Verse 04
Atra sura mahesv-asa bhimarjuna-sama yudhi
Yuyudhano viratas ca drupadas ca maha-rathah
Translation:
Men like Yuyudhana, Virata, and Drupada are good examples of the strongest warriors; they will demonstrate their archery skills in this force to a level that can compete with that of Bhima and Arjuna.
Context of the Verse
The Bhagavad Gita’s first chapter, which describes events on the Kurukshetra battlefield, invokes the first verse. As the war is about to commence, Duryodhana, the Kaurava prince, surveys the Pandava army. He approaches his teacher and commander, Dronacharya, and begins listing the prominent warriors on the Pandava side.
Duryodhana’s intention is twofold:
To Evaluate the Opposition: He acknowledges the formidable nature of the Pandava army, emphasizing their strength and preparedness.
To Assert Control: By demonstrating his strategic awareness, he aims to project confidence and maintain morale among his own troops.
This verse specifically lists three great warriors—Yuyudhana (Satyaki), Virata, and Drupada—and compares them to Bhima and Arjuna, who are renowned for their strength and skill.
Word-by-Word Analysis
Atra-
Duryodhana refers to the Pandava army deployed to the battlefield. He is highlighting how powerful their forces are.
Sura-
Refers to the courageous and accomplished combatants in the Pandava army, indicating their courage and capability in battle.
Mahesv-asah
Highlights their extraordinary abilities with bows and arrows, a critical skill in ancient warfare.
Bhima-Arjuna-Samah
Acknowledges the warriors’ skill named in the verse, elevating them to the level of the two most formidable Pandava brothers.
Yudhi
Explains their equality with Arjuna and Bhima is confirmed on the battlefield, highlighting their martial abilities.
Yuyudhanah
A well-known combatant from the Yadava clan and a committed ally of the Pandavas, especially loyal to Krishna and Arjuna.
Viratah
He provided refuge to the Pandavas while they were living in secret and joined their cause in the war.
Cha
Links the listed warriors in the verse, highlighting how powerful they are together.
Drupadah
A warrior with experience and father of Draupadi, whose support represents both personal and alignment of strategy with the Pandavas.
Cha
Links the listed warriors in the verse, highlighting how powerful they are together.
Maha-rathah
Acknowledges the extraordinary battlefield competence of Drupada and the other warriors mentioned.
VERSE 05
drstaketus cekitanah kasirajas ca viryavan
puru-jit kunti-bhojas ca saibyas ca nara-pungavah
Translation
The great, heroic strong fighters such Dhrashtaketu, Cekitana, Kasiraja, Purujit, Kuntibhoja, and Shibya abound as well.
Context of the Verse
In this verse from the Arjuna Vishada Yoga, Duryodhana is listing some very strong warriors who are on his side to his teacher Dronacharya. The verse mentions the famous soldiers of Kshatriya clans who are on the side of Pandavas. The taking of these names by Duryodhana, other than displaying what a sore loser he is (seriously), shows his tactical nous and his insecurity. The edge of the exalted range provides an idea of the scale and ramifications of the Kurukshetra War.
Word-by-Word Analysis
drstaketuh
From the Chedi kingdom Dhrishtaketu was a brave warrior, the Pandavas are well known of his bravery and allegiance.
cekitanah
Chekitana is also a loyal and the most powerful Pandava ally. From the Vrishni dynasty he was a completely devoted warrior.
kasirajah
The King of Kashi was an important element of the Pandava army, for his bravery and leadership he was acknowledged.
viryavan
Valiant or powerful, a term used to explain the King of Kashi’s great strength and courage.
puru-jit
A powerful fighter was Purujit. An another Kshatriya prince was allied with the Pandavas.
kunti-bhojah
The Pandavas’ mother, Kunti had an adoptive father named Kuntibhoja. He shows family devotion by joining in the armed forces to aid his nephews.
saibyah
Shaibya a famous warrior and monarch. Famous in the Pandava army as a brave and virtuous warrior.
nara-pungavah
Greatest among men, a term acknowledging the strength of the warriors mentioned previously.
VERSE 06
Yudhamanyus ca vikranta uttamaujas ca viryavan
Saubhadro draupadeyas ca sarva eva maharatha
Translation
All are great chariot-warriors, particularly Yudhamanyu, the mighty, the valiant Uttamauja, Abhimandu (son of Subhadra), and the five sons of Draupadi.
Context of the Verse
This verse is from Arjuna describing the fighters assembled by him as he prepares for war on battlefield of Kurukshetra. With the Pandava at his side, Arjuna lists names of all the main warriors in their army with force and daring. In this verse, the famous Pandava side heroes have been identified by Babasaheb. Featured their might that hammered at The Great Battle. It shows the massing of an immense military force, and thus anchors the scale and gravity of what we are witnessing.
