I rejoice seeing Your universal form that I had never seen before, but my mind is also tormented with fear. Show me, O God of gods, Your four-armed form again.
O thousand-armed one, I desire to see You again in Your four-armed form with a crown, a mace, and a discus in Your hand.
The Blessed Lord said: Out of compassion for you, O Arjuna, I have revealed My universal form through My divine power. It is an infinite, effulgent, and original form that no one has seen before.
Arjuna’s desire to see Krishna’s four-armed form reflects the human need for an approachable aspect of divinity. It signifies a transition from awe and fear of the universal form to devotion and comfort in a familiar divine image.
Not through the Vedas, austerities, charity, or sacrifices can I be seen in this universal form by anyone other than you, O Arjuna.
Krishna reveals the uniqueness of the experience granted to Arjuna, emphasizing that such divine visions are rare and beyond the reach of ordinary perception, even for celestial beings or those with extensive spiritual practice.
Do not be disturbed or bewildered by seeing this terrible form of Mine. With a fearless and joyful heart, behold My human form again.
The assurance that austerities, rituals, or sacrifices alone cannot lead to such visions highlights the indispensability of grace and devotion. Krishna underscores that witnessing divinity requires both effort and divine favor.
Sanjaya said: After speaking thus to Arjuna, Krishna displayed His human form once again. Becoming gentle in His appearance, He comforted the terrified Arjuna.
Krishna’s reassurance to Arjuna, paired with His return to a gentle human-like form, signifies compassion. This transition conveys that divinity encompasses both the cosmic and personal aspects, making it accessible to human understanding.
Arjuna said: Seeing this gentle human form of Yours, O Janardana, I have regained my composure and my mind is restored to its natural state.
Krishna’s shift from His universal form to His human-like form soothes Arjuna’s troubled heart. This moment underscores the compassionate nature of divinity, emphasizing its ability to adapt to the devotee’s needs.