Bhagavad Gita 10.24 — The Lord as Bṛihaspati, Skanda and the Ocean
पुरोधसां च मुख्यं मां विद्धि पार्थ बृहस्पतिम् ।
सेनानीनामहं स्कन्दः सरसामस्मि सागरः ॥ १०.२४ ॥
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The Blessed Lord said: Among priests, O Pārtha, know Me to be the chief, Bṛihaspati; among generals I am Skanda; and among bodies of water I am the ocean.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| purodhasām | among priests |
| cha | and |
| mukhyam | the chief |
| mām | Me |
| viddhi | know |
| pārtha | O Pārtha, O son of Pṛithā |
| bṛihaspatim | Bṛihaspati, the preceptor of the gods |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| senānīnām | among generals |
| aham | I |
| skandaḥ | Skanda, Kārtikeya, the commander of the divine army |
| sarasām | among bodies of water |
| asmi | I am |
| sāgaraḥ | the ocean |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| purodhasām | among priests | senānīnām | among generals |
| cha | and | aham | I |
| mukhyam | the chief | skandaḥ | Skanda, Kārtikeya, the commander of the divine army |
| mām | Me | sarasām | among bodies of water |
| viddhi | know | asmi | I am |
| pārtha | O Pārtha, O son of Pṛithā | sāgaraḥ | the ocean |
| bṛihaspatim | Bṛihaspati, the preceptor of the gods | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna names Himself as Bṛhaspati, the chief of priests, Skanda, the commander of armies, and the ocean among bodies of water. The verse draws attention to wise guidance, courageous leadership and boundless depth as expressions of the Divine.
Essence
Wisdom, Leadership and Depth
Purodhasāṁ ca mukhyaṁ māṁ viddhi pārtha bṛhaspatim (among priests, know Me to be Bṛhaspati, the chief): Bṛhaspati is the preceptor of the gods, known for profound wisdom, counsel and knowledge of the scriptures. A purohita is a guide who advises rulers and performs sacred rites. By choosing Bṛhaspati, Krishna points to the importance of wise counsel in the affairs of life.
Senānīnām aham skandaḥ (among generals, I am Skanda): Skanda, also known as Kārttikeya, is the commander of the army of the gods. He is a symbol of valour, discipline and strategic ability. Since Arjuna stands on a battlefield, this example speaks directly to his situation: even a perfect warrior's talent is a reflection of divine power.
Sarasām asmi sāgaraḥ (among bodies of water, I am the ocean): The ocean is the largest and deepest collection of water, into which all rivers eventually flow. It is vast, calm in its depths and unfathomable. It symbolises how all things return to the Lord.
Note the Address: Pārtha
Krishna calls Arjuna Pārtha, the son of Pṛthā (Kuntī), reminding him of his noble lineage and the affection between them. The teaching is delivered with warmth.
Message for Everyday Life (Seeking Guidance and Cultivating Depth)
Value a good advisor: Everyone benefits from a wise mentor. Seek counsel from those who are knowledgeable and well-meaning, and be willing to listen.
Develop depth: Like the ocean, a person of depth does not get disturbed by every passing wave. Cultivating inner calm and capacity helps us remain composed under pressure.
Wisdom, Leadership and Depth
Purodhasāṁ ca mukhyaṁ māṁ viddhi pārtha bṛhaspatim (among priests, know Me to be Bṛhaspati, the chief): Bṛhaspati is the preceptor of the gods, known for profound wisdom, counsel and knowledge of the scriptures. A purohita is a guide who advises rulers and performs sacred rites. By choosing Bṛhaspati, Krishna points to the importance of wise counsel in the affairs of life.
Senānīnām aham skandaḥ (among generals, I am Skanda): Skanda, also known as Kārttikeya, is the commander of the army of the gods. He is a symbol of valour, discipline and strategic ability. Since Arjuna stands on a battlefield, this example speaks directly to his situation: even a perfect warrior's talent is a reflection of divine power.
Sarasām asmi sāgaraḥ (among bodies of water, I am the ocean): The ocean is the largest and deepest collection of water, into which all rivers eventually flow. It is vast, calm in its depths and unfathomable. It symbolises how all things return to the Lord.
Note the Address: Pārtha
Krishna calls Arjuna Pārtha, the son of Pṛthā (Kuntī), reminding him of his noble lineage and the affection between them. The teaching is delivered with warmth.
Message for Everyday Life (Seeking Guidance and Cultivating Depth)
Value a good advisor: Everyone benefits from a wise mentor. Seek counsel from those who are knowledgeable and well-meaning, and be willing to listen.
Develop depth: Like the ocean, a person of depth does not get disturbed by every passing wave. Cultivating inner calm and capacity helps us remain composed under pressure.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has spoken of the chief priest, the commander and the ocean. He next turns to the revered seer Bhṛgu, to sacred sound in the form of the single syllable, to the chanting of the divine name and to the Himalayas.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
A good guide lights the way without claiming the road.
Bravery is strongest when it serves a purpose.
Still waters, vast and deep, receive everything.
Do your role with excellence and it becomes sacred.
Advice is only as good as the heart behind it.
Great minds stay steady under heavy waves.
Leadership is giving direction for the sake of others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is 'bṛihaspatiḥ' (Bṛihaspati, the preceptor of the gods)?
What does 'purodhasām' (priests) refer to here?
Who is 'skandaḥ' (Skanda)?
Why is the 'sāgaraḥ' (ocean) chosen among the 'sarasām' (bodies of water)?
Why is Arjuna called 'pārtha' (son of Pṛithā)?
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