Completely overwhelmed and shattered by the vision, Arjuna pleads for an explanation. He cries out: Please tell and declare to me (ākhyāhi me), who are You exactly (ko bhavān) in this terrifying, fierce form (ugra-rūpo)? O best of all the gods (deva-vara), I offer my deepest obeisances and surrender unto You (namo 'stu te); please, be gracious and merciful to me (prasīda). I deeply desire to truly understand and know You (vijñātum icchāmi bhavantam), who are the original, primeval Lord (ādyaṃ). Because right now, I absolutely do not understand or comprehend (na hi prajānāmi) Your actual mission, purpose, or activity here (tava pravṛttim).