Chapter 10, Verse 30 (Bhagavad Gita 10.30)
Chapter 10: Vibhūti Yog – Yoga through Appreciating the Infinite Opulences of God
Sanskrit Shloka
प्रह्लादश्चास्मि दैत्यानां कालः कलयतामहम्। मृगाणां च मृगेन्द्रोऽहं वैनतेयश्च पक्षिणाम्
Transliteration
prahlādaśh chāsmi daityānāṁ kālaḥ kalayatām aham mṛigāṇāṁ cha mṛigendro ’haṁ vainateyaśh cha pakṣhiṇām
Word Meanings
prahlādaḥ—Prahlad; cha—and; asmi—I am; daityānām—of the demons; kālaḥ—time; kalayatām—of all that controls; aham—I; mṛigāṇām—amongst animals; cha—and; mṛiga-indraḥ—the lion; aham—I; vainateyaḥ—Garud; cha—and; pakṣhiṇām—amongst birds
Translation
I am Prahlada among the demons, and I am Time among the reckoners; among beasts I am the lion, and I am Vainateya (Garuda) among birds.
Meaning & Commentary
In this verse, Bhagwan Shri Krishna reveals that His divine presence permeates every aspect of creation, even manifesting in those who seem opposed to righteousness. By identifying as Prahlada, the Lord shows that even within the demonic nature, the purity of devotion can flourish as His own essence. He declares Himself as Time, the unstoppable force that governs all transformation, reminding the seeker that every moment is an opportunity to recognize Him. Through these examples of majesty, Shri Krishna invites the soul to look past the material facade of the world and perceive the Supreme Divine as the underlying source of all strength and beauty. By realizing this, a devotee attains liberation, finding the Lord in every creature and every circumstance.