टीका

Commentary

Having described the infinite extent of the Universal Form, Arjuna now turns to its overwhelming radiance. The form wears a crown (kireeti), bears a mace (gada), and holds the Sudarshana Chakra, the divine disc (chakra). These are the iconic attributes of Vishnu — the symbols of supreme authority, power, and divine justice. Even in its cosmic expansion, the form retains these identifying marks of the Supreme Lord.

But what truly overwhelms Arjuna is the light. He calls the form tejo-raashim — a “mass of radiance,” not merely luminous but composed entirely of light. It is sarvato deeptimantam — glowing in all directions, from every point, without shadow or darkness anywhere. The radiance is compared to deepta-anala (blazing fire) and arka (the sun), yet even these comparisons are inadequate. The form is aprameyam — immeasurable, beyond all standards of measurement.

The word durnireekshyam is particularly evocative — it means “difficult to look at,” “hard to behold.” The brightness is so intense that even with divine eyes, Arjuna struggles to gaze upon it. This is a common theme in mystical literature across traditions: the divine light is so intense that it paradoxically obscures even as it reveals.

Arjuna is seeing this blazing, radiant form adorned with crowns, maces, and divine discs on all sides. The vision is simultaneously beautiful and overpowering — majestic beyond description, yet almost unbearable in its intensity. This tension between attraction and awe will only deepen as the vision continues.