Krishna reveals his cosmic form to Arjuna and declares his identity as time, the ultimate force of destruction. He proclaims that he has manifested to annihilate all beings, symbolizing the inevitable passage of time and the transient nature of existence. His declaration "Kālo'smi" asserts his identity with time itself, emphasizing its omnipotent and inevitable nature. Time is depicted as the great destroyer (loka-kṣhaya-kṛit), responsible for the dissolution of worlds and the culmination of all life cycles. By acknowledging his role as time, Krishna reminds Arjuna of the impermanence of material existence and the inevitability of death.

The phrase "lokān samāhartum iha pravṛittaḥ" conveys Krishna's purpose in descending to the battlefield of Kurukshetra. He has come to accomplish his divine mission of restoring righteousness (dharma) and establishing order in the universe. Through the impending battle, Krishna will facilitate the destruction of those who oppose righteousness, paving the way for the restoration of cosmic balance.

Krishna's assurance to Arjuna, "Ṛite'pi tvāṁ na bhaviṣhyanti sarve," highlights the divine protection afforded to the Pandavas amidst the chaos of war. Despite the impending destruction, Arjuna and his brothers need not fear, for they are under the divine shelter of Krishna's grace. This assurance serves as a source of strength and reassurance for Arjuna as he prepares to fulfil his duty as a warrior.

The verse encapsulates the profound philosophical concept of time as the ultimate arbiter of destiny. It underscores the inevitability of cosmic dissolution and the transience of all worldly phenomena. Through his declaration, Krishna imparts a timeless truth about the nature of existence, urging Arjuna to transcend attachment to the temporal and align with the eternal principles of dharma.

In summary, this verse from the Bhagavad Gita offers profound insights into the nature of time and the cyclical patterns of creation and destruction. It serves as a reminder of the impermanence of material existence and the eternal nature of the soul. Through his divine revelation, Krishna guides Arjuna towards a deeper understanding of cosmic truths and encourages him to embrace his divine purpose with courage and conviction.