The eleventh chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is known as "Visvarupa Yoga" because it describes the "Visvarupa" or "Universal Form" of Lord Krishna. The term "Yoga" here refers to a path or discipline, and in this context, it signifies the revelation of Krishna's cosmic form to Arjuna as a means of spiritual enlightenment and realization.
In this chapter, Arjuna requests Krishna to show him His
divine, universal form. Krishna grants Arjuna divine vision (divya chakshu) to
perceive this form, which encompasses the entire universe and displays an
overwhelming and awe-inspiring vision of God's omnipresence, omnipotence, and
omniscience. This form is described as containing infinite faces, eyes, and
arms, representing all of creation, destruction, and existence within itself.
The key aspects of why this chapter is named Visvarupa Yoga
are:
- Revelation of the Universal Form: Arjuna witnesses Krishna's visvarupa, which reveals the entirety of the cosmos within Krishna, showing the interconnectedness and unity of all existence.
- Spiritual Realization: The vision serves as a profound spiritual experience for Arjuna, deepening his understanding of the nature of God, the universe, and his own place within it. This experience helps Arjuna transcend his doubts and fears, guiding him towards his duty (dharma) with a clearer, more enlightened perspective.
- Emphasis on Divine Power: The chapter emphasizes the supreme power and glory of Krishna as the ultimate reality and source of all creation. It reinforces the message that Krishna is not just a personal deity but the all-encompassing, infinite divine presence.
Thus, "Visvarupa Yoga" encapsulates the essence of
this chapter, where the vision of the universal form becomes a pivotal moment
of spiritual instruction and transformation for Arjuna, highlighting the path
to realizing the ultimate nature of divinity.