As moths rush with great speed into a blazing fire to perish, even so, these creatures swiftly enter Your mouths to meet their doom.
Swallowing all the worlds on every side, You are seen devouring them with flaming mouths. Your effulgence fills the entire universe and burns it, O Vishnu.
Tell me who You are, of fearful form. I bow to You, O Supreme God; be merciful. I wish to understand You as the primal being, for I do not comprehend Your activity.
The Blessed Lord said: I am Time, the destroyer of the world, and I have come here to annihilate all people. Even without your participation, all the warriors will perish.
Therefore, arise, O Arjuna, and attain fame. Conquer your enemies and enjoy a flourishing kingdom. By Me, they have already been slain; be an instrument only.
Drona, Bhishma, Jayadratha, Karna, and other brave warriors have already been destroyed by Me. Kill them and do not fear. Fight, and you shall conquer your enemies in battle.
Sanjaya said: Having heard these words of Krishna, trembling and overwhelmed, Arjuna saluted Krishna with folded hands and spoke falteringly.