अहमेवाक्षय: कालो धाताहं विश्वतोमुख: || 33||
akṣharāṇām a-kāro ’smi dvandvaḥ sāmāsikasya cha
aham evākṣhayaḥ kālo dhātāhaṁ viśhvato-mukhaḥ
akṣharāṇām — amongst all letters;
a-kāraḥ — the beginning letter “A”;
asmi — I am;
dvandvaḥ — the dual;
sāmāsikasya — amongst grammatical compounds;
cha — and;
aham — I;
eva — only;
akṣhayaḥ — endless;
kālaḥ — time;
dhātā — amongst the creators;
aham — I;
viśhwataḥ-mukhaḥ — Brahma
In this verse, Krishna is explaining some important aspects of his presence in the universe using very basic and relatable concepts. First, he says that he represents the letter ‘A.’ This might seem simple, but the letter ‘A’ is very special because it is the first letter of the Sanskrit alphabet, just like in English where ‘A’ is often the first letter in the alphabet. This means that ‘A’ symbolizes the beginning. Without this letter, we cannot form words or sounds in Sanskrit, making it essential for communication and language. So, in a way, Krishna is saying he is the foundation of all communication.
Next, Krishna mentions 'dvandva,' which refers to a specific kind of compound word made up of two parts. A simple example would be combining two names like 'Rama' and 'Krsna' into 'Rama-Krsna.' This shows how different things can be connected and represented together. By saying he represents dual words, Krishna highlights how he unites different aspects of life and creation. It emphasizes the idea of togetherness and unity in diversity.
He also declares himself as 'inexhaustible time.' This means that time itself is not limited; it always goes on. It reminds us that everything in our life happens within the realm of time, whether it's moments of joy or sadness. Krishna is saying he is part of this endless flow of time, which is crucial for our existence. Time never stops or gets used up; it just keeps moving forward.
Lastly, when Krishna refers to himself as 'Brahma,' he connects to the creator of everything. Brahma represents the ultimate force behind creation—the one who brings everything into existence. He is described as having countless faces that look in all directions, symbolizing that he is everywhere and knows everything. This shows Krishna’s infinite nature and how he is present in all aspects of life, seeing and understanding everything that happens.
Overall, this verse conveys that Krishna is the source of communication, the bond of unity, the endless flow of time, and the supreme creator who is everywhere. These fundamental concepts help us understand his divine nature and how intertwined he is with all that exists.