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Gita Chapter -1
Arjuna Vishada Yoga
This is the chapter describing Arjuna's sorrow. First we will see what
happens in the first day of the Mahabharata war. Equally we will discuss the
symbolism of Mahabharat or Mahabharatham.
Essence of
the chapter - 1.
The two armies of Pandavas and kav-ravas met in the battle field. Arjuna asked Krishna to stop
the chariot between the armies so that he could take a close look at the
warriors with whom he had to contend. When
Krishna placed the chariot between the two armies, Arjuna saw his grandfathers, uncles,
teachers, brothers, sons, dear friends and relatives in the enemy's side. He was suddenly
overcome with grief and deep sorrow filled his heart. He took his head
in his hands while the body shivered with anguish and so left the weapons
slip out of his hands. Tears filled his eyes and so sat down on the chariot.
He said to
Krishna, "Looking at the honoured elders and teachers of mine, who are eager
for battle against us. I am being weakened in my heart of what use will be
any kingdom or wealth obtained by killing them? What enjoyment can one find
in the kingdom of the world, which is smeared with the blood of one’s close
relatives, sons, friend, teachers etc? I would rather be killed by the sons
of Dhritarastra than laying my hands on them. I do not want to fight. It is
a great sin to kill my teachers and relatives. If I kill them, family
traditions will perish. The slayer of the families will go to hell . Arjuna was overwhelmed
with grief. He threw away his bow and arrows and sank down on the seat of
the chariot.
First day of Mahabharata war
The two paternal cousin brother
familes (Pandavas and Kav-ravas) with their allies stood in the battle field
in Kururshetra to fight.
When Arjuna took a glance at the enemy, he saw his own relatives and became
emotionally disturbed. Arjuna expressed his grief to Krishna who was
his own maternal cousin, brother-in-law, friend as well his charioteer.
Arjuna was reluctant to fight his
relatives even though they had caused immense trouble in his life. Krishna
cleared Arjuna's doubts and dilemma and made him to fight the war. What he
spoke is what we now read as Bhagavad Gita.
Before the two
armies signaled for attacking each other, an interesting incident
happened. Yudhistra ,the eldest Pandava announced that whomsoever want to
change sides of the armies can do it right then. Surprisingly, Yuyutsu,
one of the 100 sons in the kav-ravas left his side and joined the Pandavas.
Duryodhana was furious with his younger brother Yuyutsu and screamed at him
as a coward and a betrayer. Then began the war.
Please
click here to continue to exercise on chapter-1.
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