Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Verse 17

English Translation

And the King of Kasi, wielding a great bow, and the great chariot-rider Sikhandi, Dhrstadyumna and Virata, and Satyaki the unconered;

Detailed Commentary

।।1.17।। Elucidation: 'Kaashyashcha Parameshvaasah ... Shankhan Dadhmuh Prithak Prithak' -- The great warrior Maharathi Shikhandi was very brave. In his previous birth, he was a woman (Amba, the daughter of the King of Kashi), and in this birth, too, he was born as a daughter to King Dhrupad. Later, this very Shikhandi attained manhood from the Yaksha named Sthunakarna and became a man. Bhishma knew all these facts and considered Shikhandi to be a woman. For this reason, he would not shoot arrows at him. During the war, Arjuna placed Shikhandi in front and then shot arrows at Bhishma, bringing him down from his chariot. Arjuna's son, Abhimanyu, was extremely valiant. During the war, he entered the Chakravyuha formation created by Drona and, with his valor, annihilated many warriors. Ultimately, six Maharathis of the Kaurava army unfairly surrounded him and attacked him with weapons and missiles. He met his demise when struck on the head with a mace by Dushasana's son. In his description of the conch-sounding, Sanjaya named only Bhishma among the valiant warriors of the Kaurava army, whereas he enumerated eighteen warriors, including Lord Shri Krishna, Arjuna, and Bhima, from the Pandava army. From this, it appears that Sanjaya did not hold reverence for the side of unrighteousness (the Kaurava army). Therefore, he did not deem it appropriate to describe the side of unrighteousness at length. However, having respect for the side of righteousness (the Pandava army), and out of reverence for Lord Shri Krishna and the Pandavas, he considered it fitting to describe their side more extensively, finding joy in doing so. Context: The effect of the sounding of conches by the Pandava army on the Kaurava army is described in the next verse.