Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Verse 21

 

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Verse 21: Arjuna’s Inner Conflict Begins

The Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture, is a conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna set on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. In Chapter 1, known as the Arjuna Vishada Yoga (The Yoga of Arjuna’s Dejection), Arjuna faces a moral and emotional crisis just before the war begins.

Verse 1.21: 

The Turning Point in Arjuna’s Mind

Sanskrit Verse:

अर्जुन उवाच |
सेनयोरुभयोर्मध्ये रथं स्थापय मेऽच्युत || १.२१ ||

Transliteration:

arjuna uvāca
senayor ubhayor madhye rathaṁ sthāpaya me ’cyuta

Translation:

Arjuna said:

"O Achyuta (Krishna), please place my chariot between the two armies."

" अर्जुन ने कहा: "हे अच्युत (कृष्ण), कृपया मेरा रथ दोनों सेनाओं के बीच में खड़ा करें। "

Analysis and Significance

1. Arjuna’s Request to Krishna

This verse marks the beginning of Arjuna’s internal conflict. As the commander of the Pandava army, Arjuna asks Krishna, his charioteer, to place their chariot in the middle of the battlefield. This request seems simple, but it has profound philosophical and psychological implications.

2. The Meaning of "Achyuta"

Arjuna addresses Krishna as "Achyuta," which means "the infallible one." This term signifies Krishna’s divine nature, indicating that He never deviates from truth, duty, or His devotees. By using this word, Arjuna acknowledges Krishna’s supreme position, even though he is yet to fully realize the divine wisdom Krishna will soon impart.

3. Arjuna’s Inner Struggle Begins

Until this moment, Arjuna has been prepared for battle. However, as he positions himself in the middle of the battlefield, he is about to confront the reality of fighting his own relatives, teachers, and loved ones. This verse sets the stage for his upcoming moral and emotional turmoil, which unfolds in the following verses.

4. Symbolism of the Battlefield and Chariot

• The battlefield represents the moral dilemmas of life.
• The chariot symbolizes the human body, and Krishna as the charioteer represents the divine guide leading the soul (Arjuna) on the path of righteousness.
• Arjuna’s request to be placed in the middle suggests his desire to understand the full gravity of the war before engaging in it.

Conclusion

Verse 1.21 is a crucial turning point in the Bhagavad Gita. It marks the transition from Arjuna’s external readiness for battle to his internal crisis, which ultimately leads to the profound teachings of Krishna. This moment reminds us that in life, we often need to step back, assess our challenges, and seek divine wisdom before taking action.

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