अधिभूतं क्षरो भाव: पुरुषश्चाधिदैवतम् ।
अधियज्ञोऽहमेवात्र देहे देहभृतां वर ॥ ४ ॥
adhibhūtaṁ kṣharo bhāvaḥ puruṣhaśh chādhidaivatam
adhiyajño ’ham evātra dehe deha-bhṛitāṁ vara
श्लोक ४: भौतिक प्रकृति, जो हर समय बदलती रहती है, उसे अधिभूत कहा जाता है; परमेश्वर के विराट रूप को अधिदेव कहा जाता है; और मैं, जो प्रत्येक देहधारी प्राणी के हृदय में निवास करता हूं, मैं अधियज्ञ हूँ।
Shloka 4: The physical nature which is constantly changing is called adhibhuta; the universal form of God is called Adhidaiva; and I, who dwells in the heart of every embodied being, am called Adhiyajna.
In Bhagavad Gita verse 8.4, Lord Krishna continues His detailed response to Arjuna's inquiries by explaining three more fundamental concepts: adhibhuta, adhidaiva, and adhiyajna. Krishna states that adhibhuta refers to the physical nature which is constantly changing (kṣaro bhāvaḥ) - the material manifestation that is in perpetual flux. This encompasses all physical elements and forms in the universe that undergo transformation, birth, growth, maintenance, decline, and eventual dissolution.
Krishna then describes adhidaiva as the universal form (puruṣaḥ) which includes all the demigods like those of the sun and moon. This represents the cosmic manifestation of divine energy that governs the material realm. It is the overarching divine principle that controls and directs the functions of the universe, including the operations of all celestial bodies and natural forces.
Finally, Krishna identifies Himself as adhiyajna, the Supreme Lord represented as the Supersoul (adhiyajño'haṃ) dwelling in the heart of every embodied being. He is the ultimate recipient and enjoyer of all sacrifices, the divine presence within each living entity that witnesses all actions. Krishna refers to Arjuna as "the best of embodied beings" (dehabhṛtāṃ vara), highlighting the special relationship they share.
This verse creates a profound cosmological framework that connects the changing physical world, the divine cosmic order, and the innermost spiritual presence. Krishna reveals how He exists simultaneously at all levels of reality - as the essence behind matter, as the divine controller of universal forces, and as the intimate companion within each heart. This multilayered presence illustrates Krishna's complete pervasion of existence.
The verse builds upon the previous explanations of Brahman, adhyatma, and karma, completing Krishna's response to Arjuna's six questions. Through these explanations, Krishna helps Arjuna understand that while the material world (adhibhuta) is constantly changing and temporary, there exists an unchanging reality beyond it. This understanding is crucial for developing detachment from temporary phenomena and focusing on the eternal.
By distinguishing between the ever-changing physical nature and the eternal spiritual reality, Krishna guides Arjuna toward a deeper comprehension of existence itself. When one recognizes that all material forms are temporary manifestations while the consciousness animating them is eternal, it becomes easier to face life's challenges with equanimity. This knowledge allows one to act in the world without becoming entangled in its temporary nature.
Krishna's explanation creates a complete picture of reality that encompasses both the seen and unseen aspects of existence. It reveals how the Divine permeates everything - from the gross material elements to the subtle cosmic forces to the innermost chamber of the heart. Understanding this omnipresence of the Supreme helps one develop a holistic perspective on life, seeing beyond the apparent diversity to recognize the underlying unity of all existence. This comprehensive vision forms the foundation for spiritual growth and ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
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