Chapter 1 - Arjuna Visada Yoga


Arjuna's Dilemma



The first chapter of the Bhagavad Gita - Arjuna Vishada Yoga introduces the setup, the setting, the characters and the circumstances that led to the epic battle of Mahabharata, fought between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. It outlines the reasons that led to the revelation of the of Bhagavad Gita. As both armies stand ready for the battle, the mighty warrior Arjuna, on observing the warriors on both sides becomes increasingly sad and depressed due to the fear of losing his relatives and friends and the consequent sins attributed to killing his own relatives. So, he surrenders to Lord Krishna, seeking a solution. Thus, follows the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita.


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Verse 19


That tremendous sound pierced the hearts of the sons of Dhrtarastra as it reverberated through the sky and the earth.

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Verse 20


O king, thereafter, seeing Dhrtarastra's men standing in their positions, when all the weapons were ready for action, the son of Pandu (Arjuna) who had the insignia of Hanuman on his chariot-flag, raising up his bow, said the following to Hrsikesa.

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Verse 21


Arjuna said: O Acyuta, please place my chariot between both the armies.

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Verse 22


And keep it there until I survey these who stand intent on fighting, and those who are going to engage in battle with me in this impending war.

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Verse 23


These who have assembled here and want to accomplish in the war what is dear to the perverted son of Dhrtarastra, I find them to be intent on fighting.

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Verse 24


Sanjay said: O scion of the line of Bharata (Dhrtararastra), Hrsikesa, being told so by Gudakesa (Arjuna), placed the excellent chariot between the two armies.

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