Madhvacharya's Dvaita Vedanta and translation of Sarvamoola containing Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and Brahmasutra.

Bhagavad Gīta Bhāshya and Tātparya

B.G 11.31

Declare to me — who are you, O fierce one? Salutations to you, O best of gods, be gracious. I wish to know you as the primordial being, for I do not indeed know your origin or nature.

Gīta Bhāshya 11.31

The question “Who are you?” in the context is asked to know various other aspects of the supreme being. It does not mean Arjuna is completely ignorant of the Lord's significance, as he is addressed as 'O Viṣṇu' (in verse 30).

He asks “Who are you?” only for the sake of knowing another aspect of the nature. Just as someone, even knowing a name or the like, may ask “Who are you?” to know the class or nature. If he did not know him at all, then the address “O Viṣṇu” would not apply. And likewise the statement “You are the imperishable” and so on.

Gīta Tātparya 11.31

The question is in regard to specific qualities and actions concerning Lord Viṣṇu.

The question concerns only specific qualities and actions, as inferred from the address "O Viṣṇu".

बहुचित्रजगद्बहुधाकरणात् परशक्तिरनन्तगुणः परमः ।
सुखरूपममुष्य पदं परमं स्मरतस्तु भविष्यति तत्सततम् ॥
"The one who has created this variegated vast universe with varied forms has infinite power and is of infinite auspicious qualities. He certainly bestows the highest state of bliss to those who meditate on his ever happy essence." -Dwādasha stōtra 4.3

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