Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11, Verse 32

English Translation

The Blessed Lord said I am the world-destroying Time, [Time: The supreme God with His limiting adjunct of the power of action.] grown in stature [Pravrddhah, mighty-according to S.-Tr.] and now engaged in annihilating the creatures. Even without you, all the warriors who are arrayed in the confronting armies will cease to exist!

Detailed Commentary

।।11.32।। Commentary -- Arjuna beheld the Vishvarupa of the Lord, which was exceedingly wondrous and difficult to perceive. Arjuna asks, "Who are You in this fierce form?" The Lord replied, "I am Time (Kala), the destroyer, who has come to annihilate all worlds." Arjuna had declared that he would not fight, so the Lord explained that even if he did not fight, it would make no difference, as the destruction of both armies was destined. The question arises: Why did the Lord specifically mention the opposing army when both armies appeared to be facing destruction? The resolution is that if Arjuna were to fight, he would only kill the adversaries; if he did not, he would not. The Lord says, "As Kala, I am the devourer of all, therefore, Arjuna should fulfill his dharma (duty)." Another question arises: Since Ashwatthama and others survived the war, why did the Lord speak of the adversaries dying? The resolution is that the Lord is speaking of those warriors whom Arjuna *could* kill. That is, all those warriors whom Arjuna could kill will die, even if Arjuna does not slay them. The Lord says, "Those whom you are capable of slaying have already been slain by Me." Context -- In the previous verse, the Lord stated that even without the war, the opposing warriors would not remain. What Arjuna should do now, the Lord answers in the subsequent verses.