टीका

Commentary

After demonstrating His supreme cosmic power and establishing the exclusivity of the vision, Krishna now turns to pure compassion. He sees His beloved friend trembling with fear and confusion, and His response is tender and immediate: “Do not be distressed. Do not be confused. Let go of your fear. Be happy again.”

The word ghoram — terrible, fierce — is Krishna’s own description of His universal form. He does not deny that it is fearsome. The cosmic vision, with its blazing fires, devouring mouths, and crushing time-force, is indeed terrifying. But Krishna assures Arjuna that this terror is not the final word. Behind the terrible form stands the gentle, approachable Lord who is Arjuna’s dearest friend.

The instruction vyapeta-bheeh preeta-manaah — “be free from fear, with a pleased mind” — reveals Krishna’s priority. He does not want His devotee to remain in a state of awe-struck terror. The purpose of the vision was not to frighten Arjuna into submission but to expand his understanding. Now that the understanding has been established, Krishna wants Arjuna to return to a state of peace and joy.

Tadeva me roopam idam prapashya — “Behold again that very form of Mine.” The word prapashya suggests careful, attentive seeing. Krishna is about to withdraw the cosmic vision and resume His familiar form, and He wants Arjuna to watch this transition carefully. The God who contains universes within Himself is the same God who stands beside Arjuna as his charioteer. Both forms are real; both are Krishna. But the gentle form is the one in which loving relationship is possible, and that is what matters most.