Chapter 1, Verse 17
काश्यश्च परमेष्वास: शिखण्डी च महारथ: | धृष्टद्युम्नो विराटश्च सात्यकिश्चापराजित: ॥17॥
kāśyaśca parameṣvāsaḥ śikhaṇḍī ca mahārathaḥ | dhṛṣṭadyumno virāṭaśca sātyakiścāparājitaḥ || 17 ||
"The King of Kashi, the excellent archer; Shikhandi, the mighty chariot-warrior; Dhrishtadyumna and Virata; and Satyaki, the unconquered."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 1.17 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 1.17 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
In this verse, Sanjaya continues to describe the formidable lineup of the Pandava army to King Dhritarashtra. By highlighting warriors like the King of Kashi (a master archer), Shikhandi (instrumental in Bhishma's fall), and the invincible Satyaki, Sanjaya conveys the diverse and high-caliber strength of the opposition. This serves as a psychological prompt for Dhritarashtra to recognize the impending destruction and his moral duty to intervene and stop the war.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 1.17?
The King of Kashi, the excellent archer; Shikhandi, the mighty chariot-warrior; Dhrishtadyumna and Virata; and Satyaki, the unconquered.