Bhagavad Gita 10.33 — The Lord as the Letter 'A', Dvandva and Imperishable Time
अक्षराणामकारोऽस्मि द्वन्द्वः सामासिकस्य च ।
अहमेवाक्षयः कालो धाताहं विश्वतोमुखः ॥ १०.३३ ॥
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The Blessed Lord said: Among letters I am the letter 'a'; among compounds I am the dvandva compound; I alone am imperishable Time, and I am the Sustainer whose face is turned in every direction.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| akṣharāṇām | among letters |
| akāraḥ | the letter 'a' |
| asmi | I am |
| dvandvaḥ | the dvandva, the copulative compound |
| sāmāsikasya | among compounds |
| cha | and |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| aham | I |
| eva | alone |
| akṣhayaḥ | imperishable, inexhaustible |
| kālaḥ | Time |
| dhātā | the sustainer, the dispenser of the fruits of actions |
| aham | I |
| viśhvatomukhaḥ | whose face is turned in every direction |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| akṣharāṇām | among letters | aham | I |
| akāraḥ | the letter 'a' | eva | alone |
| asmi | I am | akṣhayaḥ | imperishable, inexhaustible |
| dvandvaḥ | the dvandva, the copulative compound | kālaḥ | Time |
| sāmāsikasya | among compounds | dhātā | the sustainer, the dispenser of the fruits of actions |
| cha | and | aham | I |
| viśhvatomukhaḥ | whose face is turned in every direction | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna points to the letter A among letters, the dvandva compound among compounds, imperishable Time, and the Creator whose face is turned in all directions. The verse reveals the Lord in the very structure of language and in the all-seeing sustaining power of the cosmos.
Essence
Language, Balance and the All-Seeing Sustainer
Akṣarāṇām a-kāro 'smi (among letters, I am the letter A): In Sanskrit, the sound "a" is the first and most fundamental vowel, present in nearly every other sound. It is the first sound that arises when the mouth opens. Because of this, it is seen as the seed of all speech, and it is also the first element of the sacred syllable Oṁ.
Dvandvaḥ sāmāsikasya ca (among compounds, I am the dvandva): In Sanskrit grammar, a dvandva compound joins words in equal standing, as in "mother and father." Neither member is subordinate to the other. This represents balance and equality. Krishna's choice suggests that harmony between equals is a divine quality.
Aham evākṣayaḥ kālaḥ (I am indeed imperishable Time): Earlier, Krishna spoke of Time as the one that measures and consumes. Here He speaks of akṣaya kāla, endless time, the eternal flow that has no beginning or end. Individual moments pass, but Time as a whole continues without exhaustion.
Dhātāhaṁ viśvato-mukhaḥ (I am the sustainer, whose face is turned everywhere): The word dhātā means the one who supports and arranges. Viśvato-mukhaḥ means "facing in every direction." The Lord sees all, knows all, and is attentive to every being at once. No creature is out of His sight.
Nothing Escapes the Divine Attention
This image is meant to be reassuring as well as awe-inspiring. If the Lord looks in all directions, then no sincere effort, silent suffering or hidden devotion goes unnoticed.
Message for Everyday Life (Beginnings, Balance and Being Seen)
Value the first step: Like the letter A, beginnings carry great importance. Starting a good habit, even in a small way, opens the door to everything that follows.
Build relationships of equality: The dvandva reminds us that the best partnerships honour both sides equally. Look for ways to bring balance and respect into your home and workplace.
Language, Balance and the All-Seeing Sustainer
Akṣarāṇām a-kāro 'smi (among letters, I am the letter A): In Sanskrit, the sound "a" is the first and most fundamental vowel, present in nearly every other sound. It is the first sound that arises when the mouth opens. Because of this, it is seen as the seed of all speech, and it is also the first element of the sacred syllable Oṁ.
Dvandvaḥ sāmāsikasya ca (among compounds, I am the dvandva): In Sanskrit grammar, a dvandva compound joins words in equal standing, as in "mother and father." Neither member is subordinate to the other. This represents balance and equality. Krishna's choice suggests that harmony between equals is a divine quality.
Aham evākṣayaḥ kālaḥ (I am indeed imperishable Time): Earlier, Krishna spoke of Time as the one that measures and consumes. Here He speaks of akṣaya kāla, endless time, the eternal flow that has no beginning or end. Individual moments pass, but Time as a whole continues without exhaustion.
Dhātāhaṁ viśvato-mukhaḥ (I am the sustainer, whose face is turned everywhere): The word dhātā means the one who supports and arranges. Viśvato-mukhaḥ means "facing in every direction." The Lord sees all, knows all, and is attentive to every being at once. No creature is out of His sight.
Nothing Escapes the Divine Attention
This image is meant to be reassuring as well as awe-inspiring. If the Lord looks in all directions, then no sincere effort, silent suffering or hidden devotion goes unnoticed.
Message for Everyday Life (Beginnings, Balance and Being Seen)
Value the first step: Like the letter A, beginnings carry great importance. Starting a good habit, even in a small way, opens the door to everything that follows.
Build relationships of equality: The dvandva reminds us that the best partnerships honour both sides equally. Look for ways to bring balance and respect into your home and workplace.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has named the letter A, the dvandva, endless Time and the all-seeing Creator. The next verse presents the two great opposing forces of existence, death which takes away all and the origin of all that will be born, together with the divine qualities that adorn women.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Every great story begins with a single letter.
Partnership works when both are valued.
Time is the one thing we cannot hold but can honor.
The Divine watches over from every side.
Fairness is the quiet order of the universe.
A sacred sound begins in silence and returns to it.
Beyond all ending lies something that never ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'akāraḥ' (the letter 'a') the Lord's glory among 'akṣharāṇām' (letters)?
What is the 'dvandvaḥ' (dvandva, the copulative compound)?
What does 'akṣhayaḥ kālaḥ' (imperishable Time) mean?
Who is 'dhātā' (the sustainer, the dispenser of the fruits of actions)?
What does 'viśhvatomukhaḥ' (whose face is turned in every direction) imply?
Explore related topics
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