Chapter 10 Shloka 27
उच्चै: श्रवसमश्वानां विद्धि माममृतोद्भवम्।
ऐरावतं गजेन्द्राणां नराणां च नराधिपम्।।२७।।
The Lord says, O Arjuna!
Amongst horses know Me to be Uchchaishravas – born of the nectar of immortality; amongst the elephants I am Airavat and amongst men I am the king.
The Lord proclaims,
A. “Amongst horses I am the horse named Uchchaishravas.”
1. Uchchaishravas was born of the mythical churning of the ocean by the gods and the demons.
2. The divine power that springs from this churning of the divine and demonic attitudes can be likened to the supreme powers of Uchchaishravas. Astride this divine power, the devtas or gods ascend to the Supreme Abode.
This horse is symbolic of immense speed and strength. He soars over all hindrances and obstacles without even touching them. The mind, which is subservient to the truth-loving intellect, can be likened to Uchchaishravas.
B. Airavat – king of the elephants
The king of the elephants, Indra’s personal elephant, is named Airavat. Airavat too, is an offspring of the churning of the ocean by the gods and the demons.
Airavat was single-minded and unaffected by external adversity. Airavat is regarded as extremely powerful and an aide of the gods. The Lord says, “I am Airavat, the king of elephants.”
C. “Amongst men, I am the King.”
1. Kings should be the servitors of their subjects.
2. They are protectors of the dignity and values of society.
3. The king is the protector and provider for all his subjects.
4. He is the well-wisher of all his subjects and desires their advancement.
The Lord says, “Know Me to be that king of men.”