Krishnayana – 6

• Anugraha : Paramapoojya Shri Vidyadheesha Teertha Shripadaru
• Compilation: Krishna Sakha, Mudarangadi
• Translation : Sudheendhra Putty, Secunderabad

Shukacharya was cognizant of the fact that Sri Krishna had the innate ability to cause complete annihilation. It is generally understood that Rudra is the destroyer. While at one level this is true, the fact is that the Almighty Sri Krishna alone independently destroys or annihilates all and this power or ability is discerned as one of His extraordinary facets. The scriptural adumbration of Swakaalashaktya is an adjective that adorns Sri Krishna and the Srimad Bhagawata reiterates the same.

The word kaala is derived from and has its verbal roots in the term kala. In this context, it is an allusion to destruction or swallowing in totality (kala samhaare). The name kaala is a reference to Sri Krishna and hence, He is the one who swallows all.

As it is He who destroys and swallows everything at the time of total annihilation, the name Kaala is apt for him. Sarvam Kalayateeti Kaalah – this is a statement averred by Sri Krishna himself while expatiating on one of His aspects. Ahamevaakshayah Kaalah – Sri Krishna states, ‘I am the indestructible (inexhaustible) and by being within Kaala, oversee annihilation’. It is pertinent to note the use of eva in Ahameva whereby Krishna presents Himself as the ‘destroyer in chief’ and that there is no other force but Himself that discharges the said activity. This emphasises the limited role of Rudra, Yama, et al who merely essay the role of slayers; He is the innate and ultimate slayer of all. He permeates, and, is indeed the real force within even Rudra and Yama in the process of slaying. Further, in the very next sloka, Sri Krishna states, Mrutyu sarvaharaschaaham¬ – ‘It is me who is the Lord of Death and I slay everything’. The above contemplations emanating from the Bhagawad Gita make it abundantly clear that it is Sri Krishna who independently destroys and overwhelms all.

Vasudeva sings paeans to Sri Krishna when He is born. In the course of the prayer, Vasudeva says, ‘you are the one who is going to destroy and slay millions of armies of wicked people’. rajanyasamjnasurakotiyodhapai nirvuhyamaanaam niha nishyase chamoom may be noted.

Later, on the battlefield while presenting His vishwaroopa or form of the omniscient Supreme Being to Arjuna, Sri Krishna avers that He is the one who assumes the form of Kaalapurusha to subsume the world(s) within Himself. He says it is He who deracinates the universe in its entirety.

Let us note the following in the Bhagawad Gita:

Kalo ‘smi loka kshya krt pravrddho
Lokaan samaahartum iha pravrttah
Rte ‘pi tvaam na bhavishyanti sarve
Ye ‘vasthitaah pratyanikeshu yodhaah

When one ruminates over the above without any predilections it emerges with total clarity that Sri Krishna or the Almighty Paramatma alone is the ‘slayer in chief’. Besides, as Brahma alludes to Sri Krishna as kaala, it is also clear that Sri Krishna is the Almighty Supreme Being.

Based on the foregoing, it is foolhardy and specious to comprehend of Sri Krishna as a mere mortal. Rather, the appropriate understanding of Sri Krishna is as the Supreme Being and the all-consuming. May we be guided in worshipping Him as such.

Sudheendhra Putty

Ever engaged in the sadhana of Srimadvaishnava Siddhanta of our Guru, Acharya Madhwa and all the Yatis and Dasas who have blazed this noble path. May HVG bless us all