अर्जुन उवाच
अपरं भवतो जन्म परं जन्म विवस्वतः।
कथमेतद्विजानीयां त्वमादौ प्रोक्तवानिति।।4.4।।
।।4.4।। अर्जुन ने कहा आपका जन्म अपर अर्थात् पश्चात का है और विवस्वान् का जन्म (आपके) पूर्व का है इसलिये यह मैं कैसे जानूँ कि (सृष्टि के) आदि में आपने (इस योग को) कहा था
This question is asked in relation to Lord Krishnas earlier declaration in chapter III.XXX mayi sarvani karmani meaning to offer all activities to Him. Now begins the summation. The purpose of inquiry from men of wisdom as given in the Agni Purana has a dual purpose. First is reconfirmation of the knowledge of eternal principles that they already possess. Second is that their explanations offer additional clarification. In this same way these questions asked to Lord Krishna should be understood in this manner. One should be aware that Arjuna was not a novice bereft of Vedic knowledge, he had been to the heavenly planets and had received instuctions from his father Indra the chief of the celestials. He also had never broken his vows and was never defeated in battle. So he was not an ordinary being and was somewhat cognizant of Lord Krishna supreme position.
