Shloka 10
The Universal Form (Virāṭ-Puruṣa): The Lord’s Entry into the Elements, the Devas, and the Origin of Varṇāśrama
स्मरन् विश्वसृजामीशो विज्ञापितमधोक्षज: । विराजमतपत्स्वेन तेजसैषां विवृत्तये ॥ १० ॥
smaran viśva-sṛjām īśo vijñāpitam adhokṣajaḥ virājam atapat svena tejasaiṣāṁ vivṛttaye
The Supreme Lord Adhokṣaja, the Supersoul of the demigods entrusted with building the cosmos, remembered their appeal; reflecting within Himself, He revealed the virāṭ form by His own effulgence for their understanding.
The impersonalists are captivated by the gigantic universal form of the Supreme. They think that the control behind this gigantic manifestation is an imagination. Intelligent persons, however, can estimate the value of the cause by observing the wonders of the effects. For example, the individual human body does not develop from the womb of the mother independently but because the living entity, the soul, is within the body. Without the living entity, a material body cannot automatically take shape or develop. When any material object displays development, it must be understood that there is a spiritual soul within the manifestation. The gigantic universe has developed gradually, just as the body of a child develops. The conception that the Transcendence enters within the universe is, therefore, logical. As the materialists cannot find the soul and the Supersoul within the heart, similarly, for want of sufficient knowledge, they cannot see that the Supreme Soul is the cause of the universe. The Lord is therefore described in the Vedic language as avāṅ-mānasa-gocaraḥ, beyond the conception of words and minds.
FAQs
This verse says the Lord empowered the Virāṭ with His own divine effulgence so that cosmic manifestation could unfold—showing the universe functions by His sanction and potency.
He is called Adhokṣaja because His nature and actions—such as energizing creation—are beyond the reach of material senses and can be known through revelation and devotion, not mere perception.
It encourages humility and dependence on the Divine: results come not only from effort, but from higher empowerment—so one should work responsibly while remembering and praying for the Lord’s guidance.