purodhasaam cha mukhyam maam viddhi paartha brihaspatim | senaaninaam aham skandah sarasaam asmi saagarah ||24||
Translation
O Arjuna, among priests know Me to be the chief, Brihaspati. Among generals I am Skanda (Kartikeya), and among bodies of water I am the ocean.
Word-by-Word Meaning
पुरोधसाम्
of all priests
च
and
मुख्यम्
the chief
माम्
Me
विद्धि
know
पार्थ
O son of Pritha (Arjuna)
बृहस्पतिम्
Brihaspati
सेनानीनाम्
of all commanders
अहम्
I am
स्कन्दः
Skanda (Kartikeya)
सरसाम्
of all bodies of water
अस्मि
I am
सागरः
the ocean
Commentary
Commentary
This verse covers three distinct domains: spiritual authority (the priesthood), martial power (military commanders), and natural grandeur (bodies of water).
Among priests, Krishna is Brihaspati — the preceptor and chief priest of Indra and the demigods. Brihaspati is the very embodiment of priestly wisdom, eloquence, and ritual knowledge. Just as Indra is the chief among kings, Brihaspati is the chief among all those who perform worship and guide spiritual practice.
Among military commanders, He is Skanda — also known as Kartikeya, Murugan, or Subrahmanya. Skanda is the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the commander-in-chief of the army of the gods. He was born specifically to lead the divine forces against the demon Tarakasura. His prowess in battle represents the highest expression of righteous martial power.
Among all bodies of water — rivers, lakes, ponds, seas — He is the ocean. The ocean is the greatest, the destination of all rivers, and the reservoir of all waters. Its vastness, depth, and majesty make it the supreme representative of all water bodies. Krishna’s choice of these examples is a reminder that His presence pervades all domains of existence — the sacred, the martial, and the natural. No aspect of life is outside His reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Bhagavad Gita 10.24 mean?
- O Arjuna, among priests know Me to be the chief, Brihaspati. Among generals I am Skanda (Kartikeya), and among bodies of water I am the ocean.
- What is the Sanskrit text of Bhagavad Gita 10.24?
- The original Sanskrit verse is: purodhasaam cha mukhyam maam viddhi paartha brihaspatim | senaaninaam aham skandah sarasaam asmi saagarah ||24||
- What are the key themes of this verse?
- This verse explores: vibhuti, priesthood, military-power, ocean, cosmic-order.