अहं क्रतुरहं यज्ञ: स्वधाहमहमौषधम् | मन्त्रोऽहमहमेवाज्यमहमग्निरहं हुतम् || 16 || |
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“I am the ritual, I am the sacrifice, I am the offering to ancestors, I am the medicinal herb.
I am the mantra, I am the clarified butter, I am the fire, and I am the offering.”
Commentary: Lord Krishna declares his all-encompassing presence and his identification with various aspects of rituals, knowledge, and creation. He emphasizes his supreme and integral role in the universe and the different elements associated with rituals and Vedic practices.
Kratu: Lord Krishna states that he is the essence and purpose of rituals. He is the driving force behind all sacrificial actions.
Yajna: He identifies himself as the embodiment of sacrifice itself. All acts of offering and worship are ultimately dedicated to him.
Swadha: He is the recipient of offerings made to ancestors (pitrs) during rituals, symbolizing his connection to ancestral energies and spiritual lineage.
Aushadham: Lord Krishna is the healing herb, representing his role in bestowing physical and spiritual well-being.
Mantra: He declares himself to be the power and essence of all mantras, the sacred sound vibrations used in rituals and spiritual practices.
Ajya: Lord Krishna identifies himself as the clarified butter used in rituals, signifying the fuel that feeds the sacrificial fire and symbolizing his presence in all sacred offerings.
Agni: He states that he is the fire itself, the sacred fire used in rituals as a medium for offering and transformation.
Huta: Lord Krishna affirms that he is the object of offering and dedication. All offerings made in rituals are ultimately offered to him.