Among the Daityas, I am Prahlada; among subduers, I am time; among beasts, I am the lion; and among birds, I am Garuda.
By identifying with Prahlada and the lion, Krishna links divinity with virtues like devotion and strength. This highlights his support for righteousness and his role as the source of courage and protection.
Of purifiers, I am the wind; of wielders of weapons, I am Rama; of fishes, I am the shark; and of flowing rivers, I am the Ganges.
Krishna’s association with the Ganges and the shark symbolizes purity and dominance. These connections portray him as the sustainer of life and natural forces, enriching the narrative of his divine immanence.
Of creations, I am the beginning and the end and also the middle, O Arjuna. Of sciences, I am the science of the self; and of debaters, I am the conclusive truth.
Krishna identifies himself with creation, knowledge, and time, illustrating his pervasive presence. This builds on Arjuna’s understanding of Krishna as both the initiator and sustainer of the universe.
Of letters, I am the letter A; and among compounds, I am the dual word. I am also inexhaustible time, and of creators, I am Brahma.
Krishna connects with foundational concepts like the letter A and inexhaustible time. This shloka emphasizes his role as the eternal basis of existence and the unfolding of reality.
I am all-devouring death, and I am the origin of all that will be born. Of feminine qualities, I am fame, fortune, speech, memory, intelligence, steadfastness, and patience.
Krishna identifies with both destructive forces like death and nurturing qualities like patience and forgiveness. This duality reflects his role as both the end and the sustenance of all life.
Of hymns in the Sama Veda, I am Brihat-sama; of poetry, I am the Gayatri; of months, I am Margashirsha; and of seasons, I am the flowery spring.
Krishna’s connection with sacred hymns and spring highlights his association with renewal and inspiration. This shloka encourages Arjuna to see divinity in cyclical creation and creative expression.
I am the gambling of cheats, and of the splendid, I am the splendor. I am victory, I am perseverance, and I am the goodness of the virtuous.
Krishna’s identification with victory and brilliance emphasizes his role in inspiring excellence and determination. This resonates with Arjuna’s need to channel divine energy for righteous action.