Chapter 1 Verse 4-6
Arjun Viṣhād Yog
अत्र शूरा महेष्वासा भीमार्जुनसमा युधि। युयुधानो विराटश्च द्रुपदश्च महारथः।।1.4।। धृष्टकेतुश्चेकितानः काशिराजश्च वीर्यवान्। पुरुजित्कुन्तिभोजश्च शैब्यश्च नरपुङ्गवः।।1.5।। युधामन्युश्च विक्रान्त उत्तमौजाश्च वीर्यवान्। सौभद्रो द्रौपदेयाश्च सर्व एव महारथाः।।1.6।।
atra śhūrā maheṣhvāsā bhīmārjuna-samā yudhi yuyudhāno virāṭaśhcha drupadaśhcha mahā-rathaḥ dhṛiṣhṭaketuśhchekitānaḥ kāśhirājaśhcha vīryavān purujit kuntibhojaśhcha śhaibyaśhcha nara-puṅgavaḥ yudhāmanyuśhcha vikrānta uttamaujāśhcha vīryavān saubhadro draupadeyāśhcha sarva eva mahā-rathāḥ
Word Meanings
| atra | here |
| śhūrāḥ | powerful warriors |
| mahā-iṣhu-āsāḥ | great bowmen |
| bhīma-arjuna-samāḥ | equal to Bheem and Arjun |
| yudhi | in military prowess |
| yuyudhānaḥ | Yuyudhan |
| virāṭaḥ | Virat |
| cha | and |
| drupadaḥ | Drupad |
| cha | also |
| mahā-rathaḥ | warriors who could single handedly match the strength of ten thousand ordinary warriors |
| dhṛiṣhṭaketuḥ | Dhrishtaketu |
| chekitānaḥ | Chekitan |
| kāśhirājaḥ | Kashiraj |
| cha | and |
| vīrya-vān | heroic |
| purujit | Purujit |
| kuntibhojaḥ | Kuntibhoj |
| cha | and |
| śhaibyaḥ | Shaibya |
| cha | and |
| nara-puṅgavaḥ | best of men |
| yudhāmanyuḥ | Yudhamanyu |
| cha | and |
| vikrāntaḥ | courageous |
| uttamaujāḥ | Uttamauja |
| cha | and |
| vīrya-vān | gallant |
| saubhadraḥ | the son of Subhadra |
| draupadeyāḥ | the sons of Draupadi |
| cha | and |
| sarve | all |
| eva | indeed |
| mahā-rathāḥ | warriors who could single handedly match the strength of ten thousand ordinary warriors |
Translation
Here are heroes, mighty archers, equal in battle to Bhima and Arjuna, Yuyudhana (Satyaki), Virata, and Drupada—all mighty warriors. Dhrishtaketu, Chekitana, the valiant king of Kasi, Purujit, Kuntibhoja, and Saibya—the best of men. The strong Yudhamanyu and the brave Uttamaujas, the son of Subhadra (Abhimanyu, the son of Subhadra and Arjuna), and the sons of Draupadi, all of them great charioteers (great heroes)."
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
These verses name the great warriors lined up for battle. By listing many famous heroes, the text shows how vast and serious the conflict is — not just a clash of armies, but a meeting of many respected lives and strengths. The presence of friends, relatives, and celebrated fighters makes the war heavy with duty and emotion.
Philosophically, the passage points to the tension between outer power and inner rightness. Great skill, courage, or fame do not by themselves decide what is dharma (right action). Seeing so many worthy people ready to fight makes Arjuna reflect on the moral cost of action, not just its glory.
Spiritually, the verse asks us to look beyond names and ranks. Real wisdom notices the deeper stakes: consequences for people, relationships, and the soul. Strength must be guided by wisdom; otherwise it creates pain.
Life Application
- When facing a big, intimidating situation, list the real stakes (people, values, consequences) before acting.
- Respect skill and reputation in others, but let rightness, not appearance, guide your choices.
- Remember that courage alone is not enough; pair action with clear purpose and compassion.
Reflection Question
Which do I follow more often: the power of a situation or the sense of what is truly right?