Word-by-Word Analysis
Yudhamanyu
Friend of Yudhamanyu, who was a brave warrior and fought for the Pandavas.
Cha
And.
Vikranta
The mighty, Valiant.
Uttamauja
Uttamauja, a valiant warrior in support of the Pandavas.
Viryavan
heroic brave, strong; courageous
Saubhadro
Son of Subhadra (wife of Arjuna) & lethal warrior Abhimanyu.
Draupadeya
Children of Draupadi, next generation of warriors.
Cha
And.
Sarva
All.
Eva
Indeed.
Maharatha
The great and excellent six chariot-warriors, fully capable of attacking 7,200 chariots one to one.
VERSE 07
Asmakam tu visista yetan nibodha dvijottama |
Nayaka mama sanyasya sanjanartham tan bravimi te ||
Translation
Hear, O best of the twice-born (Drona) of the leaders on our side and theirs. I will name them for you.
Context of the Verse
Duryodhana is speaking to his teacher, commander Dronacharya during the Kurukshetra war. Previously Duryodhana admitted the fact that Pandava’s fighting force was stronger but now he has shifted focus towards his own commanders and how each of them was important too. To instill confidence in his team but also a subtle reminder that Dronacharya must fight for Kauravas.
This verse highlights the strategic vision of Duryodhana as he deceivingly enumerates the central warriors relying on who will direct his military. Even the respect towards Dronacharya reflects his concealed and rotten diplomacy saturated with arrogance.
Word-by-Word Analysis
Asmakam
Of us, ours; Kauravas army of Duryodhana.
Tu
But; as the reference of the Pandava heroes in previous two quatrains.
visista
Distinguished, eminent.
Ye
Who; with the significant warriors
tan
Them; to specify the persons
nibodha
Know, learn.
dvijottama
Best of the twice born; Dronacharya
Nayaka
Leaders, commanders.
Mama
Them in general but the pronoun belongs to Duryodhana’s army
Sanyasya
Of the army.
Sanjanartham
For knowledge, for thought.
Tan
Them (reiterating the warriors)
Bravimi
I speak, I declare.
Te
To you.
VERSE 08
Bhavan bhismas ca karnas ca krpas ca samitimjayah |
Asvatthama vikarnas ca saumadattis tathaiva ca ||
Translation
Yourself, Bhishma, Karna and Kripa, all excellent in the bowmanship; Drona, who came into the battle with victorous might Asvatthama, Vikarna and the son of Somadatta.
Context of the Verse
Duryodhana in the Dronacharya context mentions one of his verses to name few main warriors among the Kauravas (his side members) as, prominent commander’s names are listed by Duryodhana to show that his soldiers are superior and more powerful than the Pandavas. So he can talk the Army up after and didn’t make his commander too mad.
The verse seems to describe Duryodhana’s sense of strategy and he cites warriors of modification in their strengths, from the ‘grit’ (kṛama) of Bhishma to Karna’s auxiliary to Drona and Kripa’s strategy. The paragraph also emphasizes his difficulty in calling his men to arms by depicting the finest warriors he held under his command.
Word-by-Word Analysis
Bhavan
For you: Personal, to Commander-in-Chief Dronacharya.
Bhismas
Grandsire Bhishma on the full rights Kaurava agents, to strike!
Cha
And
Karna
Karna a staunch ally for Duryodhana and a master archer.
Cha
And
krpas
Kripa the royal guru, the warfare and strategy master.
Cha
And
Samitimjayah
Kripa and his undefeated opinion on war.
Asvatthama
Ashvatthama son of Drona, Kaurava warrior and one of the main warriors in the war.
Vikarnas
Vikarna one of Duryodhana’s brothers, whose name stood for fairness and bravery.
Cha
And
Saumadattis
The fierce and accomplished fighter somadattas son: bhrishwas
Tathaiva
Similarly, also.
Cha
And
VERSE 09
anye ca bahavah sura madarthe tyakta-jivitah |
Nana-sastra- praharanah sarve yuddha-visaradah ||
Translation:
“And there are other heroes who are also ready to lay down their lives for Me; they have their respective weapons and are skilled in warfare.”
Context of the Verse
This verse is part of Duryodhana’s speech to his teacher Dronacharya in the first chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. In this chapter Duryodhana surveys his army and that of the Pandavas (the opposing army) the chapter is titled: Arjuna Vishada Yoga (The Yoga of Arjuna’s Dejection).
In this verse Duryodhana is sure of his army’s power. There exists many a gallant warrior who follows him, prepared to die for him in battle. They are well-trained and carry a multitude of weapons. Duryodhana’s frustration about the devastation caused by each side’s actions is portrayed in this quote and highlights his dependency on those allied with him in his battle for revenge.
