Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 10: The Divine Glories

Bhagavad Gita 10.27

uccaiḥśravasamaśvānāṃ viddhi māmamṛtodbhavam | airāvataṃ gajendrāṇāṃ narāṇāṃ ca narādhipam ||

Among horses know me to be Ucchaihshravas, born of the nectar of immortality; among lordly elephants, Airavata; and among men, the king.

Modern context

Among horses, the white horse that rose from the churning of the ocean; among elephants, Indra's white elephant; among people, the king. These are images of nobility and service. The horse and the elephant carry others; the true king protects and serves his people. The verse suggests that greatness is not about being served but about carrying a burden well for others.