Chapter 1 – Arjuna’s Despondency
Verse 36
Nihatya, Dhartrashtraan’, naH, ka, preetiH, syaat’, janaardan,
Paapam’, ev, aashryet’, asmaan’, hatva, etaan’, aatataayinH ||36||
English Translation
Literal Meaning:
O Janardana! What pleasure or happiness will we gain by killing the sons of Dhritarashtra?
Even though they are aggressors (aatatayi), by killing them, only sin will befall us.
Simple Explanation / Elaboration:
Arjuna says to Lord Krishna:
“O Janardana! Even if we kill the sons of Dhritarashtra (the Kauravas), what joy or satisfaction will we truly get from it? They may indeed be unjust and aggressors (aatatayi), but killing them would still bring us sin.”
The word “aatatayi” refers to individuals who commit grave crimes against society and dharma — such as land seizure, arson, poisoning, murder, etc.
According to scriptures, killing such aggressors is not considered sinful. However, Arjuna’s emotional and moral stance is different.
He feels that —
Even though the Kauravas are aggressors, they are also his relatives, elders, and teachers, and thus killing them does not feel morally right.
Arjuna believes that personal and familial relationships outweigh the justification for this war.
Philosophical Insight:
This shloka reflects the conflict between duty and emotional attachment.
Arjuna is caught in a deep moral dilemma —
- On one side is dharma (his royal and warrior duty),
- On the other side is maya (emotional bonds, compassion, and love).
He is torn between:
- Fighting a righteous war, and
- Killing his own beloved family members,
