अक्षराणामकारोऽस्मि द्वन्द्वः सामासिकस्य च। अहमेवाक्षयः कालो धाताऽहं विश्वतोमुखः।।10.33।।
akṣarāṇām akāro'smi dvandvaḥ sāmāsikasya ca | aham eva akṣayaḥ kālaḥ dhātā aham viśvataḥ‑mukhaḥ
Translation
I am the first letter ‘A’ among all letters; I am the dual word in compounds. I am the inexhaustible Time, and among creators I am Brahma.
Word Meanings
akṣarāṇām — of letters; akāraḥ — the first letter; asmi — I am; dvandvaḥ — the dual; sāmāsikasya — of compounds; ca — and; aham — I am; eva — certainly; akṣayaḥ — eternal; kālaḥ — time; dhātā — the creator; viśvataḥ‑mukhaḥ — Brahmā
Understanding the Verse
In this concise yet profound declaration, Lord Krishna enumerates several of His divine aspects that pervade the material and spiritual realms. The first attribute, "akṣarāṇām akāraḥ," identifies the Supreme as the primordial vowel ‘A’, the source of all phonetic expression in Sanskrit. The sound ‘A’ is the seed of all other sounds, symbolizing the genesis of creation and the vibrational foundation of existence. By claiming to be this primal syllable, Krishna underscores His role as the originator of all manifested forms and the subtle energy that underlies every mantra and utterance.
The next designation, "dvandvaḥ sāmāsikasya ca," refers to the dual (dvandva) and the compound (sāmāsika) forms in grammar. These linguistic constructs represent multiplicity and unity, reflecting how the divine can manifest as many yet remain indivisible. The dual word signifies the pairwise nature of existence—such as matter and consciousness, male and female—while the compound illustrates the integration of diverse qualities into a single, coherent entity. Thus, Krishna conveys His transcendence over the apparent dualities of the world, embodying both the diversity of forms and the underlying oneness.
The verse proceeds with "aham eva akṣayaḥ kālaḥ," proclaiming the Supreme as "akṣayaḥ" (eternal) and "kālaḥ" (time). Time is usually perceived as a linear, relentless force that consumes all things. By identifying Himself as the eternal Time, Krishna reveals that He is not subject to temporal decay; rather, He is the timeless principle that governs the flow of past, present, and future. This attribute assures devotees that the divine order is immutable and that every occurrence is part of a larger, divine chronology that He orchestrates.
Finally, "dhātā aham viśvataḥ‑mukhaḥ" translates to "I am the creator, the face of the universe." Here, "dhātā" emphasizes the role of the Supreme as the ultimate source of all life, sustenance, and transformation, while "viśvataḥ‑mukhaḥ" (face of the whole) signifies that He pervades every corner of creation, visible and invisible alike. This comprehensive presence reassures practitioners that the divine is intimately involved in every aspect of existence, fostering a sense of intimate connection and reverence. Collectively, these attributes illuminate Krishna's omnipresence, omnipotence, and omniscience, encouraging seekers to recognize the divine in every sound, word, moment, and being. The verse thus serves as both a theological statement and a meditative focus, inviting contemplation on the all‑encompassing nature of the Supreme Reality.
