Gyaneshwari -Sant Gyaneshwar
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Chapter-11
The Universal Form
The blessed Lord said: 32. Time I am, ripe to destroy the world, set out to annihilate the creatures. Of all the warriors ranged here for fight, none excepting you, will survive; I am, indeed, the Destroyer and I am growing up to annihilate the world. My mouths have spread everywhere and I am going to swallow all the worlds. Hearing this, Arjuna said to himself, “Alas, in order to escape from the disaster (of extinction of my race), I prayed to Lord Krishna to show me his universal form, but he revealed this dreadful form.” But anticipating that his harsh speech would cause anguish and distress to him, Lord Krishna said, “O Arjuna, there is another thing. All of you, Pandavas, will survive this universal destruction.” Hearing these words, Arjuna got a fresh lease of life, which was almost on the point of breathing its last. Arjuna, who was caught in the grip of Death, the Ravager, came to his senses and began to listen to the Lord with attention (451-455). The Lord said at that time: O Arjuna, keep in mind that you Pandavas are dear to me, so I am going to swallow all the rest. Like a lump of butter fallen into the gigantic fire of lightning, the universe as you saw, entered into my mouth; Nothing of it will survive this holocaust. The armies are vainly indulging in empty chatter. The warriors, who have assembled here, are boasting of their valour and saying that their army of elephants surpasses god of death in destruction. On the strength of their four-limbed army, they are puffed up with the pride of their prowess and vying with the Destroyer. They are bragging that they would create a new world, slay Death himself with a wager and drink the world in a single draught (456-460), that they would gulp down this whole universe, set fire to the firmament and nail the wind down to one spot by an arrow. Forming gangs of armed warriors, they are growling and vaunting the valour of their elephant-army as deadlier than even the god of death. Their words are sharper than weapons, fiercer than fire and are so destructive that in comparison even the deadliest poison would taste sweet. But these warriors are like imaginary castles in the cloud-land, rolls of void or fruits painted on canvas. It is not a real army facing you, but it is like a mirage in floods, a snake made of rags or a show of decorated puppets (461-465).
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