Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Verse 24

English Translation

1.25 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, in front of Bhisma and Drona as also all the rulers of the earth, and said, 'O Partha (Arjuna), see these assempled people of the Kuru dynasty.'

Detailed Commentary

।।1.24।। Explanation: "Guḍākeśena" (from Guḍākeśa): The word 'Guḍākeśa' has two meanings. (1) 'Guḍā' means coiled or curled, and 'keśa' means hair. One with curly hair is 'Guḍākeśa'. (2) 'Guḍākā' means sleep, and 'īśa' means master or lord. One who is the master of sleep, who has control over sleep, is 'Guḍākeśa'. Arjuna's hair was curly, and he had mastery over sleep, hence he is called 'Guḍākeśa'. "Evamuktaḥ" (Thus Spoken): One who is not a slave to laziness and sensual pleasures, but is solely devoted to Bhagavān, Bhagavān listens to their words and also abides by them. Therefore, Bhagavān Śrī Kṛṣṇa, upon Arjuna's instruction, positioned the chariot between the two armies. "Hṛṣīkeśaḥ": The senses are called 'Hṛṣīka'. One who is the master of the senses is called Hṛṣīkeśa. The meaning of this word here is that Bhagavān is the inspirer of all, and here He is abiding by Arjuna's command. "Senayorubhayormadhye sthāpayitvā rathottamam" (Having placed the best of chariots between both armies): Bhagavān positioned Arjuna's chariot in the space available between the two armies. "Bhīṣmadroṇapramukhataḥ sarveṣāṁ ca mahīkṣitām" (In front of Bhīṣma, Droṇa, and all the kings of the earth): Bhagavān positioned the chariot in such a way that Arjuna could see Bhīṣma, Droṇācārya, and all the principal kings of the Kaurava army. "Uvāca Pārtha paśyaitān samavetān Kurūn iti" (And said, "O Pārtha, behold these assembled Kurus."): The word 'Kuru' includes both the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Pāṇḍu, as both are Kuru-descendants. Bhagavān said this so that upon seeing these assembled Kuru-descendants, Arjuna's familial ties and attachment (moha) would awaken, paving the way for the great teaching of the Gītā. Bhagavān, by positioning the chariot, awakened Arjuna's delusion (moha) so that He could then free him from that delusion by imparting the teachings of the Gītā. Arjuna had said, "Let me behold them," hence there was no need for Bhagavān to say "paśya" (behold). Bhagavān said "Kurūn paśya" (behold the Kurus) so that familial attachment (moha) would awaken and subsequently be dispelled. There is a significant difference between familial affection (kauṭumbika sneha) and divine love (Bhagavat-prema). Familial affection involves possessiveness (mamatā), while divine love involves intimacy (ātmīyatā). Familial affection is characterized by delusion (mūḍhatā), while divine love is characterized by illumination (prakāśa). In familial affection, the family members are paramount, whereas in divine love, Bhagavān is paramount. Connection: First, Bhagavān asked Arjuna to behold the Kuru-descendants. The subsequent description is provided by Sañjaya in the following verses.