Chapter 10, Verse 33
अक्षराणामकारोऽस्मि द्वन्द्व: सामासिकस्य च | अहमेवाक्षय: कालो धाताहं विश्वतोमुख: ॥33॥
akṣarāṇām akāro ’smi dvandvaḥ sāmāsikasya ca | aham evākṣayaḥ kālo dhātāhaṃ viśvatomukhaḥ
"Of the letters I am the letter 'A', and of the group of compound words I am the 'Dvandva' (dual) compound. I Myself am the infinite time; I am the Dispenser/Creator with faces in all directions."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 10.33 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 10.33 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Lord Krishna identifies Himself with the most fundamental and supreme elements of language and existence. The letter 'A' (Akara) is the primordial sound that permeates all other letters in Sanskrit. In grammar, 'Dvandva' is the only compound where both elements retain equal importance, symbolizing divine balance. By calling Himself 'Akshaya Kala' (Indestructible Time), He distinguishes Himself from 'Khanda Kala' (segmental time), and as 'Vishvatomukhah', He represents the all-seeing, all-pervading intelligence of the Creator (Brahma) who sustains the universe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 10.33?
Of the letters I am the letter 'A', and of the group of compound words I am the 'Dvandva' (dual) compound. I Myself am the infinite time; I am the Dispenser/Creator with faces in all directions.