Bhagavad Gita Shloka 1, in both Sanskrit and English with its meaning from the ancient and sacred poetry of Srimad Bhagavad Gita. This is an effort by our writer Rahul to re-incline our people on the path of Dharma and Bhakti
धृतराष्ट्र उवाच |
धर्मक्षेत्रे कुरुक्षेत्रे समवेता युयुत्सवः |
मामकाः पाण्डवाश्चैव किमकुर्वत सञ्जय || 1.1 ||
Transliteration:
Dhritarashtra Uvacha
Dharmakshetre Kurukshetre Samaveta Yuyutsavah |
Mamakah Pandavaschaiva Kimakurvata Sanjaya || 1.1 |
Here’s a detailed explanation of the first shloka of the Bhagavad Gita:
“Dhritarashtra Uvacha |
धृतराष्ट्र उवाच |”
Meaning: “Dhritarashtra said:”
In this verse, King Dhritarashtra, who is blind, is addressing his charioteer Sanjaya. The word “Uvacha” means “said” or “spoke,” indicating that Dhritarashtra is initiating a conversation with Sanjaya.
“Dharmakshetre Kurukshetre Samaveta Yuyutsavah |
धर्मक्षेत्रे कुरुक्षेत्रे समवेता युयुत्सवः |”
Meaning: “Assembled in the holy land of Kurukshetra and desirous of battle,”
Here, Dhritarashtra is describing the scene at Kurukshetra, which is referred to as “Dharmakshetra,” meaning the field of righteousness or duty. Kurukshetra is considered a sacred place in Hindu tradition. Dhritarashtra mentions that both armies are present there, eager to engage in battle (“Yuyutsavah”).
“Māmakāḥ Pāṇḍavāśchaiva Kimakurvata Sañjaya || 1.1 ||”
मामकाः पाण्डवाश्चैव किमकुर्वत सञ्जय || 1.1 ||”
Meaning: “What did my sons and the sons of Pandu do, O Sanjaya?”
In this concluding part of the verse, Dhritarashtra expresses his concern about the actions of his sons, the Kauravas, and the sons of Pandu, the Pandavas. He asks Sanjaya to inform him about the events unfolding on the battlefield. This demonstrates Dhritarashtra’s anxiety and eagerness to know the outcome of the impending battle between the two factions of his family.
Overall, Bhagavad Gita Shloka 1 sets the stage for the dialogue between Dhritarashtra and Sanjaya, initiating the discourse that forms the essence of the Bhagavad Gita. It also highlights the moral and ethical dilemma faced by Dhritarashtra as he grapples with the impending conflict involving his kin.
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