VERSE 16
Ananatavijayam raja Kuntiputrah Yudhisthirah |
Nakulah Sahadevascha Sughoshamanipushpakau ||
Translation
This verse describes the conch shells blown by the Pandava brothers. Then Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, blew (his divine) conch Anantavijaya, Nakula and Sahadeva blew the conches Sughosha and Manipushpaka, respectively.
Context of the Verse
This verse appears in the context of the first chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, which describes the lead up to the great battle of Kurukshetra. Thus, standing in the chariot with his hands on the steering wheel, Arjuna sees nature unfolding in front of him, and he hears the various sounds caused by the Pawndow and the sounds of the shells of the Pandava Preparers.
The eldest of the five Pandavas, known to uphold the dharma (righteousness) at all cost, Yudhishthira, blows his conch Anantavijaya, which means endless victory. The youngest Pandava brothers, Nakula and Sahadeva, blow their conches Sughosha and Manipushpaka, respectively. Thus, they blow trumpets and divine conches, each conch has a name that symbolizes an aspect of the army and itself, determination, togetherness, and divine support and encouragement that the Pandavas bring to the battlefield.
This verse highlights the fighting spirit of the Pandavas as they prepare to face their enemies without thinking of their own well-being, emphasizing their dedication to fighting for justice and righteousness.
Word-by-Word Analysis
| Word | Meaning |
| Ananata | Infinite, endless |
| vijayam | Victory |
| Ananatavijayam | The conch of endless victory, Yudhishthira’s conch shell |
| Raja | King. Yudhishthira, otherwise known not only as a soldier but also as the legitimate ruler of the land owned by the Pandavas |
| Kunti | The Mother of the Pandavas |
| Putrah | Son |
| Kuntiputrah | Son of Kunti, particularly referring to Yudhishthira |
| Yudhisthirah | The eldest Pandava, a symbol of dharma and righteous behaviour |
| Nakulah | The fourth Pandava brother, a man of charm and horsemanship |
| Sahadeva | The youngest of the Pandavas, a wise and astrologically minded man |
| Cha | And |
| Su | Good, auspicious |
| Ghosha | Sound |
| Sughosham | The name of Nakula’s conch, suggesting that it makes an auspicious and resonant sound. |
| mani | Gem, jewel |
| Pushpaka | Flower-like |
| Manipushpakau | The name of Sahadeva’s conch, which means beauty and elegance |
VERSE 17
Kashyashcha parameshvasah shikhandi cha maharathah |
Dhrishtadyumno viratashcha satyakishchaparajitah ||
Translation
“Subsequently, the formidable archer, the king of Kashi, Shikhandi, the son of Drupada, Dhrishtadyumna, Virata, and the unbeatable Satyaki all blew their conches.”
Context of the Verse
This verse is still part of Sanjaya’s narration on events before the battle of Kurukshetra. Having described the Pandava brothers and their conch shells, Sanjaya now turns to their allies. This verse also introduces some of the key warriors on the Pandavas’ side in battle, emphasizing their valor and willingness to fight for the cause of dharma.
The Kashi king, Shikhandi, Dhrishtadyumna, virata, and Drupad’s Satyaki are new allies worth having. These warriors represent the indomitable spirit of the Pandava forces. No man is simply a rank or a title: every fighter’s name and attributes stress their prowess and fervent devotion to the just cause.
Word-by-Word Analysis
| Word | Meaning |
| Kashyashcha | King of Kashi (now a days Varanasi) Famous for his incredible prowess in archery and bravery. |
| parama | Supreme. |
| eshvasa | Archer. |
| Parameshvasah | The term “supreme archer” highlights the King of Kashi’s ability with bows and arrows. |
| shikhandi | A warrior who was born as Drupada’s daughter and subsequently transformed into a man, destined to play a key role in Bhishma’s fall. Symbolizes perseverance and the completion of destiny. |
| Cha | and |
| Maha | Great |
| Ratha | Chariot warrior |
| maharathah | A great chariot warrior who can fight 70,000 warriors at once. |
| Dhrishtadyumno | King Drupad’s son was born to end Dronacharya. Represents courage and intent. |
| viratashcha | The king who gave refuge to the Pandavas during their exile. His hospitality and valor know no bounds. |
| Satyaki | A follower of Arjuna and a Yadava warrior. Of great loyalty, and invincible in battle. |
| A | Not |
| Parajita | Defeated |
| Aparajitah | Undefeated, invincible, referring to Satyaki’s combat prowess. |
VERSE 18
Drupado draupadeyashcha sarvashah prithiveepate |
Saubhadrascha maha-bahuh shankhan dadhmuh prithak prithak ||
Translation
“O King, Abhimanyu, the son of Subhadra, who was armed to the teeth, and Drupada, the sons of Draupadi, each blew their conches independently from all directions.”
Context of the Verse
This verse continues Sanjaya’s colorful account of the warriors on the Pandava side who blew their conch shells, indicating their readiness for battle. Here, Drupada, father of Draupadi and a stalwart friend along with Draupadi’s five sons and Abhimanyu, son of Subhadra are also mentioned.
In a few words, the verse highlights the combined might of the Pandava army, warriors from all backgrounds and generations coming together in one righteous cause. It also emphasizes the emergence of new warriors, represented by Abhimanyu, where the new generation of dharma realizes its potential. The sound of conches indicates the zealous commitment of the Pandava army to restore dharma.
Word-by-Word Analysis
| Word | Meaning |
| Drupado | King of Panchala; father of Draupadi. Famous for his animosity towards Dronacharya and also as a great commander. |
| Draupadeyashcha | Account of the sons of Draupadi (the spouse of five Pandavas) They are: Prativindhya (Yudhishthira’s son), Sutasoma (Bhima’s son), Shrutakarma (Arjuna’s son), Shatanika (Nakula’s son) and Shrutasena (Sahadeva’s son). |
| sarvashah | From all directions or in all ways. As is evident from this large and unified effort from all branches of the army |
| prithiveepate | O King (speaking to Dhritarashtra). This is how one respectfully addresses the listener which represents Sanjaya narrating to Dhritarashtra. |
| Saubhadrascha | Abhimanyu, the son of Subhadra and Arjuna. |
| Maha | Great. |
| Bahuh | Arms. |
| maha-bahuh | Mighty-armed, referring to Abhimanyu’s physical strength and valor. |
| shankhan | Conches. The sieving of conches denotes readiness, confidence and spiritual resolution. Blew (the action of blowing the conches) |
| prithak prithak | Separately, or one by one. Implying that every warrior burned his conch separately, signifying individuality and strength. |