ashvatthah sarva-vrikshaanaam devarsheenam cha naaradah | gandharvaanaam chitrarathas siddhaanaam kapilo munih ||26||
Translation
Of all trees I am the Ashvattha (sacred fig); of the divine sages I am Narada; of the Gandharvas I am Chitraratha; and among the perfected beings I am Kapila Muni.
Word-by-Word Meaning
अश्वत्थः
the sacred fig tree (peepal)
सर्ववृक्षाणाम्
of all trees
देवर्षीणाम्
of the divine sages
च
and
नारदः
Narada
गन्धर्वाणाम्
of the Gandharvas (celestial musicians)
चित्ररथः
Chitraratha
सिद्धानाम्
of the perfected beings
कपिलः
Kapila
मुनिः
the sage
Commentary
Commentary
This verse spans the domains of the plant kingdom, celestial sages, celestial musicians, and perfected beings — showing that Krishna’s opulences pervade every level of creation.
Among all trees, He is the Ashvattha — the sacred fig tree, known as the peepal tree in India. This tree is worshipped throughout India. People offer daily prayers to it, circumambulate it, and consider it sacred. It is the tallest and most beautiful of trees, and it appears again in Chapter 15 as the cosmic tree of material existence. Its roots go deep, its branches spread wide, and it is practically indestructible — a fitting symbol of the Divine.
Among the Devarshis — sages who are both divine beings and enlightened seers — He is Narada. Narada is the most beloved devotee-sage in all of Hindu tradition. He travels freely between the material and spiritual worlds, always chanting the names of the Lord, always spreading devotion. He is the quintessential bhakta among the sages — worshipped not for austerity or scholarship but for pure, joyful devotion.
Among the Gandharvas — the celestial musicians of the heavenly planets — He is Chitraratha, the foremost singer among them. The Gandharva-loka is filled with beings of extraordinary musical talent, and Chitraratha surpasses them all.
Among the Siddhas — beings who have attained perfection — He is Kapila Muni. Kapila is the son of Devahuti and an incarnation of Krishna Himself. He is the founder of the Sankhya philosophy, one of the six classical schools of Indian thought. His perfection is complete and represents Krishna’s presence among those who have attained the highest realization.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Bhagavad Gita 10.26 mean?
- Of all trees I am the Ashvattha (sacred fig); of the divine sages I am Narada; of the Gandharvas I am Chitraratha; and among the perfected beings I am Kapila Muni.
- What is the Sanskrit text of Bhagavad Gita 10.26?
- The original Sanskrit verse is: ashvatthah sarva-vrikshaanaam devarsheenam cha naaradah | gandharvaanaam chitrarathas siddhaanaam kapilo munih ||26||
- What are the key themes of this verse?
- This verse explores: vibhuti, sacred-trees, narada, celestial-music, perfection.