Bhagavad Gita Verse 1.24

 

Bhagavad Gita Verse 1.24 – Arjuna’s Chariot is Positioned

Introduction

The Bhagavad Gita, a revered scripture of Hindu philosophy, unfolds in the epic Mahabharata, where Lord Krishna imparts divine wisdom to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Chapter 1 sets the scene of an impending war between the Pandavas and Kauravas. In verse 1.24, Krishna, acting as Arjuna’s charioteer, places the chariot in the midst of the battlefield upon Arjuna’s request.

Sanskrit Verse

सञ्जय उवाच |
एवमुक्तो हृषीकेशो गुडाकेशेन भारत |
सेनयोरुभयोर्मध्ये स्थापयित्वा रथोत्तमम् ॥ १.२४ ॥

Transliteration

sañjaya uvāca
evam-ukto hṛṣīkeśo guḍākeśena bhārata
senayor ubhayor madhye sthāpayitvā rathottamam

Translation

Sanjaya said:

Thus addressed by Gudakesha (Arjuna), O Bharata (Dhritarashtra), Hrishikesha (Krishna) placed the magnificent chariot in the midst of both armies.

" संजय ने कहा: गुडाकेश (अर्जुन) द्वारा इस प्रकार संबोधित करते हुए, हे भरत (धृतराष्ट्र), हृषिकेश (कृष्ण) ने दोनों सेनाओं के बीच में शानदार रथ रखा। "

Explanation

This verse is narrated by Sanjaya to King Dhritarashtra, describing how Lord Krishna, upon Arjuna’s request, guides the chariot to the center of the battlefield. This moment is significant for several reasons:

1. Krishna’s Role as the Charioteer :
   Krishna, the Supreme Being, humbly takes on the role of Arjuna’s charioteer, symbolizing divine guidance. As "Hrishikesha" (the Lord of the senses), He directs Arjuna both physically and spiritually.

2. Arjuna as " Gudakesha " :
   Arjuna is referred to as "Gudakesha," meaning "one who has conquered sleep and ignorance." This signifies his valor and spiritual awareness, though he is about to experience inner turmoil.

3. Positioning the Chariot :
   Krishna places the chariot at the center of the battlefield, allowing Arjuna to witness both armies. This strategic position intensifies Arjuna’s emotions, leading to his moral dilemma in the subsequent verses.

Philosophical Insights

• Symbol of Dharma and Free Will: Krishna’s act of positioning the chariot emphasizes that divine guidance is always available, but the individual must make their own choices.
• The Calm Before the Storm: The battlefield setting symbolizes life’s conflicts, where one must face their inner doubts and responsibilities.
• The Beginning of Arjuna’s Crisis: As Arjuna sees his loved ones on both sides, he experiences intense grief, setting the stage for Krishna’s spiritual discourse in later chapters.

Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita 1.24 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, where Krishna prepares Arjuna to confront the reality of war. This verse is not just about the physical act of positioning a chariot but about preparing the mind for a higher understanding of duty and righteousness. It sets the stage for the profound wisdom that follows in the Gita.