Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 11.32

“Krishna said: I am Time, destroyer of worlds, grown mighty; I am here to annihilate these beings; even without you, none of these warriors will survive.”
Key Teaching: Krishna is Time, annihilating all warriors regardless of Arjuna’s actions.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Vishwarupa Darshana Yoga.
Description:
Krishna declares himself as Time, the mighty destroyer of worlds, here to annihilate all beings, stating that none of the warriors will survive, with or without Arjuna’s actions. This verse, continuing 11.31, addresses Arjuna’s fear (2.9, 11.3). The themes of guidance, as Krishna explains his role, dharma, as he urges Arjuna’s duty, and Vishwarupa Darshana Yoga, as he reveals his cosmic role, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s reluctance (1.28–46) contrasts with Duryodhana’s aggression (1.3–11). Krishna’s revelation supports Arjuna’s Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 11.31), emphasizing inevitability.

Philosophically, this verse addresses human fear of time’s destruction, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on his role as death (10.34). Arjuna’s fear is resolved by Krishna’s guidance. The theme of Vishwarupa Darshana Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on divine inevitability.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s words objectively, emphasizing their cosmic clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s transience, where Krishna as Time destroys. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with divine acceptance, aligning with liberation.