Chapter 1, Verse 13
तत: शङ्खाश्च भेर्यश्च पणवानकगोमुखा: | सहसैवाभ्यहन्यन्त स शब्दस्तुमुलोऽभवत् ॥13॥
tataḥ śaṅkhāśca bheryaśca paṇavānakagomukhāḥ | sahasaivābhyahanyanta sa śabdastumulo’bhavat ||
"Then conchs, kettledrums, tabors, drums, and cow-horns suddenly blared forth; and that sound was tumultuous."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 1.13 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 1.13 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Following Bhishma's lion-like roar, the entire Kaurava host erupted in a cacophony of war instruments. The verse lists various instruments: Śaṅkhāḥ (conchs), bheryaḥ (kettledrums), paṇava (small drums/tabors), ānak (large drums), and go-mukhāḥ (cow-horn trumpets). This collective sound was intended to intimidate the Pandavas and signal their readiness for the horrific carnage ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 1.13?
Then conchs, kettledrums, tabors, drums, and cow-horns suddenly blared forth; and that sound was tumultuous.