In the Bhagavad-gita’s tenth chapter, Krishna lists his vibhutis (special manifestations) among various classes of beings. When he comes to the Pandavas as a class. Arjuna humbly expects Krishna to mention the first and most virtuous among the Pandavas, Yudhishthira. But Krishna names Arjuna instead. Why? Due to Arjuna’s special devotion. 

Arjuna’s devotion is highlighted through the Pandavas’ birth narrative given in the Mahabharata. Their father, Pandu, told his wife Kunti to use a mystical mantra that would invoke the gods and impregnate her with their seeds. Wanting virtue in his first son, he had Kunti invoke the god of virtue, Dharmaraja. Wanting might in his second son, he asked Kunti to invoke the mighty god of wind, Vayu. Recognizing that both virtue and might were subordinate to God’s grace, he desired a son who would be favored by the supreme divinity, Vishnu. Knowing that the king of gods, Indra, was frequently favored by Vishnu during cosmic conflicts among the gods and the demons, he sought a son from Indra. And thus was born Arjuna, whose hallmark was his special devotion to Vishnu in the form of Krishna. 

With his devotional expertise, Arjuna often brought a balance between the pacifist Yudhishthira and the bellicose Bhima. With his devotional intelligence, Arjuna chose Krishna instead of the vast Yadu army when forming an alliance with the Yadus. Due to his devotional thoughtfulness, Arjuna was chosen by Krishna to be his instrument for delivering the message of the Bhagavad-gita for the world’s benefit. Due to his devotional utilization of his peerless archery skills, Arjuna became Krishna’s primary instrument in the war for establishing dharma. 

No wonder Krishna mentioned Arjuna as his vibhuti among the Pandavas.

One-sentence summary:

Among the Pandavas, Krishna identifies himself with Arjuna due to the latter’s special devotion and devotional versatility in serving Krishna.

Think it over:

  • Whom did Arjuna expect Krishna to mention as his vibhuti among the Pandavas? Why?
  • How does the Pandavas’ birth narrative highlight Arjuna’s special position? 
  • How does Arjuna’s life reveal his devotional versatility? 

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10.37: Of the descendants of Vrishni I am Vasudeva, and of the Pandavas I am Arjuna. Of the sages I am Vyasa, and among great thinkers I am Ushana.

Why Krishna mentions Arjuna as his vibhuti among the Pandavas ,Bhagavad gita

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