Chapter 1 – Arjuna’s Despondency
Verse 26
Tatr, apashyat’, sthitaan’, PaarthH, Pitrn’, ath, pitaamahaan’,
Aachaaryaan’, maatulaan’, bhraatrn’, putraan’, pautraan’, sakheen’, Tatha ||26||
English Translation
Literal Meaning:
At that moment, Partha (Arjuna) saw, standing on the battlefield, his elders (like fathers), grandfathers (like Bhishma), teachers, maternal uncles, brothers, sons, grandsons, and friends.
Deep Interpretation / Detailed Explanation:
In this verse, it is described that when Arjuna asked Lord Krishna to place the chariot between both armies and carefully observed the warriors standing there, he was taken aback. He realized that those standing against him were not just enemies — they were his own people.
This sight overwhelmed Arjuna with emotion and confusion. He began to understand the cruelty of war and the deeply personal consequences it would bring.
Key Points:
- This verse marks the beginning of Arjuna’s emotional turmoil.
- Arjuna realizes that the war is not just a fight between righteousness and unrighteousness, but a conflict among his own kin.
- This moment takes Arjuna’s inner conflict (Vishada Yoga) to its peak.
- It is at this point that the thought of withdrawing from war arises in Arjuna’s mind, setting the stage for Lord Krishna’s divine discourse — the Bhagavad Gita.
