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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11 Verse 38 Meaning in Hindi & English

By Lakshay Sharma | On 16 July, 2026 | Views

Bhagavad Gita 11.38 – Sanskrit Shlok & Transliteration

Sanskrit Shlok

त्वमादिदेवः पुरुषः पुराणस् त्वमस्य विश्वस्य परं निधानम्। वेत्तासि वेद्यं च परं च धाम त्वया ततं विश्वमनन्तरूप ॥ ३८ ॥

Shlok in Hinglish

Tvam Adi Devah Purushah Puranas Tvam Asya Vishvasya Param Nidhanam Vettasi Vedyam Cha Param Cha Dhama Tvaya Tatam Vishvam Ananta Rupa

English Transliteration

tvam ādi-devaḥ puruṣhaḥ purāṇas tvam asya viśvasya paraṁ nidhānam vettāsi vedyaṁ cha paraṁ cha dhāma tvayā tataṁ viśvam ananta-rūpa

Word-by-Word Meaning (शब्दार्थ)

Sanskrit Word	Hindi Meaning	English Meaning
त्वम् (Tvam)	आप	You
आदिदेवः (Adi Deva)	आदि देव	Original God
पुरुषः (Purushah)	पुरुष	Supreme Person
पुराणः (Puranah)	सनातन	Eternal
अस्य (Asya)	इस	Of This
विश्वस्य (Vishvasya)	विश्व का	Of the Universe
परम् (Param)	सर्वोच्च	Supreme
निधानम् (Nidhanam)	आश्रय	Refuge / Resting Place
वेत्ता (Vetta)	जानने वाले	Knower
वेद्यम् (Vedyam)	जानने योग्य	That Which Is to Be Known
धाम (Dhama)	परम धाम	Supreme Abode
त्वया (Tvaya)	आपके द्वारा	By You
ततम् (Tatam)	व्याप्त	Pervaded
विश्वम् (Vishvam)	सम्पूर्ण जगत	Entire Universe
अनन्तरूप (Ananta Rupa)	अनंत स्वरूप	Infinite Form

Verse Meaning (अनुवाद)

Hindi Meaning (हिंदी अनुवाद)

अर्जुन कहते हैं—

"आप आदि देव, सनातन पुरुष और इस सम्पूर्ण विश्व के परम आश्रय हैं। आप सब कुछ जानने वाले हैं, जानने योग्य परम सत्य हैं और परम धाम भी हैं। हे अनन्त स्वरूप! सम्पूर्ण विश्व आपसे ही व्याप्त है।"

English Meaning

Arjuna said:

"You are the Original God, the Eternal Supreme Person, and the supreme refuge of this universe. You are the knower, the object of knowledge, and the supreme abode. O Infinite Lord, You pervade the entire universe."

Deep Insights & Philosophical Context

1. Adi Deva – The Original God

Arjuna calls Krishna Adi Deva, meaning the Original Divine Being.

This signifies that Krishna is not created by anyone else. He is the eternal source from whom all divine manifestations arise.

2. Purusha Purana – The Eternal Person

The title Purusha Purana refers to the timeless Supreme Person who exists before creation, throughout creation, and beyond creation.

Unlike material beings, Krishna is never born nor subject to decay.

3. The Supreme Refuge

Arjuna describes Krishna as the Param Nidhanam—the ultimate refuge.

Everything in the universe depends upon Him for existence, support, and final rest.

Just as rivers ultimately merge into the ocean, all souls ultimately find their fulfillment in the Supreme Lord.

4. The Knower and the Known

One of the deepest philosophical teachings of this verse is that Krishna is both:

Vetta — the One who knows everything.
Vedyam — the One who is the ultimate object of all knowledge.

All genuine spiritual study ultimately points toward realizing the Supreme.

5. The Supreme Abode

Krishna is not only the destination of the soul but also the eternal spiritual reality beyond birth and death.

The highest peace is found not in temporary achievements but in abiding in Him.

6. God Pervades Everything

Arjuna says the entire universe is permeated by Krishna.

This does not mean that God is limited to the universe, but that His presence sustains every aspect of creation while He simultaneously transcends it.

7. Knowledge Leads to Devotion

As Arjuna's understanding grows, so does his devotion.

The Bhagavad Gita consistently teaches that true knowledge and loving devotion are complementary, not separate.

Life Lessons from Bhagavad Gita 11.38

1. Seek Lasting Truth

Temporary achievements cannot satisfy the deepest longing of the soul.

Modern Takeaway

Invest in spiritual growth alongside personal success.

2. Make God Your Refuge

Turn to the Divine in both joyful and difficult moments.

