भक्त्या त्वनन्यया शक्यमहमेवंविधोऽर्जुन ।
ज्ञातुं दृष्टुं च तत्त्वेन प्रवेष्टुं च परंतप ॥
ज्ञातुं दृष्टुं च तत्त्वेन प्रवेष्टुं च परंतप ॥
Hindi · हिन्दी
परन्तु हे शत्रुतापन अर्जुन इस प्रकार चतुर्भुजरूपवाला मैं अनन्यभक्तिसे ही तत्त्वसे जाननेमें, सगुणरूपसे देखनेमें और प्राप्त करनेमें शक्य हूँ ॥
English
But only through undivided devotion can I be truly known, seen, and entered, Arjuna.
What this verse means
Krishna says that his true form can be known, seen, and entered only through single-pointed devotion, not by ordinary effort alone.
Context & commentary
On Kurukshetra, Arjuna has just seen Krishna's cosmic form and is overwhelmed. Krishna now explains the final key: this presence cannot be grasped by learning or ritual alone. Only undivided devotion can truly know and enter him.
Why this verse still matters
You can read every book, gather every technique, and still miss what matters. The moment you stop trying to control everything and give yourself fully, understanding begins.
The takeaway
There is relief in knowing the deepest reality responds to love and single-heartedness, not just achievement.
Word-by-word translation
भक्त्या (through devotion) / तु (but) / अनन्यया (undivided) / शक्यः (possible) / अहम् (I) / एवंविधः (of this kind) / अर्जुन (Arjuna) / ज्ञातुम् (to know) / द्रष्टुम् (to see) / च (and) / तत्त्वेन (in essence) / प्रवेष्टुम् (to enter) / च (and) / परंतप (O scorcher of foes)
This verse is part of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11: Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga — The Universal Form, which contains 55 verses.
Explore related themes: vishwarupa (50 verses), surrender (23 verses)