The Yoga of Divine Glories

Krishna reveals His supreme position: even the gods (sura-gaṇāḥ) and great sages (maharṣayaḥ) don't fully know His origin (prabhavam). 'Na me viduḥ'—they don't know My source. This isn't saying they're ignorant—it's showing Krishna's transcendence. 'Aham ādir hi'—I am indeed the beginning. He's the source (ādir) of all gods (devānām) and great sages (maharṣīṇām) 'sarvaśaḥ'—in all respects. This establishes Krishna's supreme position: everything that seems powerful or wise comes from Him. The gods worship Him, the sages seek Him, but they don't fully comprehend His origin because He IS the origin. This sets up the chapter's theme: recognizing that the best in each category—gods, sages, knowledge, power—comes from the Supreme.