
10
CHAPTER
VERSE
23
रुद्राणां शङ्करश्चास्मि वित्तेशो यक्षरक्षसाम् |
वसूनां पावकश्चास्मि मेरु: शिखरिणामहम् || 10.23 ||
rudrāṇāṁ śaṅkaraś cāsmi vittyeśo yakṣa-rakṣasām
vasūnāṁ pāvakaś cāsmi meruḥ śhikhariṇām aham ||
Among the Rudras I am Shankara; among the Yakshas and Rakshasas, I am the Lord of wealth Kubera. Among the Vasus I am Agni, and among mountains I am Meru.
Lesson:
Among the Rudras, a class of celestial beings associated with destruction, he manifests as Shankara, another name for Lord Shiva. Shiva is revered as the destroyer in Hindu mythology but is also considered a benevolent deity who grants blessings and liberation. Moving on, Krishna declares that among the Yakshas and Rakshasas, he is Vittesh, the Lord of wealth, known as Kubera. Kubera is the guardian of treasures and the ruler of the mythical city of Alaka. This assertion emphasizes Krishna's omnipresence and supreme authority over all aspects of existence, including wealth and prosperity.
Continuing his revelations, Krishna identifies himself as Agni, the god of fire, among the Vasus, who are a group of eight divine beings associated with various elements of nature. Agni is revered as a purifier and a messenger between humans and the gods in Vedic rituals. This representation underscores the vital role of fire in sustaining life and the cosmos.
Finally, Krishna proclaims his identity as Meru among mountains. Meru is a legendary mountain in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist cosmology, considered the centre of the universe and the abode of the gods. By associating himself with Meru, Krishna highlights his supreme position and transcendental nature.
Overall, this verse illustrates Krishna's divine manifestations in various forms and entities, reinforcing the concept of his omnipotence and omnipresence. It invites devotees to contemplate the multifaceted nature of the divine and recognize the presence of the sacred in every aspect of creation.