Shloka 2
Chapter 40: Śiva in Kirāta Disguise Tests Arjuna
Mūka-vadha and the Contest
त्वयि वा परमं तेजो विष्णौ वा पुरुषोत्तमे । युवाभ्यां पुरुषाग्रयाभ्यां तेजसा धार्यते जगत्,तुममें अथवा पुरुषोत्तम भगवान् विष्णुमें उत्कृष्ट तेज है। तुम दोनों पुरुषरत्नोंने अपने तेजसे इस सम्पूर्ण जगत्को धारण कर रखा है
tvayi vā paramaṁ tejo viṣṇau vā puruṣottame | yuvābhyāṁ puruṣāgrayābhyāṁ tejasā dhāryate jagat ||
The god of gods said: “Whether the supreme radiance abides in you, or in Viṣṇu, the highest Person—by the splendor of you two, the foremost among men, this entire world is upheld.” The statement frames cosmic order as sustained by divine excellence and righteous power, implying that true greatness bears the responsibility of supporting the world rather than merely dominating it.
देवदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Supreme spiritual radiance (tejas) is not merely a mark of divinity or greatness; it functions as a sustaining force for the world. The verse links excellence with the ethical duty to uphold order (dharma) and protect the cosmos and society.
A divine speaker (Devadeva) addresses a supreme figure identified with Viṣṇu/Puruṣottama, praising the incomparable tejas present in him (and possibly another exalted person) and declaring that the world is upheld by the power of these foremost beings.