Awe should become humility.
Sanjaya narrates to King Dhritarashtra
ततः स विस्मयाविष्टो हृष्टरोमा धनञ्जयः |प्रणम्य शिरसा देवं कृताञ्जलिरभाषत ||११-१४||
tataḥ sa vismayāviṣṭo hṛṣṭaromā dhanañjayaḥ . praṇamya śirasā devaṃ kṛtāñjalirabhāṣata ||11-14||
Use this verse after a powerful spiritual experience.
Meaning
Then Arjuna, filled with wonder and with hair standing on end, bowed his head to the Divine and spoke with folded hands.
Translation: Gita Guidance (original English rendering).
In plain words
Arjuna’s response is awe, humility, and reverence.
Word-by-word meaning
Tap a word to see its meaning.
Explanation
Real spiritual vision changes posture. Arjuna does not analyze first; he bows. This verse teaches that awe should lead to humility, not spiritual ego.
Read the traditional commentary
Arjuna's whole body responds before his words do. He is vismaya-avista, overwhelmed with wonder, and hrsta-roma — the hair of his body stands erect. This physical thrill is described in the scriptures as a sign of intense spiritual emotion, the soul stirred beyond what the mind can contain.
His gestures are those of the worshipper: he bows his head and joins his palms before speaking. Moments earlier, Arjuna addressed Krishna as his friend and charioteer; now reverence overtakes familiarity. The encounter with the infinite naturally draws the self into humility and praise.
There is deep instruction here about how genuine spiritual experience touches us. It is not merely an idea grasped by the intellect — it moves the body, silences the chatter of the mind, and bends the proud head. Before Arjuna can frame a single sentence, awe has already brought him to his knees.
In daily life
When you feel wonder, respond with gratitude and reverence.
A person moved by a sacred experience may bow, pray, or silently thank Krishna.
Try this today
After one meaningful moment, pause and give thanks.
I bow before Krishna’s greatness.Reflect
Does wonder make me humble or proud?
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Quick check
What does ‘धनञ्जयः’ mean in this verse?
The Gita on wonder, in other chapters
- Verse 18.77 · SanjayaRemembering the majesty of the Divine fills the heart with wonder and recurring joy.
- Verse 9.11Do not judge the sacred by its outward appearance; the divine often comes clothed in the humble and ordinary.
- Verse 10.2The Divine source of all things cannot be fully grasped by the mind — true knowledge begins in humble reverence.
- Verse 12.13True devotion shows itself as freedom from ego and warmth toward every living being.
Swipe left for 11.15 · All sacred orders are contained in Krishna.
Questions about Bhagavad Gita 11.14
Who says Bhagavad Gita 11.14, and to whom?
Sanjaya narrates to King Dhritarashtra in verse 11.14, in Chapter 11, Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga (Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga).
What does Bhagavad Gita 11.14 mean?
Then Arjuna, filled with wonder and with hair standing on end, bowed his head to the Divine and spoke with folded hands. (Translation: Gita Guidance (original English rendering).)
What is the lesson of Bhagavad Gita 11.14 for daily life?
When you feel wonder, respond with gratitude and reverence. A person moved by a sacred experience may bow, pray, or silently thank Krishna.
What do the Sanskrit words in Bhagavad Gita 11.14 mean?
ततः — then; सः विस्मयाविष्टः — he, filled with wonder / amazement; हृष्टरोमा — with hair standing on end; धनञ्जयः — Arjuna (winner of wealth); प्रणम्य शिरसा — bowing down with the head.
Where does verse 11.14 come in the Bhagavad Gita?
It is verse 14 of 55 in Chapter 11, Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga. The next verse is 11.15.