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Verse 9.18

Speaker: Krishna

Sanskrit

गतिर्भर्ता प्रभुः साक्षी निवासः शरणं सुहृत् | प्रभवः प्रलयः स्थानं निधानं बीजमव्ययम् ||१८||

Transliteration (IAST)

gatir bhartā prabhuḥ sākṣī nivāsaḥ śaraṇaṁ suhṛt prabhavaḥ pralayaḥ sthānaṁ nidhānaṁ bījam avyayam

Word-by-Word Meanings

gatiḥ-goal/destination
bhartā-sustainer
prabhuḥ-Lord
sākṣī-witness
śaraṇam-refuge
suhṛt-well-wisher/friend
bījam avyayam-imperishable seed

Translation

I am the goal, the sustainer, the master, the witness, the abode, the refuge, and the dearest friend. I am the creation, the dissolution, the foundation, the resting place, and the imperishable seed.

Commentary

This verse is a cascade of divine attributes - twelve in total - covering every possible relationship between God and creation. The term 'suhṛt' (selfless friend) is particularly significant, indicating God's unconditional goodwill toward all beings without expectation of return.

Themes

bhaktisurrenderatman