Bhagavad Gita 11.36 — The World Rejoices in the Lord's Glory While Demons Flee
अर्जुन उवाच ।
स्थाने हृषीकेश तव प्रकीर्त्या जगत्प्रहृष्यत्यनुरज्यते च ।
रक्षांसि भीतानि दिशो द्रवन्ति सर्वे नमस्यन्ति च सिद्धसङ्घाः ॥ ११.३६ ॥
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Arjuna said: O Hrishikesha, it is right that the world rejoices and is attracted by the glorification of You. The demons flee in fear in all directions, and all the hosts of perfected beings bow to You.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| sthāne | rightly; it is fitting |
| hṛiṣhīkeśha | O Hrishikesha (Lord of the senses) |
| tava | Your |
| prakīrtyā | by the glorification |
| jagat | the world |
| prahṛiṣhyati | rejoices |
| anurajyate | is attracted; is devoted |
| cha | and |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| rakṣhāṁsi | demons |
| bhītāni | frightened |
| diśhaḥ | in all directions |
| dravanti | flee |
| sarve | all |
| namasyanti | bow down |
| cha | and |
| siddha-saṅghāḥ | hosts of perfected beings |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| sthāne | rightly; it is fitting | rakṣhāṁsi | demons |
| hṛiṣhīkeśha | O Hrishikesha (Lord of the senses) | bhītāni | frightened |
| tava | Your | diśhaḥ | in all directions |
| prakīrtyā | by the glorification | dravanti | flee |
| jagat | the world | sarve | all |
| prahṛiṣhyati | rejoices | namasyanti | bow down |
| anurajyate | is attracted; is devoted | cha | and |
| cha | and | siddha-saṅghāḥ | hosts of perfected beings |
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Arjuna begins his prayer by saying it is fitting that the world rejoices in the Lord's glory. Demonic beings flee in fear in all directions, and the hosts of perfected beings bow to him.
Essence
The World's Response to the Divine Glory
Arjuna's speech now shifts from fear to praise. He begins to understand that the Lord's power is not arbitrary but is rightly celebrated, and that different beings respond to it according to their nature.
Sthāne hṛṣīkeśa (it is proper, O Hṛṣīkeśa): The word sthāne means 'rightly' or 'fittingly'. Arjuna agrees that the world's reaction is proper. He addresses the Lord as Hṛṣīkeśa, the master of the senses, acknowledging that the Lord rules all inner and outer powers.
Tava prakīrtyā jagat prahṛṣyaty anurajyate ca (the world rejoices and is attracted by your glory): Those who are turned toward goodness feel joy and love when they hear of the Lord. Glory draws the pure heart, just as light draws the eye.
Rakṣāṁsi bhītāni diśo dravanti (the demons flee in fear in all directions): The same glory that attracts the pure repels the forces of ignorance and cruelty. Fear is the response of what is opposed to truth.
Sarve namasyanti ca siddha-saṅghāḥ (all the hosts of siddhas bow): Those who have attained spiritual perfection bow, because they recognise greatness most clearly.
Message for Everyday Life (The Effect of Goodness)
Notice how goodness is received: The same honest and kind action may be welcomed by some and resisted by others. This is natural and need not discourage us.
Practical approach: Stay committed to truth and kindness, without expecting universal approval. Let your inner conscience, not the crowd's reaction, be your guide.
The World's Response to the Divine Glory
Arjuna's speech now shifts from fear to praise. He begins to understand that the Lord's power is not arbitrary but is rightly celebrated, and that different beings respond to it according to their nature.
Sthāne hṛṣīkeśa (it is proper, O Hṛṣīkeśa): The word sthāne means 'rightly' or 'fittingly'. Arjuna agrees that the world's reaction is proper. He addresses the Lord as Hṛṣīkeśa, the master of the senses, acknowledging that the Lord rules all inner and outer powers.
Tava prakīrtyā jagat prahṛṣyaty anurajyate ca (the world rejoices and is attracted by your glory): Those who are turned toward goodness feel joy and love when they hear of the Lord. Glory draws the pure heart, just as light draws the eye.
Rakṣāṁsi bhītāni diśo dravanti (the demons flee in fear in all directions): The same glory that attracts the pure repels the forces of ignorance and cruelty. Fear is the response of what is opposed to truth.
Sarve namasyanti ca siddha-saṅghāḥ (all the hosts of siddhas bow): Those who have attained spiritual perfection bow, because they recognise greatness most clearly.
Message for Everyday Life (The Effect of Goodness)
Notice how goodness is received: The same honest and kind action may be welcomed by some and resisted by others. This is natural and need not discourage us.
Practical approach: Stay committed to truth and kindness, without expecting universal approval. Let your inner conscience, not the crowd's reaction, be your guide.
Next Topic
Arjuna has said that the world rightly honours the Lord. In the next verse, he asks why anyone should not bow before one who is greater even than Brahmā, and declares the Lord to be the imperishable and beyond being and non-being.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Praise is the song of a grateful world.
The same light delights some and unsettles others.
Running is what the heart does when it will not face truth.
Draw near what is good.
Wise beings bow in understanding.
How we meet the Divine reveals who we are.
Devotion gathers; fear scatters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'sthāne' (rightly, fittingly) mean?
Why is Krishna addressed as 'Hṛiṣhīkeśha' (Lord of the senses)?
What does 'prakīrtyā' (by glorification) refer to?
Who are the 'rakṣhāṁsi' (demons) that flee?
Who are the 'siddha-saṅghāḥ' (hosts of perfected beings) and why do they 'namasyanti' (bow)?
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