Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Verse 14

English Translation

Then, Madhava (Krsna) and the son of Pandu (Arjuna), stationed in their magnificent chariot with white horses yoked to it, loudly blew their divine conchs.

Detailed Commentary

**1.14** **Explanation:** **‘ततः श्वेतैर्हयैर्युक्ते’** – The Gandharva Chitraratha had gifted Arjuna one hundred divine horses. A unique characteristic of these horses was that no matter how many were slain in battle, their number always remained one hundred. These horses could traverse all realms, both earthly and celestial. Among these hundred, four white horses were yoked to Arjuna’s chariot. **‘महति स्यन्दने स्थितौ’** – Due to the numerous oblations, Agni Deva suffered from indigestion. He attempted to cure his ailment by consuming the herbs and medicinal plants of the Khandava forest. However, he was unsuccessful due to the protection afforded by the Devas. Each time he tried to burn the Khandava forest, Indra would douse the flames with rain. Ultimately, with Arjuna’s assistance, Agni Deva successfully consumed the entire forest. Pleased, he bestowed upon Arjuna a magnificent chariot. This chariot had the capacity to hold weapons and armaments equivalent to nine bullock carts. It was adorned with gold and vast in size. Its wheels were firm, and its banner gleamed like lightning. This banner unfurled up to a distance of four *kos* (approximately eight miles), yet it was neither cumbersome nor did it ever falter. Hanuman-ji himself was seated upon this banner. **‘स्थितौ’** – This signifies that the presence of Bhagavan Shri Krishna and Arjuna upon that beautiful chariot further enhanced its splendor and radiance. **‘माधवः पाण्डवश्चैव’** – ‘Mā’ means Lakshmi, and ‘Dhava’ means husband. Thus, ‘Madhavah’ signifies the consort of Lakshmi. Here, ‘Pandavah’ refers to Arjuna, as he is the principal Pandava. Arjuna was an avatar of ‘Nara’, and Shri Krishna, an avatar of ‘Narayana’. At the commencement of the Mahabharata, it is stated, ‘*Nārāyaṇaṁ namaskṛtya naraṁ caiva narottamam*’ (Salutations to Narayana, and to Nara, the best among men). This clearly indicates that Bhagavan Shri Krishna and Arjuna were paramount in the Pandava faction. Sanjaya concludes the Gita by stating, ‘Wherever there is Yogeshvara Bhagavan Shri Krishna and Arjuna, there will be Shri (prosperity), Vijaya (victory), and unshakeable Niti (righteous policy)’ (18.78). **‘दिव्यौ शङ्खौ प्रदध्मतुः’** – The conch shells of Shri Krishna and Arjuna were effulgent and otherworldly. They blew their conches with mighty force. A doubt might arise: it is appropriate for the chief commander of the Kaurava side, Pitamaha Bhishma, to blow his conch first. But in the Pandava army, with Dhrishtadyumna as the chief commander, why did Bhagavan Shri Krishna blow his conch first? The answer is that whether Bhagavan assumes the role of a charioteer or a great warrior, He always remains the principal. He is Achyuta, never falling from His supreme position. In the Pandava army, Bhagavan Shri Krishna was the most principal and directed everyone. Even when He was young, Nanda and Upananda followed His counsel. At His behest, the worship of Indra was abandoned, and Govardhan Puja was initiated. This implies that wherever Bhagavan is present, He remains supreme. Therefore, Bhagavan was the first to blow the conch in the Pandava army. An individual of lesser stature is considered great when placed in a high position. But one who is great by nature elevates the status of the place where he resides. Here, Bhagavan became the charioteer, and by His presence, the position of the charioteer was elevated. **Connection:** Now, Sanjaya describes the blowing of the conches in the following four verses.