bṛihat-sāma tathā sāmnāṁ gāyatrī chhandasām aham
māsānāṁ mārga-śhīrṣho ’ham ṛitūnāṁ kusumākaraḥ
bṛihat-sāma — the Brihatsama;
tathā — also;
sāmnām — amongst the hymns in the Sama Veda;
gāyatrī — the Gayatri mantra;
chhandasām — amongst poetic meters;
aham — I;
māsānām — of the twelve months;
mārga-śhīrṣhaḥ — the month of November-December;
aham — I;
ṛitūnām — of all seasons;
kusuma-ākaraḥ — spring
In this verse, the Lord Krishna highlights a few key things that show his presence and significance in the world. First, he mentions two types of spiritual expressions: the Brhat-sama and the Gayatri mantra. The Brhat-sama is a beautiful song from the Sama Veda that is sung to praise Indra, who is the god of rain and storms. Think of it as a wonderful melody that is meant to honor this important deity. It reflects devotion, joy, and reverence, and it represents the beautiful and sacred side of spiritual practice.
Then, he talks about the Gayatri mantra. This is a very popular prayer in Hinduism that people chant every day, especially those who are learning and practicing spirituality. It’s known for its power and meaning, and it helps people connect with the divine. By mentioning the Gayatri mantra, Krishna emphasizes that in the realm of poetry, this verse stands out as particularly significant.
Next, he moves on to talk about time, specifically months and seasons. Here, he claims that among all the months, he is represented by November and December, which are special times of the year. This can be understood as winter months when people often come together, celebrate festivals, and reflect on the year that has gone by. It’s a time of transition and celebration.
When he talks about seasons, he identifies himself with spring. Spring is often associated with renewal, flowers blooming, and new beginnings. It’s a joyful season when life seems to awaken in nature, and everything feels fresh and beautiful. This connection to spring shows how important feelings of joy, growth, and beauty are in the grand scheme of life.
Overall, this verse portrays how Krishna, as the divine source, is present in various forms of worship, seasons, and times of the year. It emphasizes that he is a part of everything that brings beauty, joy, and celebration in life. This reminds us of the sacredness that can be found in music, poetry, time, and nature.