Chapter 1 Verse 16-18
Arjun Viṣhād Yog
अनन्तविजयं राजा कुन्तीपुत्रो युधिष्ठिरः। नकुलः सहदेवश्च सुघोषमणिपुष्पकौ।।1.16।। काश्यश्च परमेष्वासः शिखण्डी च महारथः। धृष्टद्युम्नो विराटश्च सात्यकिश्चापराजितः।।1.17।। द्रुपदो द्रौपदेयाश्च सर्वशः पृथिवीपते। सौभद्रश्च महाबाहुः शङ्खान्दध्मुः पृथक्पृथक्।।1.18।।
anantavijayaṁ rājā kuntī-putro yudhiṣhṭhiraḥ nakulaḥ sahadevaśhcha sughoṣha-maṇipuṣhpakau kāśhyaśhcha parameṣhvāsaḥ śhikhaṇḍī cha mahā-rathaḥ dhṛiṣhṭadyumno virāṭaśhcha sātyakiśh chāparājitaḥ drupado draupadeyāśhcha sarvaśhaḥ pṛithivī-pate saubhadraśhcha mahā-bāhuḥ śhaṅkhāndadhmuḥ pṛithak pṛithak
Word Meanings
| ananta-vijayam | the conch named Anantavijay |
| rājā | king |
| kuntī-putraḥ | son of Kunti |
| yudhiṣhṭhiraḥ | Yudhishthir |
| nakulaḥ | Nakul |
| sahadevaḥ | Sahadev |
| cha | and |
| sughoṣha-maṇipuṣhpakau | the conche shells named Sughosh and Manipushpak |
| kāśhyaḥ | King of Kashi |
| cha | and |
| parama-iṣhu-āsaḥ | the excellent archer |
| śhikhaṇḍī | Shikhandi |
| cha | also |
| mahā-rathaḥ | warriors who could single handedly match the strength of ten thousand ordinary warriors |
| dhṛiṣhṭadyumnaḥ | Dhrishtadyumna |
| virāṭaḥ | Virat |
| cha | and |
| sātyakiḥ | Satyaki |
| cha | and |
| aparājitaḥ | invincible |
| drupadaḥ | Drupad |
| draupadeyāḥ | the five sons of Draupadi |
| cha | and |
| sarvaśhaḥ | all |
| pṛithivī-pate | Ruler of the earth |
| saubhadraḥ | Abhimanyu, the son of Subhadra |
| cha | also |
| mahā-bāhuḥ | the mighty-armed |
| śhaṅkhān | conch shells |
| dadhmuḥ | blew |
| pṛithak pṛithak | individually |
Translation
King Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, blew the Anantavijaya; Nakula and Sahadeva blew the Sughosha and the Manipushpaka. The king of Kasi, an excellent archer, Sikhandi, the mighty car-warrior, Dhrishtadyumna, Virata, and Satyaki, the unconquered. Drupada and the sons of Draupadi, O Lord of the Earth, and the son of Subhadra, the mighty-armed, blew their conches each separately.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
These verses describe many known warriors blowing their conches before battle. The sounds mark a clear moment: everyone is ready, roles are declared, and a serious task is about to begin.
Naming each person shows that duty is personal and shared. Spiritual struggle is not only inner; it happens in relationships, duties, and public life. The outward sound is a symbol: actions and rituals help gather courage, focus, and a sense of commitment.
Ultimately the conches remind us that preparation and intention matter. A public sign of readiness is useful only when it comes from a steady heart and right purpose — not from pride or anger.
Life Application
- Before an important action, make a simple, clear intention (speak it aloud or write it down) to steady your mind and focus your energy.
- Recognize the roles and support around you; ask for help and clarify responsibilities instead of trying to do everything alone.
- Use a brief ritual (deep breaths, a short prayer, or a meaningful sound) to move from distraction to calm resolve.
Reflection Question
What simple intention or ritual will you use to steady yourself before your next important step?