Bhagavad Gita · Verse 11.12
Chapter 11: Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga (विश्वरूपदर्शनयोगः)
(Sanjaya said)
दिवि सूर्यसहस्रस्य भवेद्युगपदुत्थिता । यदि भाः सदृशी सा स्याद्भासस्तस्य महात्मनः ॥१२॥
divi sūryasahasrasya bhavedyugapadutthitā | yadi bhāḥ sadṛśī sā syādbhāsastasya mahātmanaḥ ||12||
Complete Shloka Translation
If a thousand suns rose together in the sky, their radiance might resemble the splendor of that great Being.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| दिवि | divi | in the celestial heavens / sky |
| सूर्य-सहस्रस्य | sūrya-sahasrasya | of a thousand suns |
| भवेत् | bhavet | were to appear |
| युगपत् | yugapat | simultaneously all at once |
| उत्थिता | utthitā | arising / bursting forth |
| यदि | yadi | if |
| भाः | bhāḥ | blazing splendor and effulgence |
| सदृशी | sadṛśī | comparable / resembling |
| सा स्यात् | sā syāt | that might possibly be |
| भासः | bhāsaḥ | to the illumination |
| तस्य | tasya | of that |
| महात्मनः | mahātmanaḥ | Supreme Sovereign Being |
in the celestial heavens / sky
of a thousand suns
were to appear
simultaneously all at once
arising / bursting forth
if
blazing splendor and effulgence
comparable / resembling
that might possibly be
to the illumination
of that
Supreme Sovereign Being
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The thousand suns are a poetic comparison for overwhelming brilliance. The verse does not give a physical measurement of divine light.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Some experiences call for imagery because ordinary descriptions fall short."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Which image helps you express an experience beyond words?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to dissolve petty ego: see yourself as a humble instrument (Nimitta-matram) of a vastly larger cosmic intelligence. Let go of personal anxiety over outcomes, doing your duty with courage and dedication.