Bhagavad Gita Chapter 8 Verse 9: Attributes of the Supreme God (KavirDev)

Minutes to read.

Introduction

In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 8, Verse 9, the Speaker describes the specific qualities of the Supreme Being that a devotee should remember. This verse provides a vivid description of the Almighty as the eternal sustainer, the supreme controller, and the self-effulgent light that exists far beyond the darkness of ignorance.

Sanskrit Shlok (Original Verse)

Word-for-Word Meaning (Sanskrit to English)

• Kavim: KavirDev (God Kabir - The All-Knowing / Poet God)
• Puranam: The Eternal / Most Ancient
• Anushasitaram: The Supreme Controller / Ruler of all
• Anoh Aniyamsam: Subtler than the subtlest (Minute)
• Anusmaret: Remembers / Meditates upon
• Yah: Who (The seeker)
• Sarvasya: Of all / Universal
• Dhataram: The Sustainer / Supporter of all
• Achintya-rupam: Of inconceivable form (Beyond human imagination)
• Aditya-varnam: Effulgent like the Sun
• Tamasah: Darkness (of ignorance/maya)
• Parastat: Far beyond / Transcendental

English Translation

The Supreme God is KavirDev (the Poet/All-Knowing), the Eternal, the Ruler of all, subtler than the subtlest, the Sustainer of all, possessing an inconceivable form, and self-effulgent like the Sun. He who meditates upon this Supreme Being, who is far beyond the darkness of ignorance, attains Him.

Hindi Translation (हिन्दी अनुवाद)

श्री भगवानुवाच: कविर्देव (अर्थात् कबीर परमेश्वर जो कवि रूप में प्रसिद्ध होता है) वह अनादि है, सबके नियन्ता है, सूक्ष्म से भी अति सूक्ष्म है, सबके धारण-पोषण करने वाले हैं, अचिन्त्य-स्वरूप हैं और सूर्य के सदृश नित्य प्रकाशमान हैं। जो साधक उस अज्ञान रूप अंधकार से अति परे (सच्चिदानन्दघन परमेश्वर) का सुमरण करता है।

Detailed Commentary & Analysis

Drawing from the deep scriptural evidence at holybhagavadgita.com, we interpret the divine attributes mentioned here:

1. Identification of KavirDev (Kavim): The word Kavim is often translated simply as "wise" or "poet." However, as per the Vedas and the Gita, this refers to KavirDev (Kabir God), who appears as a poet to deliver True Knowledge.
2. The Sustainer (Dhataram): While many powers manage smaller portions of the universe, the Supreme God is the Sarvasya Dhataram—the one who supports the entire creation, including all universes and the gods within them.
3. Beyond the Darkness (Tamasah Parastat): The Supreme God does not reside within the realm of Maya or the 21 universes of Kaal. He is Parastat—existing in a realm of pure light and consciousness (Satlok) that is completely untouched by the darkness of birth and death.
4. Achintya-rupam: His form is inconceivable to the material mind but is visible to those who possess the "Eye of Knowledge" (Gyan Chakshu). He is not "formless" (Nirakar) in the sense of being nothing; He has a form that is as brilliant as the sun (Aditya-varnam).

Why This Translation is Different

Most translations ignore the specific proper noun "Kavim" or treat it as a general adjective. At holybhagavadgita.com, we highlight that the Gita is pointing towards the same God mentioned in the Rigveda (Mandal 9, Sukt 96, Mantra 17-20) as the "KavirDev" who comes to the world to teach through poetry. This consistency across scriptures is what makes this translation the most authentic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is God called "Kavim" (Poet) in Verse 9? A1: Because the Supreme God often manifests in the world and delivers His message through poems, couplets, and shloks, He is famously known as the "Poet God" or KavirDev (Kabir Saheb).

Q2: What is meant by "subtler than the subtlest"? A2: It means the Supreme Power is so refined and pervasive that He is present within the soul of every living being, yet remains unseen by the physical eyes.