Modern Takeaway

Build a daily habit of prayer and reflection.

3. Never Stop Learning

Spiritual wisdom grows through continuous study and practice.

Modern Takeaway

Read a small portion of the Bhagavad Gita every day.

4. See God's Presence Everywhere

Recognizing the Divine in creation inspires compassion and respect.

Modern Takeaway

Treat people and nature with kindness and gratitude.

Modern-Day Relevance

Modern life often encourages us to search endlessly for success, recognition, and material comfort. While these goals have value, Bhagavad Gita 11.38 reminds us that lasting fulfillment comes only from connecting with the eternal source of life. No amount of external achievement can replace the inner peace that arises from knowing God as our ultimate refuge.

This verse also encourages us to unite knowledge with devotion. Information alone cannot transform the heart, but wisdom guided by humility and love can. Whether we are students, professionals, parents, or seekers, remembering that the Supreme Lord is both the source and the goal of our journey helps us live with greater purpose, gratitude, and peace.

Practical Example

Imagine the sun shining over the entire earth.

Its light reaches mountains, oceans, forests, and cities alike, sustaining countless forms of life.

Similarly, the presence of the Supreme Lord pervades the entire universe, sustaining every living being while remaining infinitely greater than creation itself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the main teaching of Bhagavad Gita 11.38?

Ans: The verse teaches that Krishna is the Original God, the Eternal Supreme Person, the source of all knowledge, the supreme refuge, and the One who pervades the entire universe.

Q2. What does "Adi Deva" mean?

Ans: "Adi Deva" means the Original God or the primordial Divine Being from whom all creation and all divine manifestations originate.

Q3. Why is Krishna called both the Knower and the Known?

Ans: Krishna possesses perfect knowledge of everything and is also the highest truth that all spiritual knowledge ultimately seeks to realize.

Q4. What is meant by "Param Nidhanam"?

Ans: It means the Supreme Refuge or ultimate resting place in whom the entire universe exists and to whom all souls ultimately return.

Q5. How can we apply Bhagavad Gita 11.38 today?

Ans: By seeking spiritual wisdom, making God our refuge, balancing worldly responsibilities with devotion, and recognizing the Divine presence in all aspects of life.

Practical Applications of Bhagavad Gita 11.38

Build a Daily Spiritual Routine

Set aside time each day for prayer, meditation, or scripture study.

Seek Wisdom Beyond Information

Focus on understanding eternal values, not just accumulating knowledge.

Practice Gratitude

Recognize God's presence in everyday blessings.

Live with Compassion

Treat every person with respect, remembering that the Divine pervades all creation.

Ask Yourself

What is the true foundation of my life?
Do I seek knowledge that brings me closer to God?
How can I make the Supreme Lord my daily refuge?
Am I living with awareness of the Divine presence around me?

Related Verses to Explore Next

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11 Verse 39 – Arjuna continues praising Krishna as Vayu, Yama, Agni, Varuna, the Moon, Brahma, and the father of all beings, recognizing Him as the source of every divine power.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 10 Verse 8 – Krishna declares Himself to be the source of everything that exists.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Verse 19 – After many lifetimes, the wise surrender to Krishna, realizing that He is everything.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verse 15 – Krishna reveals that all knowledge, memory, and understanding originate from Him.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18 Verse 66 – Complete surrender to the Supreme Lord leads to liberation and everlasting peace.

Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11 Verse 38 represents one of Arjuna's highest declarations of devotion and realization. Having witnessed Lord Krishna's Universal Form, he recognizes Him as the Original God, the Eternal Supreme Person, the ultimate refuge of the universe, the Knower, the supreme object of knowledge, and the highest abode of all existence. Arjuna understands that the entire universe is sustained and pervaded by the infinite presence of the Supreme Lord, who alone remains eternal beyond the changing world.

For modern readers, this verse offers a timeless reminder that true fulfillment comes from seeking the eternal rather than becoming absorbed only in temporary achievements. By making God our refuge, deepening our understanding through sincere study, and cultivating devotion in daily life, we discover a source of peace that no external circumstance can take away. Like Arjuna, when we recognize the Supreme Lord as both the beginning and the destination of our spiritual journey, our lives become rooted in gratitude, purpose, wisdom, and unwavering faith.

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Lakshay Sharma

I’m Lakshay Sharma, a writer with a deep passion for Hindu mythology, Vastu Shastra, and home interiors. I enjoy exploring the rich traditions of Hindu gods and goddesses, sharing insights into Vastu principles, and offering guidance on creating sacred spaces like Puja Mandirs. Through my writing, I aim to inspire harmony and spiritual well-being, blending traditional knowledge with modern perspectives.

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