Chapter 1 – Arjuna’s Despondency
Verse 20
Ath, vyavasthitaan’, drshtva, Dhartrashtran’, kapidhvajH,
Prvrtte, shastrsampaate, dhanuH, udhyamya, PandavH ||20||
Then, when the Kaurava army had been fully arranged for battle and the war was about to begin, Kapidhvaja (Arjuna, whose chariot bears the flag of Hanuman) lifted his bow.
Deeper Interpretation / Elaboration:
This verse indicates Arjuna’s readiness—both mentally and physically—for battle.
- The term “Kapidhvaja” is used specifically for Arjuna because the flag on his chariot bore the image of Hanuman, the son of the wind god. This symbolizes valor, strength, and devotion.
- “Pravṛtte śastrasampāte” means — when the clash of weapons was about to begin. This was a critical and highly sensitive moment.
- Upon seeing the Kauravas fully prepared for war, Arjuna too raised his divine bow, signifying his complete readiness for combat.
This verse reflects the psychological atmosphere at the beginning of the war — on one side, physical preparation; and on the other, the emotional turmoil that is about to surface in the coming verses.
