सञ्जय उवाच
इत्यर्जुनं वासुदेवस्तथोक्त्वा
स्वकं रूपं दर्शयामास भूयः ।
आश्वासयामास च भीतमेनं
भूत्वा पुनः सौम्यवपुर्महात्मा ॥50॥
sañjaya uvācha
ity arjunaṁ vāsudevas tathoktvā
svakaṁ rūpaṁ darśhayām āsa bhūyaḥ
āśhvāsayām āsa cha bhītam enaṁ
bhūtvā punaḥ saumya-vapur mahātmā
श्लोक ५०: संजय ने कहा - यह कहकर भगवान वासुदेव ने एक बार फिर अर्जुन के सामने अपना मूल चतुर्भुज रूप प्रकट किया और भयभीत अर्जुन को आश्वस्त करने के लिए वे अपने सौम्य द्विभुजा रूप में प्रकट हुए।
Shloka 50: Sanjaya said - Saying this, Lord Vasudeva once again revealed His original (four-handed) form to Arjuna. And to further reassure the frightened Arjuna, He then appeared in His gentle (two-armed) form.
In verse 11.50 of the Bhagavad Gita, Sanjaya narrates to Dhritarashtra a profound moment in the conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna. After showing Arjuna the awe-inspiring universal form (Vishwarupa), Krishna notices Arjuna's distress and fear. In response, Krishna compassionately withdraws this overwhelming cosmic manifestation and first reveals His four-armed form before finally returning to His familiar two-armed appearance.
The verse describes how Krishna, referred to as Vasudeva, after speaking reassuringly to Arjuna, showed "His own form" (svakam rupam) and then assumed His gentle form (saumya-vapuh) to console the frightened warrior. This transition from the cosmic universal form to the more intimate two-armed form highlights a beautiful aspect of divine grace - the Lord adjusts His revelation according to His devotee's capacity and comfort.
When Krishna returns to His pleasant two-armed form, He acts like a father who, after scolding his child, immediately comforts and pacifies them. This is a touching demonstration of Krishna's compassion and personal relationship with Arjuna. The shift is not merely a change in appearance but represents a profound spiritual truth: while the universal form evokes awe and reverence, it is Krishna's personal form that evokes love and intimate connection.
Interestingly, Sanjaya mentions that Krishna first showed His four-armed form before resuming His two-armed appearance. The four-armed form represents Vishnu, evoking sentiments similar to those citizens might feel toward their king - respect and reverence. However, Krishna understands that Arjuna's relationship with Him is deeper and more personal, requiring the familiar and beloved two-armed form to truly comfort his friend and devotee.
This verse also marks a transition in the text itself. After the fearsome cosmic vision, the chanting meter of the Gita returns to the "anushtubh chandha," the default meter, symbolizing a return to normalcy and balance. This rhythmic shift mirrors Arjuna's own return to a composed state of mind after being overwhelmed by the universal form.
Krishna's actions in this verse reveal an essential spiritual principle: while divine majesty and power can inspire awe, it is divine intimacy that truly soothes the soul. The Lord is not distant and unapproachable but adapts His presence to nurture His relationship with His devotees. Krishna prioritizes Arjuna's well-being, recognizing that the warrior needs reassurance more than he needs to witness cosmic splendor.
This verse beautifully illustrates how spiritual revelation is not one-size-fits-all but is tailored to the individual's capacity, needs, and relationship with the divine. Krishna's transformation from the cosmic to the personal form demonstrates that the highest spiritual reality is not found in overwhelming power but in loving, personal connection - a principle that remains at the heart of bhakti traditions to this day.
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