Chapter 1, Verse 12
तस्य सञ्जनयन्हर्षं कुरुवृद्ध: पितामह: | सिंहनादं विनद्योच्चै: शङ्खं दध्मौ प्रतापवान् ॥12॥
tasya sañjanayan harṣhaṁ kuru-vṛiddhaḥ pitāmahaḥ | siṁha-nādaṁ vinadyochchaiḥ śhaṅkhaṁ dadhmau pratāpavān
"Then, the valiant Grandfather Bhishma, the oldest of the Kuru dynasty, blew his conch shell very loudly, sounding like a lion's roar, giving joy to Duryodhana."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 1.12 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 1.12 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Despite his internal realization that Duryodhana's cause was unjust and doomed because of Krishna's presence on the other side, Bhishma—the 'Kuru-vṛiddhaḥ' (eldest of the Kurus)—displays his unwavering commitment to his duty. By blowing his conch (the 'śhaṅkha') and letting out a 'siṁha-nāda' (lion-roar), he signals the commencement of battle, attempting to dispel Duryodhana's visible anxiety and instill a momentary sense of courage in the Kaurava ranks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 1.12?
Then, the valiant Grandfather Bhishma, the oldest of the Kuru dynasty, blew his conch shell very loudly, sounding like a lion's roar, giving joy to Duryodhana.