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Chapter 1 · Observing the Armies on the Battlefield of Kurukṣetra · 46 verses

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How to study this verse, in six steps

1Remember who is speaking. Kṛṣṇa is speaking. Take the verse as He directs.
2Say the verse and its words. Read the Sanskrit, then each word with its meaning.
3Read the translation as it is. Let the translation say what it says, without adding your own meaning.
4Read the purport. Hear the verse through the disciplic succession.
5Bring your own question. Ask: where does this verse meet my life, my trouble, my doubt?
6Act on it, remembering Kṛṣṇa. Carry one instruction into your work today.

Read the full guide: how to read the Bhagavad-gītā ›

Questions & crisisChapter 1 · Observing the Armies on the Battlefield of Kurukṣetra

1.18 1.20

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 1.19

The armies gather; conches sound

Karma · Action

स घोषो धार्तराष्ट्राणां हृदयानि व्यदारयत् ।

नभश्च पृथिवीं चैव तुमुलोऽभ्यनुनादयन् ॥ १९ ॥

sa ghoṣo dhārtarāṣṭrāṇāṁ

hṛdayāni vyadārayat

nabhaś ca pṛthivīṁ caiva

tumulo ’bhyanunādayan

Translation

The blowing of these different conchshells became uproarious. Vibrating both in the sky and on the earth, it shattered the hearts of the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io

Understand it

What this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.

3 study points

Confidence in Lord Kṛṣṇa

1
The Pāṇḍavas’ loud conchshell sounds filled the sky and earth, shattering the hearts of Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s sons.
2
The conchshells of Bhīṣma and Duryodhana’s other supporters did not shatter the Pāṇḍavas’ hearts, due to their confidence in Lord Kṛṣṇa.
3
One who takes shelter of the Supreme Lord has nothing to fear, even in the greatest calamity.

Key points from the purport

Shattering of the hearts — Conchshells of Pandavas shattered the heart of the sons of Dhrtarashtara

There is no heartbreaking on the side of the Pandavas

Because of ‘Pandavas’ and their ‘confidence in Lord Krishna’

PRACTICAL APPLICATION – This shows that one who takes shelter of the Supreme Lord has nothing to fear even in the midst of the greatest calamity (1.19 purport)