The Yoga of Divine Glories

Krishna continues enumerating manifestations in families, warriors, sages, and poets. 'Vṛṣṇīnāṁ vāsudevo 'smi'—among the Vrishnis, I am Vasudeva. Vasudeva is Krishna's father, but here Krishna identifies Himself as Vasudeva, showing that He is the source even of His own family. 'Pāṇḍavānāṁ dhanañjayaḥ'—among the Pandavas, I am Dhananjaya (Arjuna). Arjuna is the best warrior among the Pandavas. 'Munīnām apy ahaṁ vyāsaḥ'—among sages, I am Vyasa. Vyasa is the compiler of the Vedas and the Mahabharata. 'Kavīnām uśanā kaviḥ'—among poets, I am Ushana (Shukracharya). Ushana is the preceptor of the demons and a great poet. This verse shows Krishna as the source in families (Vasudeva), warriors (Arjuna), sages (Vyasa), and poets (Ushana).