Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Verse 5

English Translation

Dhrstaketu, Cekitana, and the valiant king of Kasi (Varanasi); Purujit and Kuntibhoja, and Saibya, the choicest among men;

Detailed Commentary

Interpretation: Verses 1.4-1.6. "Atra śūrā maheṣvāsā bhīmārjunasamā yudhi" – The instrument from which arrows are shot is called an 'iṣvāsa,' meaning a bow. Those who possess great bows are all 'maheṣvāsāḥ.' Stringing arrows on large bows and drawing them requires immense strength. Such warriors are as mighty as Bhīma and Arjuna. "Yuyudhānaḥ" – Yuyudhāna (Sātyaki) learned the art of warfare from Arjuna. Therefore, even though Lord Krishna offered His Nārāyaṇī army, Yuyudhāna remained on Arjuna's side. Duryodhana mentioned his name first so that Dronāchārya would not harbor any doubts. "Virāṭaśca" – That King Virāṭa, on account of whom Susharmā was humiliated and Dronāchārya was enchanted by a *sammohana astra*, now stands against you. Duryodhana believes he is using emotional appeal to incite Dronāchārya against the Pāṇḍavas. "Drupadaśca mahārathaḥ" – Drupada, who previously dishonored your friendship, now stands arrayed against you. "Dhṛṣṭaketuḥ" – Dhṛṣṭaketu stands on Krishna's side, even though Krishna had slain his father. "Cekitānaḥ" – This Yādava Chekitāna is in the Pāṇḍava army, even though the Yādava army is on our side. "Kāśirājaśca vīryavān" – The King of Kāśi is exceedingly valorous and is fighting on the side of the Pāṇḍavas. Be cautious. "Purujit Kuntibhojaśca" – Both of these are also our maternal uncles, yet they are supporting the Pāṇḍavas. "Śaibyaśca narapuṅgavaḥ" – This Śaibya is a partisan of the Pāṇḍavas. "Yudhāmanyuśca vikrānta Uttamaujāśca vīryavān" – These warriors will protect Arjuna's chariot; be mindful of this. "Saubhadraḥ" – This is Abhimanyu, the son of Subhadrā, a very valiant warrior. "Draupadeyāśca" – Draupadī's sons are also in the Pāṇḍava army. "Sarva eva mahārathāḥ" – All of these are Mahārathīs, who can single-handedly confront thousands of warriors in battle. Connection: Duryodhana, by enumerating the distinctive qualities of the Pāṇḍava army, sought to motivate Dronāchārya.