Chapter 1 Verse 13
Arjun Viṣhād Yog
ततः शङ्खाश्च भेर्यश्च पणवानकगोमुखाः। सहसैवाभ्यहन्यन्त स शब्दस्तुमुलोऽभवत्।।1.13।।
tataḥ śhaṅkhāśhcha bheryaśhcha paṇavānaka-gomukhāḥ sahasaivābhyahanyanta sa śhabdastumulo ’bhavat
Word Meanings
| tataḥ | thereafter |
| śhaṅkhāḥ | conches |
| cha | and |
| bheryaḥ | bugles |
| cha | and |
| paṇava-ānaka | drums and kettledrums |
| go-mukhāḥ | trumpets |
| sahasā | suddenly |
| eva | indeed |
| abhyahanyanta | blared forth |
| saḥ | that |
| śhabdaḥ | sound |
| tumulaḥ | overwhelming |
| abhavat | was |
Translation
Then, suddenly, conches, kettledrums, tabors, drums, and cow horns blared forth from the Kaurava side, and the sound was tremendous.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse describes a sudden, overwhelming blast of conches, drums, and horns. This loud sound marks the start of battle and stirs strong emotions in those who hear it.
Philosophically, the sound stands for the sudden pressures and alarms of life that shake our mind. Outside events can rise quickly and make us anxious, angry, or confused if we let the noise control our reactions.
At the same time, the blast is also a call to wake up and act. It reminds us that crises can prompt clarity and commitment if we meet them with steady attention rather than panic.
Life Application
- When you feel overwhelmed by sudden news or pressure, pause and take a few deep breaths before responding.
- Use loud or stressful moments as signals to check your priorities: what truly needs your action now, and what can wait.
- Build simple habits (short breathing breaks, a checklist, a grounding phrase) to keep your mind steady when life gets noisy.
Reflection Question
What routine can you use to stay calm and clear the next time life suddenly feels overwhelming?