Word-by-Word Analysis
anye
Ref those whose names do not appear in the above list.
cha
And
bahavah
many; emphasizes how many fighters there are.
sura
Superb men; daring men of war and manly deed.
madarthe
The word outcast itself is used in a sense of loyalty of being stakeholder for me;
tyakta-jivitah
Who have abandoned their lives; willing to give themselves in war.
nana
Different; used to describe the variety of weapons.
sastra
Weapons; implements of war.
praharanah
Armed with; To carry arms, as a soldier.
sarve
All; Meaning any of these warriors in this bunch are skilled.
yuddha-visaradah
Warlike; proficient at the art and science of warfare.
VERSE 10
aparyaptam tadasmakam balam bhismabhiraksitam |
paryptam tvidametesam balam bhimabhiraksitam ||
Translation:
“Because Bhishma has safeguarded our strength, it is limitless, but Bhima has safeguarded theirs, making it finite.”
Context of the Verse
This verse is a continuation of Duryodhana’s conversation with Dronacharya where he compares his army with Pandavas. He commends the immense presence of Bhishma, the Kaurava commander-in-chief, as one who cannot be conquered, indicating that the power of the Kaurava army is at their height with him as the set leader of the army. By contrast, he downplays the strength of the Pandava army, helmed by Bhima, a prime fighter but not a commander like Bhishma.
This shloka depicts how much confident Duryodhana is about the number and capability front of his army, at the same time he dismisses the Pandava one. But his own lines also reveal a tinge of insecurity and the need to enumerate and compare strengths.
Word-by-Word Analysis
aparyaptam
Unlimited; infinte or boundless. Perceived strength of the Kaurava army.
tat
That; refers to Duryodhana’s army.
asmakam
Ours; the Kauravas, us.
balam
Force; military strength or power.
bhismabhiraksitam
Protected by Bhishma, indicating Bhishma’s role as the Kaurava army’s leader and a guardian
paryptam
Finite; enough but not infinite. Refers to the Pandava army.
tu
But; comparison of the two armies’ terms
idam
There; referring to the Pandava army.
etesam
Theirs; theirs, the Pandavas theirs.
balam
Military strength of the Pandavas
bhimabhiraksitam
Referrer of the comment and as an embodiment of protection, that is, the name: Protected by Bhima, points Bhima as a great protector of Pandava army.
Explanation
This wonderful story teaches us a lot. As a link between both sides, Lord Krishna said, I will have to be unbiased. So he decided, I will divide my way into two. One part will go to battle in my army, the other part will sit aside and not fight. Whoever comes to me will be well-rewarded. Duryodhana and Arjuna found that one side was the invincible army of Lord Krishna. The Narayani Sena, which is even capable of defeating the demigods. On the opposite side were the heavenly beings themselves including Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna also said he will not carry any weapons because if he did, who could defeat him? Now hearing this both Arjuna and Duryodhana were excited to talk to him for a favour. While Duryodhana managed to cross the other side and saw Lord Krishna asleep. Settling himself with great eagerness near Lord Krishna’s head. Arjuna instead humbled himself and went to Krishna’s lotus feet. When Krishna woke up, he spoke to Arjuna and asked what he wanted. Duryodhana hurriedly claimed that he had come first, but Krishna stated that Arjuna had priority because he had met Arjuna first. When Duryodhana saw this he said No, I want to choose first. Then with a sudden exclamation, Arjuna declared no Krishna, it is you I want. I do not need anything else. were hell-bent and he thought Arjuna had lost his senses. But no worries Arjuna he said, you take Krishna, I am the king, I am happy with the army. Thank you so much Krishna, he said. As Lord Krishna would not fight, Duryodhana thought, what good would he be? With his army, I will crush the Pandavas, he thought. All of us make this mistake being so careful in our thoughts. Prioritize a decent education, money and a great body. We liftweights for hours and we enrol ourselves in multiple certifications and courses. We want our businesses to be bigger and we have siblings that we married who are nice. We are all trying to find out that what can make us happy? But sometimes things don’t go as planned. There are people working as hard as they can in the world, and depression and anxiety are climbing. It is similar to the puzzle of losing a vital component and the missing piece is God, just like Duryodhana did.
Krishna via his name, as we have inherited it. So let’s tell everybody to chant. Krishna further elaborates on this fact in Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 9, Verse 13 where he says, And forever chant his name, always.
How do you feel about chanting the names of Krishna? That is potentially little but happiness can come into in your life. Instead of just working hard and using your math to calculate joy, add God to the equation. To illustrate, Arjuna did not just depend on his own strength while encountering great warriors such as Drona, Bhishma, and Karna. Except that you are weaker than them. He won because he had Krishna with him. Simply let us take Krishna on our side if we want to win the struggle against all the miseries of material life (miseries which we must endure when we come to this world).