Bhagavad Gita 11.21 — Gods and Sages Enter and Praise the Lord
अमी हि त्वां सुरसङ्घा विशन्ति केचिद्भीताः प्राञ्जलयो गृणन्ति ।
स्वस्तीत्युक्त्वा महर्षिसिद्धसङ्घाः स्तुवन्ति त्वां स्तुतिभिः पुष्कलाभिः ॥ ११.२१ ॥
🔊 Listen to meaning of this shloka
Current voice: —
Ready
Text-to-speech is not supported by this browser.
These hosts of gods are entering into You; some, frightened, praise You with folded hands. Saying 'May there be well-being,' the hosts of great sages and perfected beings glorify You with abundant hymns.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| amī | these |
| hi | indeed |
| tvām | You |
| sura-saṅghāḥ | hosts of gods |
| viśhanti | are entering |
| kechit | some |
| bhītāḥ | frightened |
| prāñjalayaḥ | with folded hands |
| gṛiṇanti | praise; extol |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| svasti | may there be well-being |
| iti | thus |
| uktvā | having said |
| mahā-ṛiṣhi-siddha-saṅghāḥ | hosts of great sages and perfected beings |
| stuvanti | glorify |
| tvām | You |
| stutibhiḥ | with hymns |
| puṣhkalābhiḥ | abundant; full |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| amī | these | svasti | may there be well-being |
| hi | indeed | iti | thus |
| tvām | You | uktvā | having said |
| sura-saṅghāḥ | hosts of gods | mahā-ṛiṣhi-siddha-saṅghāḥ | hosts of great sages and perfected beings |
| viśhanti | are entering | stuvanti | glorify |
| kechit | some | tvām | You |
| bhītāḥ | frightened | stutibhiḥ | with hymns |
| prāñjalayaḥ | with folded hands | puṣhkalābhiḥ | abundant; full |
| gṛiṇanti | praise; extol | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Arjuna sees the hosts of gods entering the Lord. Some, afraid, praise him with folded hands, while the great sages and perfected beings cry out 'may there be peace' and glorify him with hymns.
Essence
The Different Responses to the Infinite
Arjuna now watches the reactions of the beings around him. Even the gods are not exempt from awe. Their responses show that people meet the Lord's greatness in different ways according to their nature.
Viśanti tvāṁ sura-saṅghā (hosts of gods enter you): The gods are not separate from the Lord. They enter into him, as rivers merge into the sea.
Kecid bhītāḥ prāñjalayo gṛṇanti (some, afraid, praise with folded hands): Some respond with fear, but their fear turns to prayer. Folded hands show that awe, when it is guided by humility, leads to worship rather than panic.
Svastīty uktvā maharṣi-siddha-saṅghāḥ (the great sages and siddhas say 'svasti'): The word svasti means well-being or peace. The wise respond with prayers for the welfare of the world. Their understanding keeps them steadier than the frightened.
Stuvanti tvāṁ stutibhiḥ puṣkalābhiḥ (they praise you with abundant hymns): Praise becomes the natural language of those who recognise greatness.
Message for Everyday Life (Turning Fear into Prayer)
Choose how you respond: Difficult moments can lead to panic or to prayer. The same situation can crush one person and strengthen another.
Practical approach: When anxiety rises, pause and offer a prayer, a calming word or an act of surrender. This simple turn of mind keeps you steady.
The Different Responses to the Infinite
Arjuna now watches the reactions of the beings around him. Even the gods are not exempt from awe. Their responses show that people meet the Lord's greatness in different ways according to their nature.
Viśanti tvāṁ sura-saṅghā (hosts of gods enter you): The gods are not separate from the Lord. They enter into him, as rivers merge into the sea.
Kecid bhītāḥ prāñjalayo gṛṇanti (some, afraid, praise with folded hands): Some respond with fear, but their fear turns to prayer. Folded hands show that awe, when it is guided by humility, leads to worship rather than panic.
Svastīty uktvā maharṣi-siddha-saṅghāḥ (the great sages and siddhas say 'svasti'): The word svasti means well-being or peace. The wise respond with prayers for the welfare of the world. Their understanding keeps them steadier than the frightened.
Stuvanti tvāṁ stutibhiḥ puṣkalābhiḥ (they praise you with abundant hymns): Praise becomes the natural language of those who recognise greatness.
Message for Everyday Life (Turning Fear into Prayer)
Choose how you respond: Difficult moments can lead to panic or to prayer. The same situation can crush one person and strengthen another.
Practical approach: When anxiety rises, pause and offer a prayer, a calming word or an act of surrender. This simple turn of mind keeps you steady.
Next Topic
Arjuna has seen some beings enter the Lord and others praise him. In the next verse, he lists more of the great classes of beings, all of whom gaze at the Lord in astonishment.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Even the powerful fold their hands.
When words fail, folded hands speak.
Fear can be the first step of devotion.
The wise answer greatness by wishing everyone well.
Wonder becomes worship.
All beings gather at the same source.
Prayer is the mind's way of finding shelter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the 'sura-saṅghāḥ' (hosts of gods)?
Why are some 'bhītāḥ' (frightened)?
What does 'prāñjalayaḥ' (with folded hands) signify?
What does 'svasti' (may there be well-being) express?
Who are 'maharṣhi' (great sages) and 'siddha' (perfected beings)?
Explore related topics
More shlokas on the themes this verse touches: