पाञ्चजन्यं हृषीकेशो देवदत्तं धनंजयः। पौण्ड्रं दध्मौ महाशङ्खं भीमकर्मा वृकोदरः।।1.15।।
Hrishikesh blew his conch shell, called Panchajanya, and Arjun blew the Devadutta. Bheem, the voracious eater and performer of herculean tasks, blew his mighty conch, called Paundra.
Translation
Hrishikesh (Lord Krishna) blew his conch shell, called Panchajanya, and Arjuna blew the Devadatta. Bhima, the one who performs herculean tasks, blew his mighty conch, called Paundra.
Word Meanings
pāñcajanyam — the conchshell named Pāñcajanya hṛṣīka-īśaḥ — Hṛṣīkeśa (Krishna, the Lord who directs the senses of the devotees) devadattam — the conchshell named Devadatta dhanam-jayaḥ — Dhanañjaya (Arjuna, the winner of wealth) pauṇḍram — the conch named Pauṇḍra dadhmau — blew mahā-śaṅkham — the terrific conchshell bhīma-karmā — one who performs herculean tasks vṛka-udaraḥ — the voracious eater (Bhīma)
Understanding the Verse
In this verse, Sanjay continues his narration of the battlefield, emphasizing the sounds of divine conchshells that herald the beginning of the great war. The conchshells are not just simple instruments; each one has its own significance, and the names associated with them carry deep spiritual and symbolic meanings. Hrishikesh (Krishna): The term Hrishikesh refers to Lord Krishna, who is the controller of the senses. Hrishikesh signifies the Lord’s complete mastery over the senses of both the devotees and the entire creation. Krishna, who directs the hearts and minds of His followers, is the supreme force that governs the universe. His conchshell is named Pāñcajanya, which represents the divine and cosmic sound. The blowing of this conch by Krishna symbolizes the divine will, calling the world to recognize the victory of righteousness. Dhananjaya (Arjuna): Arjuna, the mighty warrior and supreme archer, is called Dhananjaya, meaning the conqueror of wealth or the one who wins all riches. Arjuna’s conch is named Devadatta, meaning the gift of the gods. His conch blowing signifies the strength and valor of Arjuna, who, under Krishna’s guidance, is about to fulfill his duty as a warrior in the battle for righteousness. Bhīma (Bhīma-Karmā): Bhīma, known for his herculean strength and insatiable appetite, is one of the five Pandavas. The term Bhīma-Karmā refers to his mighty deeds, particularly his ability to perform great and formidable tasks. His conch shell, named Pauṇḍra, is associated with tremendous power and strength. The sound of his conch echoes the intensity and might of his warrior spirit, setting the stage for his battle prowess on the field. Symbolism: Conchshells (Pāñcajanya, Devadatta, Paundra): The blowing of the conchshells signifies the start of the battle and invoking the divine. These conchshells are divine symbols, carrying the essence of the warriors’ power and their divine mission in the war. The Pāñcajanya represents the divine will of Krishna, the Devadatta symbolizes the righteousness and skill of Arjuna, and the Paundra reflects the strength and might of Bhīma. Names and Attributes: Each name attached to the conchshells has profound meanings: Pāñcajanya (Krishna’s conch): Represents cosmic energy and divine power. Devadatta (Arjuna’s conch): Represents the gifts of the gods and divine support. Paundra (Bhīma’s conch): Reflects raw strength and heroic feats.
