Bhagavad Gita 10.23 — The Lord as Shankara, Kubera, Agni and Mount Meru
रुद्राणां शंकरश्चास्मि वित्तेशो यक्षरक्षसाम् ।
वसूनां पावकश्चास्मि मेरुः शिखरिणामहम् ॥ १०.२३ ॥
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The Blessed Lord said: Among the Rudras I am Shankara; among the Yakṣhas and Rākṣhasas I am Kubera, the lord of wealth; among the Vasus I am Agni, the fire; and among mountains I am Meru.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| rudrāṇām | among the Rudras, the eleven storm deities |
| śhaṅkaraḥ | Shankara, Shiva, the benefactor |
| cha | and |
| asmi | I am |
| vitteśhaḥ | the lord of wealth, Kubera |
| yakṣharakṣhasām | among the Yakṣhas and Rākṣhasas |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| vasūnām | among the Vasus, the eight elemental deities |
| pāvakaḥ | Agni, the purifying fire |
| cha | and |
| asmi | I am |
| meruḥ | Mount Meru |
| śhikhariṇām | among mountains, among peaked ones |
| aham | I |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| rudrāṇām | among the Rudras, the eleven storm deities | vasūnām | among the Vasus, the eight elemental deities |
| śhaṅkaraḥ | Shankara, Shiva, the benefactor | pāvakaḥ | Agni, the purifying fire |
| cha | and | cha | and |
| asmi | I am | asmi | I am |
| vitteśhaḥ | the lord of wealth, Kubera | meruḥ | Mount Meru |
| yakṣharakṣhasām | among the Yakṣhas and Rākṣhasas | śhikhariṇām | among mountains, among peaked ones |
| aham | I | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Here, Lord Krishna continues the catalogue by naming the foremost among the Rudras, the lords of wealth, the Vasus and the mountain peaks. The verse shows the Lord's presence in divine power, prosperity, fire and unshakable stability.
Essence
Power, Wealth, Fire and Stability
Rudrāṇāṁ śaṅkaraś cāsmi (among the Rudras, I am Śaṅkara): The Rudras are eleven powerful deities. Among them, Śaṅkara, who is Lord Śiva, is the chief. He is known as the auspicious one, the great ascetic and the destroyer of ignorance and evil.
Vitteśo yakṣa-rakṣasām (among the Yakṣas and Rākṣasas, I am Kubera, lord of wealth): The Yakṣas and Rākṣasas are classes of beings known for strength and power, and Kubera is regarded as their master and as the treasurer of the gods. In pointing to wealth at its highest, Krishna indicates that prosperity itself is a gift flowing from the Divine.
Vasūnāṁ pāvakaś cāsmi (among the Vasus, I am Agni, the fire): The Vasus are eight deities associated with natural elements. Pāvaka means "the purifier," and fire is one of the most important forces in life, providing warmth, cooking food and burning away impurities. It also carries offerings in sacred rituals.
Meruḥ śikhariṇām aham (among the mountains, I am Meru): Mount Meru is described in tradition as the golden central mountain, the axis around which the world is arranged. It stands as a symbol of steadiness and greatness.
Different Faces of the Divine
The list includes a fierce yet auspicious god, the master of wealth, the purifying fire and an immovable mountain. These show that the Lord's presence is not limited to what seems gentle or spiritual. Power, prosperity and stability also reflect Him when they are rightly used.
Message for Everyday Life (Using Strength and Wealth Wisely)
See resources as a trust: Wealth and ability are gifts. Using them for good, for the family, the community and those in need, honours their source.
Cultivate inner stability: Like Meru, a person with firm values remains steady amid life's storms. Be clear about your principles so that circumstances do not shake you.
Power, Wealth, Fire and Stability
Rudrāṇāṁ śaṅkaraś cāsmi (among the Rudras, I am Śaṅkara): The Rudras are eleven powerful deities. Among them, Śaṅkara, who is Lord Śiva, is the chief. He is known as the auspicious one, the great ascetic and the destroyer of ignorance and evil.
Vitteśo yakṣa-rakṣasām (among the Yakṣas and Rākṣasas, I am Kubera, lord of wealth): The Yakṣas and Rākṣasas are classes of beings known for strength and power, and Kubera is regarded as their master and as the treasurer of the gods. In pointing to wealth at its highest, Krishna indicates that prosperity itself is a gift flowing from the Divine.
Vasūnāṁ pāvakaś cāsmi (among the Vasus, I am Agni, the fire): The Vasus are eight deities associated with natural elements. Pāvaka means "the purifier," and fire is one of the most important forces in life, providing warmth, cooking food and burning away impurities. It also carries offerings in sacred rituals.
Meruḥ śikhariṇām aham (among the mountains, I am Meru): Mount Meru is described in tradition as the golden central mountain, the axis around which the world is arranged. It stands as a symbol of steadiness and greatness.
Different Faces of the Divine
The list includes a fierce yet auspicious god, the master of wealth, the purifying fire and an immovable mountain. These show that the Lord's presence is not limited to what seems gentle or spiritual. Power, prosperity and stability also reflect Him when they are rightly used.
Message for Everyday Life (Using Strength and Wealth Wisely)
See resources as a trust: Wealth and ability are gifts. Using them for good, for the family, the community and those in need, honours their source.
Cultivate inner stability: Like Meru, a person with firm values remains steady amid life's storms. Be clear about your principles so that circumstances do not shake you.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has pointed to Śaṅkara, Kubera, Agni and Meru as examples of divine power and stability. The following verse shifts to leadership and vastness: the chief priest of the gods, the commander of armies and the ocean.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Fire teaches us how to burn away what is no longer needed.
Be like a mountain, steady and quietly tall.
Prosperity is best when it serves others.
Strength without wisdom turns destructive.
A fixed center makes movement meaningful.
Use the world's gifts as if they were borrowed.
See greatness, and let it humble you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is 'śhaṅkaraḥ' (Shankara, Shiva, the benefactor) among the 'rudrāṇām' (Rudras)?
Who is 'vitteśhaḥ' (the lord of wealth)?
Who is 'pāvakaḥ' (Agni, the purifying fire) among the 'vasūnām' (Vasus)?
What is 'meruḥ' (Mount Meru)?
What is the spiritual lesson of this verse?
Explore related topics
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