
Chapter 10 Verse 24
Vibhūti Yog
पुरोधसां च मुख्यं मां विद्धि पार्थ बृहस्पतिम्। सेनानीनामहं स्कन्दः सरसामस्मि सागरः।।10.24।।
purodhasāṁ cha mukhyaṁ māṁ viddhi pārtha bṛihaspatim senānīnām ahaṁ skandaḥ sarasām asmi sāgaraḥ
Word Meanings
| purodhasām | amongst priests |
| cha | and |
| mukhyam | the chiefs |
| mām | me |
| viddhi | know |
| pārtha | Arjun, the son of Pritha |
| bṛihaspatim | Brihaspati |
| senānīnām | warrior chief |
| aham | I |
| skandaḥ | Kartikeya |
| sarasām | amongst reservoirs of water |
| asmi | I am |
| sāgaraḥ | the ocean |
Translation
And, among the household priests of kings, O Arjuna, know Me to be the chief, Brihaspati; among the army generals, I am Skanda; among lakes, I am the ocean.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Here Krishna points to Himself as the highest example in different fields: as Brihaspati He is the supreme teacher, as Skanda He is the supreme warrior, and as the ocean He is the deepest of waters. The verse shows that the divine expresses itself as the best quality in every role.
Philosophically, this teaches unity behind diversity. Every good quality — wisdom, courage, depth — comes from the same source. Seeing excellence as a reflection of the divine helps us value qualities rather than getting lost in outer labels.
It also asks us to model our life on those higher qualities. We should learn from true teachers, act with brave and right action when needed, and cultivate inner depth and calm like an ocean.
Life Application
- Respect and learn from people who show real virtues (teachers, leaders); focus on their wisdom and character rather than status.
- In challenges, act with steady courage and duty like a warrior, but guided by wisdom.
- Build inner depth by regular quiet time, honest self-reflection, and keeping a broad perspective when emotions rise.
Reflection Question
Which quality (wisdom, courage, or inner depth) do I need to bring forward most in my life today?

