Meaning of Shlokas 1-25

The Gita Begins – – – –

Let us now explore the Tattvopadeśa—the essential teachings—given by Bhagavān Śrī Kṛṣṇa to Arjuna,beginning with the                                         

First chapter:Arjuna Viṣāda Yoga

As our aim is to grasp the essence of the Bhagavad Gītā,we will focus primarily on the ślokas that offer deep insights into Vedānta.The remaining ślokas will be touched upon more briefly,to maintain continuity and context.

Śloka 1: Dhṛtarāṣṭra asks Sanjaya about what the armed Kauravas and Pāṇḍavas are doing on the battlefield of Kurukṣetra — described as Dharmakṣetra,which itself indicates that Dharma will ultimately prevail in this war.

Śloka 2: Duryodhana approaches Dronācārya and reports on the strength of the Pāṇḍavas,seeking to provoke him.

Ślokas 3–9: Duryodhana confidently describes the power of his own forces,highlighting warriors like Bhīṣma,Kr̥pācārya,Karṇa and others,expressing strong faith in their abilities.

Śloka 12: To signal the start of the battle,Bhīṣma blows his conch shell,marking the official beginning of the war.

Ślokas 14–16: Arjuna,Śrī Kṛṣṇa and Bhīma blow their conches,announcing their readiness for battle.The sound resonates powerfully across the universe.

Ślokas 17–19: Other great warriors on the Pāṇḍava side also blow their conches,presenting fierce opposition to the Kauravas.The names of these conches are mentioned in the respective verses.

Śloka 20: Sanjaya informs Dhṛtarāṣṭra about the preparations of weapons by both armies.At this moment,Arjuna,standing in his chariot marked by Lord Hanuman’s flag,takes up his bow and begins to speak to Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa.

Ślokas 22–23: Arjuna requests Krishna to position the chariot between the two armies so he can clearly see those assembled to fight on behalf of the wicked-minded Duryodhana.

Ślokas 24–25: Sanjaya tells Dhṛtarāṣṭra that hearing Arjuna’s words,Bhagavān Śrī Kṛṣṇa drives the chariot to the requested spot,allowing Arjuna to see key warriors like Bhīṣma and Drona,and inviting him to observe the Kaurava army.

Let us meet in the next episode and explore the emotional journey of Arjuna as he stands at the heart of the battlefield.

You can also listen to this in Telugu from our Āchārya,Dr. Jammalamadaka Suryanārāyaṇa garu,by clicking the video below.