Bhagavad Gita 15.12 — The Divine Splendour in the Sun, Moon and Fire
यदादित्यगतं तेजो जगद्भासयतेऽखिलम् ।
यच्चन्द्रमसि यच्चाग्नौ तत्तेजो विद्धि मामकम् ॥ १५.१२ ॥
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Know that the splendour residing in the sun, which illumines the entire world, and that which is in the moon and in fire, to be Mine.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yat | which |
| ādityagatam | residing in the sun |
| tejaḥ | splendour, radiance |
| jagat | the world |
| bhāsayate | illuminates |
| akhilam | entire, whole |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yat | which |
| chandramasi | in the moon |
| yat | which |
| cha | and |
| agnau | in fire |
| tat | that |
| tejaḥ | splendour |
| viddhi | know, understand |
| māmakam | as Mine, as belonging to Me |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yat | which | yat | which |
| ādityagatam | residing in the sun | chandramasi | in the moon |
| tejaḥ | splendour, radiance | yat | which |
| jagat | the world | cha | and |
| bhāsayate | illuminates | agnau | in fire |
| akhilam | entire, whole | tat | that |
| tejaḥ | splendour | ||
| viddhi | know, understand | ||
| māmakam | as Mine, as belonging to Me | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna begins to reveal His presence in the radiant things of the world. The brilliance of the sun that lights up the whole universe, and the light of the moon and fire, are all manifestations of His own splendour.
Essence
The Source of All Radiance
Having spoken of the soul, Lord Krishna now expands our vision to the cosmos, helping us see that the Supreme is not distant from the world but present in its most glorious phenomena.
Yad ādityagataṁ tejaḥ (the radiance residing in the sun): The sun is the great source of light and life for our world. Every living being depends on it. Lord Krishna says that this power does not belong to the sun itself; it is His.
Jagad bhāsayate 'khilam (illuminating the whole world): The sun's light reveals every form and makes all activity possible. In the same way, the Lord's light makes the whole creation visible and alive.
Yac candramasi yac cāgnau (that which is in the moon and in fire): The soothing light of the moon and the burning light of fire are two different qualities, one gentle and one fierce, yet both come from the same source. This shows that the Lord is the source of both comfort and power.
Tat tejo viddhi māmakam (know that radiance to be Mine): This is an instruction for contemplation. When we look at the sunrise or a flame, we are invited to recognize something divine in it.
This verse connects with verse 6, which said that the sun, the moon, and fire cannot illumine the supreme abode. Now we learn why: their light is borrowed from that very abode. The creations shine because the Creator shines.
Message for Everyday Life (Seeing the Divine in Daily Beauty)
Turn wonder into reverence: A sunrise, a moonlit night, or the warmth of a lamp can become moments of remembrance rather than passing sights. Such reverence brings quiet joy into ordinary days.
Practical approach: Make it a habit to pause for a moment each day, perhaps at sunrise or when lighting a lamp, and consciously acknowledge the source of all light.
The Source of All Radiance
Having spoken of the soul, Lord Krishna now expands our vision to the cosmos, helping us see that the Supreme is not distant from the world but present in its most glorious phenomena.
Yad ādityagataṁ tejaḥ (the radiance residing in the sun): The sun is the great source of light and life for our world. Every living being depends on it. Lord Krishna says that this power does not belong to the sun itself; it is His.
Jagad bhāsayate 'khilam (illuminating the whole world): The sun's light reveals every form and makes all activity possible. In the same way, the Lord's light makes the whole creation visible and alive.
Yac candramasi yac cāgnau (that which is in the moon and in fire): The soothing light of the moon and the burning light of fire are two different qualities, one gentle and one fierce, yet both come from the same source. This shows that the Lord is the source of both comfort and power.
Tat tejo viddhi māmakam (know that radiance to be Mine): This is an instruction for contemplation. When we look at the sunrise or a flame, we are invited to recognize something divine in it.
This verse connects with verse 6, which said that the sun, the moon, and fire cannot illumine the supreme abode. Now we learn why: their light is borrowed from that very abode. The creations shine because the Creator shines.
Message for Everyday Life (Seeing the Divine in Daily Beauty)
Turn wonder into reverence: A sunrise, a moonlit night, or the warmth of a lamp can become moments of remembrance rather than passing sights. Such reverence brings quiet joy into ordinary days.
Practical approach: Make it a habit to pause for a moment each day, perhaps at sunrise or when lighting a lamp, and consciously acknowledge the source of all light.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has shown His presence in the great lights of the universe. In the next verse He describes how He also supports the earth, sustains all beings with His power, and nourishes plants through the moon.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
All lights are borrowed from one source.
The sun that rises each day is a daily invitation to thanks.
Seeing the sacred in the ordinary changes a life.
What shines for all deserves care from all.
Follow the light to its origin.
The Divine is closer than we think.
Every flame is a reminder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'tejas' (splendour or radiance) mean in this verse?
Why does Krishna mention the sun, moon and fire together?
What does 'māmakam' (Mine) teach about the Lord and nature?
How does this verse relate to the previous verses?
How can one practise this verse in daily life?
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