ādityānām ahaṁ viṣhṇur jyotiṣhāṁ ravir anśhumān
marīchir marutām asmi nakṣhatrāṇām ahaṁ śhaśhī
ādityānām — amongst the twelve sons of Aditi;
aham — I;
viṣhṇuḥ — Lord Vishnu;
jyotiṣhām — amongst luminous objects;
raviḥ — the sun;
anśhu-mān — radiant;
marīchiḥ — Marichi;
marutām — of the Maruts;
asmi — (I) am;
nakṣhatrāṇām — amongst the stars;
aham — I;
śhaśhī — the moon
In this verse, Krishna is explaining how he represents different important aspects in the universe. Let's break it down in simple terms:
1. **Adityas**: The Adityas are twelve solar deities, and amongst them, Krishna identifies himself as Lord Vishnu. This means that he is the most significant one among these sun gods. Think of it as Krishna being the main leader of the sun gods, just like a president among many leaders.
2. **Radiant Sun**: Krishna points out that when it comes to all the sources of light in the world, he is the sun. The sun is crucial for life; it gives us light and warmth. Without the sun, there would be no life on Earth. In this way, saying he is the sun shows his importance as a source of energy and vitality. Also, in some spiritual texts, the sun is described as one of Krishna’s eyes, which indicates his watchful presence and guidance over the universe.
3. **Marici of the Maruts**: Marici is a deity associated with light and brightness, and he belongs to a group called the Maruts, the wind gods. By calling himself Marici, Krishna is highlighting his role in the natural forces of the world. It’s like saying he is responsible for good weather and pleasant conditions, making life better for everyone.
4. **The Moon**: Among all the stars that light up the night sky, Krishna says he is the moon. The moon has a special place in our hearts; it brings beauty and calmness to the night. Just like how people enjoy looking at the moon, Krishna’s identification with the moon symbolizes peace and tranquility. He is not just a source of light, but also a source of comfort and joy, especially during the night.
Overall, Krishna is saying that he embodies key aspects of the universe that are essential for life and well-being. By using familiar symbols like the sun, moon, and important deities, he's making it clear that he is everywhere and in everything that is vital to life. This verse reminds us to see the divine in the natural world around us and recognize that these cosmic elements are not just mere objects but representations of a higher power.