श्रीभगवानुवाच | सुदुर्दर्शमिदं रूपं दृष्टवानसि यन्मम | देवा अप्यस्य रूपस्य नित्यं दर्शनकाङ्क्षिण: || 52 || नाहं वेदैर्न तपसा न दानेन न चेज्यया | शक्य एवंविधो द्रष्टुं दृष्टवानसि मां यथा || 53 || |
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The Supreme Lord said:
“This divine form of Mine that you have seen is indeed very difficult to behold. Even the celestial gods constantly desire to see this form.
Neither through study of the Vedas, nor through austerity, nor through charity can this form be seen as you have seen it. Only by undivided devotion can I be known in this form, seen as I am.”
Commentary
In response to Arjuna’s statement, Lord Krishna acknowledges the rarity and uniqueness of the divine form that Arjuna has witnessed. He confirms that His particular form, which is imbued with divine splendor, is exceedingly difficult to perceive.
Krishna further reveals that even the celestial gods, who reside in higher celestial realms, continually aspire to behold this divine form. Krishna emphasizes that mere intellectual knowledge derived from the study of scriptures (Vedas), rigorous penances (tapas), or acts of charity (dāna) are insufficient for one to perceive Him in this divine form. These means, although important, do not grant direct access to this exalted vision.
Instead, Krishna declares that it is through unwavering devotion (bhakti) and a deep sense of connection with Him that one can truly know and behold Him in this divine form. Devotion encompasses wholehearted love, surrender, and a selfless relationship with the Divine. It is through the lens of devotion that the true nature of the Supreme Lord can be perceived and experienced.
Krishna emphasizes that the vision of His divine form, as witnessed by Arjuna, is a result of his exceptional devotion and special relationship with Him. It is a manifestation of Krishna’s grace and reveals His divine presence in response to Arjuna’s pure devotion.
This verse highlights the significance of cultivating a loving and devoted relationship with the Divine as the key to attaining deeper spiritual realization and experiencing the divine in its fullest manifestation.