likens Krishna’s tolerance to that of a father forgiving his child’s mistakes, a friend overlooking faults, and a husband forgiving lapses. This analogy beautifully reveals the personal, loving, and forgiving nature of Krishna, who does not hold grudges but embraces His devotees with kindness, even when they err out of ignorance or familiarity.
This verse also encapsulates the relationship between the divine and devotee in its deepest sense. Arjuna’s repentant obeisance and his recognition of Krishna’s infinite stature portray the ideal attitude of surrender and reverence. The verse is a testimony to the fact that true devotion arises not from fear or obligation, but from a profound understanding of the Lord’s greatness and His loving, forgiving nature. It shows that Krishna’s greatness is not distant or detached, but intimately accessible to those who approach Him with sincerity.
In this recognition, Arjuna transcends his previous views and acknowledges a universal truth: Krishna is beyond all temporal hierarchies. Not even the mightiest beings in the celestial realms—be they gods, sages, or kings—surpass Him. This establishes Krishna as the supreme cause and controller of all phenomena. The verse’s emphasis on Krishna’s “immeasurable impact” points to His omnipresence and omnipotence, affirming that all creation is pervaded and governed by Him.
Thus, Bhagavad Gita 11.43 captures a pivotal moment of spiritual awakening—where human understanding of the divine shifts from the limited to the limitless, from the personal to the cosmic. Arjuna offers respectful obeisances, acknowledging Krishna’s all-encompassing presence and supreme status. The verse gracefully blends devotion, humility, and a deep philosophical insight into a powerful declaration of Krishna’s unparalleled glory and fatherly care for the entire universe.
Through this verse, the reader is invited to move beyond superficial notions of divinity and to embrace a vision of God as the ultimate teacher, protector, and father figure who transcends all forms and beings. Arjuna’s reverence illustrates the transformative power of truly recognizing the divine reality—an awareness that dissolves ego, inspires surrender, and deepens devotion.
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