Chapter 10 Verse 21
Vibhūti Yog
आदित्यानामहं विष्णुर्ज्योतिषां रविरंशुमान्। मरीचिर्मरुतामस्मि नक्षत्राणामहं शशी।।10.21।।
ādityānām ahaṁ viṣhṇur jyotiṣhāṁ ravir anśhumān marīchir marutām asmi nakṣhatrāṇām ahaṁ śhaśhī
Word Meanings
| ādityānām | amongst the twelve sons of Aditi |
| aham | I |
| viṣhṇuḥ | Lord Vishnu |
| jyotiṣhām | amongst luminous objects |
| raviḥ | the sun |
| anśhu-mān | radiant |
| marīchiḥ | Marichi |
| marutām | of the Maruts |
| asmi | (I) am |
| nakṣhatrāṇām | amongst the stars |
| aham | I |
| śhaśhī | the moon |
Translation
Among the twelve Adityas, I am Vishnu; among luminaries, the radiant sun; among the seven or forty-nine Maruts, I am Marichi; among stars, I am the moon.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse names the Divine as the highest expression within different groups: Vishnu among the Adityas, the sun among lights, Marichi among the Maruts, and the moon among stars. It points to one source that shines as the best or most essential quality in many forms.
Spiritually, it teaches unity behind diversity. The same inner presence appears in many ways — as power, light, or beauty — and is the guiding excellence in each realm.
The verse invites us to see the sacred in ordinary things. Recognizing the Divine as the best in every category helps us respect life and find meaning in everyday encounters.
Life Application
- Notice and honor the best quality in people and things. When you admire someone, try to learn that quality rather than envy it.
- Begin and end your day with a small practice (a short gratitude pause or breath) to connect with the inner light the verse points to.
- When making choices, ask which option reflects the highest value or good in the situation, and act from that perspective.
Reflection Question
Where do you see the highest, most life-giving quality showing up in your day today?