Arjuna describes the Universal Form as ‘licking’ its lips (‘lelihyase’) while devouring all the people on all sides with its blazing mouths. The entire universe is being filled with a terrible, scorching effulgence. The Lord is no longer just a passive observer or a friend; He is the active, hungry force of Time consuming His own creation. The word ‘Viṣṇu’ is used here to address the all-pervading aspect of God. Usually, Viṣṇu is seen as the peaceful Maintainer, but Arjuna is seeing that maintenance also involves clearing out the old to make room for the new. The ‘licking’ indicates that the process of destruction is effortless and absolute for the Lord. This is the ultimate ‘Reality Check’ for Arjuna. The world is being scorched by the light of the Absolute. There is nowhere to hide. This verse emphasizes that we cannot escape God’s power; we can only decide whether we want to face it as a fearful victim or a surrendered servant. Arjuna is now fully aware that the drama of life is small compared to the vast, devouring reality of the Divine.