भीष्मद्रोणप्रमुखतः सर्वेषां च महीक्षिताम्। उवाच पार्थ पश्यैतान्समवेतान्कुरूनिति।।1.25।।
Bhīṣma-droṇa-pramukhataḥ sarveṣāṁ ca mahī-kṣitām uvāca pārtha paśyaitānsamavetān kurūn iti
Translation
In the presence of Bheeshma, Dronacharya, and all the other kings, Shree Krishna said: "O Parth, behold these Kurus gathered here."
Word Meanings
bhīṣma — Grandfather Bhīṣma droṇa — the teacher Droṇa pramukhataḥ — in front of sarveṣām — all ca — also mahī-kṣitām — chiefs of the world uvāca — said pārtha — O son of Pṛthā (Arjuna) paśya — just behold etān — all of them samavetān — assembled kurūn — the members of the Kuru dynasty iti — thus
Understanding the Verse
In this verse, Shree Krishna calls Arjuna by the name Parth, which is another reference to him as the son of Kunti (also known as Pritha). Krishna then directs Arjuna's attention to the warriors assembled on the battlefield, starting with the mighty Bheeshma and Drona, who are both highly revered figures in the Kaurava army. These individuals, along with the other kings, are part of the same Kuru dynasty to which Arjuna belongs. The word "Kuru" is significant here because it underscores that the enemies Arjuna is about to face are his own family members, including his elders, teachers, and relatives. This declaration is a psychological technique that Krishna uses to sow the seed of confusion in Arjuna's mind, preparing him for the profound spiritual teachings that will follow in the Bhagavad Gita. Krishna's purpose here is not just to point out the warriors but to remind Arjuna of the familial bond between the two sides of the war. Both the Pandavas (Arjuna's side) and the Kauravas (the opposing side) belong to the same royal lineage, making the war a tragic conflict between family members. Krishna uses this moment to deepen Arjuna's emotional turmoil, which will later serve as the backdrop for the teachings of duty (Dharma), righteousness, and spiritual wisdom that he will impart to Arjuna.
