Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 1, Verse 1

Chapter 1 of the Bhagavad Gita sets the stage for the conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna. It describes the battlefield, the opposing armies, and the main characters involved in the battle. The chapter also provides insight into Arjuna’s state of mind as he contemplates the violence and destruction that will result from the battle.

The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most widely-read and revered texts in the Hindu religion. It is a conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, a warrior prince who is hesitant to fight in a battle between two opposing armies. Through the course of the conversation, Lord Krishna provides guidance to Arjuna on a range of philosophical and spiritual topics.

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच |

धर्मक्षेत्रे कुरुक्षेत्रे समवेता युयुत्सवः |

मामकाः पाण्डवाश्चैव किमकुर्वत सञ्जय ||

dhṛitarāśhtra uvācha
dharma-kṣhetre kuru-kṣhetre samavetā yuyutsavaḥ
māmakāḥ pāṇḍavāśhchaiva kimakurvata sañjaya

भावार्थ:

धृतराष्ट्र बोले- हे संजय! धर्मभूमि कुरुक्षेत्र में एकत्रित, युद्ध की इच्छावाले मेरे और पाण्डु के पुत्रों ने क्या किया?॥1॥

Translation

Dhritarashtra said: O Sanjay, after gathering on the holy field of Kurukshetra, and desiring to fight, what did my sons and the sons of Pandu do?

This verse is spoken by Dhritarashtra, the blind king and father of the Kauravas, as he asks his advisor Sanjaya to describe the events that are about to take place on the battlefield. Dhritarashtra’s sons, the Kauravas, and the sons of Pandu, the Pandavas, are about to engage in a battle that will determine the fate of the kingdom.

English Translation Of Sri Shankaracharya’s Sanskrit Commentary By Swami Gambirananda

1.1 धर्मक्षेत्रे on the holy plain? कुरुक्षेत्रे in Kurukshetra? समवेताः assembled together? युयुत्सवः desirous to fight? मामकाः my people? पाण्डवाः the sons of Pandu? च and? एव also? किम् what? अकुर्वत did do? सञ्जय O Sanjaya.Commentary Dharmakshetra — that place which protects Dharma is Dharmakshetra. Because it was in the land of the Kurus? it was called Kurukshetra.Sanjaya is one who has conered likes and dislikes and who is impartial.

Context of the Verse

The Bhagavad Gita is set against the backdrop of a great war between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. The Kauravas are led by Duryodhana, the eldest son of Dhritarashtra, while the Pandavas are led by Yudhishthira, the eldest son of Pandu. The two sides are evenly matched in terms of strength and numbers, and both are determined to emerge victorious.

Importance of the Verse

The first verse of Chapter 1 sets the stage for the rest of the Bhagavad Gita. It establishes the context of the conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna and provides insight into the events that are about to unfold on the battlefield. The verse also serves as a reminder of the consequences of war and the toll it takes on both individuals and society as a whole.

Analysis of the Verse

The first verse of Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the main characters and their intentions. Dhritarashtra, who is blind, asks Sanjaya to describe what is happening on the battlefield. His sons, the Kauravas, and the sons of Pandu, the Pandavas, are about to engage in a battle.

This verse also highlights the significance of Kurukshetra, the sacred field on which the battle takes place. Kurukshetra is considered a holy site by Hindus and is believed to be the location where Lord Krishna delivered his teachings to Arjuna.

Application in Modern Life

The Bhagavad Gita provides guidance and teachings that can be applied to modern life. The first verse of Chapter 1 serves as a reminder of the consequences of war and the toll it takes on individuals and society as a whole. It encourages us to seek peaceful solutions to conflicts and to avoid resorting to violence whenever possible.

FAQs

What is the significance of Chapter 1, Verse 1?

Chapter 1, Verse 1 sets the stage for the rest of the Bhagavad Gita and highlights the consequences of war and the toll it takes on individuals and society as a whole.

Bhagawad Gita: Chapter I

Chapter 1, Verse 2 >>

The Bhagavad Gita: Chapter I