Bhagavad Gita 11.14 — Wonderstruck Arjuna Bows with Folded Hands
ततः स विस्मयाविष्टो हृष्टरोमा धनञ्जयः ।
प्रणम्य शिरसा देवं कृताञ्जलिरभाषत ॥ ११.१४ ॥
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Then Arjuna, filled with amazement and with his hair standing on end, bowed his head to the Lord and, with folded hands, spoke.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| tataḥ | then |
| saḥ | he |
| vismaya-āviṣhṭaḥ | filled with amazement |
| hṛiṣhṭa-romā | with hair standing on end |
| dhanañjayaḥ | Arjuna, conqueror of wealth |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| praṇamya | having bowed |
| śhirasā | with the head |
| devam | to the Lord |
| kṛita-añjaliḥ | with folded hands |
| abhāṣhata | spoke |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| tataḥ | then | praṇamya | having bowed |
| saḥ | he | śhirasā | with the head |
| vismaya-āviṣhṭaḥ | filled with amazement | devam | to the Lord |
| hṛiṣhṭa-romā | with hair standing on end | kṛita-añjaliḥ | with folded hands |
| dhanañjayaḥ | Arjuna, conqueror of wealth | abhāṣhata | spoke |
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
After seeing the cosmic form, Arjuna is overcome with amazement. His hair stands on end, and he bows his head, joins his palms, and begins to speak to the Lord in reverence.
Essence
Wonder Turns to Worship
The vision has an immediate effect on Arjuna. The warrior who came to the battlefield armed and confident is now trembling, speechless with awe. His body responds before his words can.
Tataḥ sa vismayāviṣṭo (then, filled with amazement): The word vismaya means wonder that stops the mind. When the infinite appears, ordinary thought comes to a halt. This kind of wonder is the beginning of reverence.
Hṛṣṭaromā (with hair standing on end): This physical reaction, a thrill running through the body, is described in the scriptures as a sign of deep devotion and emotion. True spiritual experience is not merely intellectual but involves the whole person.
Praṇamya śirasā devaṁ kṛtāñjalir abhāṣata (bowing his head with folded palms, he spoke): The friend who once spoke casually to Krishna now bows in deep respect. Folded hands express surrender and humility. The ego has softened, and what remains is devotion.
Dhanañjaya (conqueror of wealth): Arjuna's title reminds us that even a great conqueror is humbled before the Supreme. External achievements pale before the infinite.
Message for Everyday Life (Humility in the Face of Greatness)
Allow yourself to be humbled: Success and knowledge can make us proud. Moments of awe, whether before nature, great art or deep truth, restore humility.
Practical approach: Make time to experience awe: watch a sunrise, look at the night sky, or sit in silence. Such moments remind us that we are part of something far greater than ourselves.
Wonder Turns to Worship
The vision has an immediate effect on Arjuna. The warrior who came to the battlefield armed and confident is now trembling, speechless with awe. His body responds before his words can.
Tataḥ sa vismayāviṣṭo (then, filled with amazement): The word vismaya means wonder that stops the mind. When the infinite appears, ordinary thought comes to a halt. This kind of wonder is the beginning of reverence.
Hṛṣṭaromā (with hair standing on end): This physical reaction, a thrill running through the body, is described in the scriptures as a sign of deep devotion and emotion. True spiritual experience is not merely intellectual but involves the whole person.
Praṇamya śirasā devaṁ kṛtāñjalir abhāṣata (bowing his head with folded palms, he spoke): The friend who once spoke casually to Krishna now bows in deep respect. Folded hands express surrender and humility. The ego has softened, and what remains is devotion.
Dhanañjaya (conqueror of wealth): Arjuna's title reminds us that even a great conqueror is humbled before the Supreme. External achievements pale before the infinite.
Message for Everyday Life (Humility in the Face of Greatness)
Allow yourself to be humbled: Success and knowledge can make us proud. Moments of awe, whether before nature, great art or deep truth, restore humility.
Practical approach: Make time to experience awe: watch a sunrise, look at the night sky, or sit in silence. Such moments remind us that we are part of something far greater than ourselves.
Next Topic
Arjuna has bowed with folded hands and begun to speak. In the next verse, he describes what he sees in the Lord's body: all the gods, the many kinds of beings, and the seat of Brahmā, the sages and the divine serpents.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Goosebumps are the body's way of saying 'wow.'
Greatness bows before the greater.
Hands that fold can open hearts.
Reverence is the right response to the sacred.
Wonder cannot be hidden.
Thankfulness begins in silence and ends in words.
Real speech begins after real awe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'vismayāviṣhṭaḥ' (filled with amazement) show?
What is meant by 'hṛiṣhṭa-romā' (hair standing on end)?
Why is Arjuna called 'dhanañjayaḥ' (conqueror of wealth)?
What does 'kṛitāñjaliḥ' (with folded hands) symbolize?
What does Arjuna do after bowing?
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