अमी च त्वां धृतराष्ट्रस्य पुत्राः सर्वे सहैवावनिपालसङ्घैः। भीष्मो द्रोणः सूतपुत्रस्तथाऽसौ सहास्मदीयैरपि योधमुख्यैः।।11.26।।
amī ca tvāṁ dhṛtarāṣṭrasya putrāḥ sarve sahaiḥ avanipāla-saṅghaiḥ. bhīṣmo droṇaḥ sūtaputrastathā'sau sahāsmadīyairapi yodhamukhyaḥ.
Translation
These sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, all together with the assembly of forest protectors, Bhīṣma, Drona, the son of the charioteer (Karna), and also our chief warriors, are present before you.
Word Meanings
अमी — these (sons); च — and; त्वां — you; धृतराष्ट्रस्य — of Dhṛtarāṣṭra; पुत्राः — sons; सर्वे — all; सहैव — together also; अवनिपालसङ्घैः — with the assembly of forest protectors; भीष्मो — Bhīṣma; द्रोणः — Drona; सूतपुत्रस्तथाऽसौ — Sūta’s son (Karna) likewise; सहआsmदीयैः — with our own; अपि — also; योधमुख्यैः — chief warriors of battle
Understanding the Verse
In this verse, Arjuna, still reeling from the dazzling vision of the Universal Form (Viṣṇu‑rūpa), asks Lord Krishna to enumerate the warriors he sees on the battlefield. Krishna obliges, naming the principal combatants of the Kaurava side. The phrase "अमी च त्वां धृतराष्ट्रस्य पुत्राः" emphasizes that all the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra are gathered, underscoring the magnitude of the familial conflict. The inclusion of "सहैवावनिपालसङ्घैः" points to the vast host that surrounds them – the traditional term denotes the protectors of the forest, symbolizing the myriad kings and chieftains who have pledged allegiance to the Kauravas. This conveys that the war is not merely a fraternal dispute but a large‑scale clash involving entire kingdoms.
The mention of "भीष्मो द्रोणः" brings into focus the two most revered elders of the Kshatriya order. Bhīṣma, bound by his vow of celibacy, represents steadfast duty and loyalty, while Drona, the preceptor of both sides, embodies the paradox of teaching the art of war that will later be turned against his own disciples. Their presence highlights the tragic irony that those who have imparted wisdom and virtue are now compelled to fight on opposite sides.
"सूतपुत्रस्तथाऽसौ" identifies Karṇa, the son of Sūta, who, despite being the biological brother of the Pandavas, remains loyal to Duryodhana because of the debt of gratitude and the promise of kingship. Karṇa’s inclusion illustrates the complex web of dharma, where personal promises can sometimes supersede birthright. It also serves as a narrative reminder that righteousness (dharma) is not always black and white; the Kaurava camp contains individuals of high moral calibre, adding depth to the moral canvas of the epic.
Finally, "सहास्मदीयैरपि योधमुख्यैः" brings the focus back to the Pandava side, indicating that even the chief warriors of the Pandavas stand opposite these formidable opponents. This balanced enumeration sets the stage for the ensuing dialogue on duty, righteousness, and the nature of the self that unfolds in the remainder of Chapter 11. By naming the combatants, Krishna prepares Arjuna for the deeper realization that the external war mirrors the internal war of the intellect versus the ego, urging him to transcend attachment to outcomes and recognize the divine play underlying all action. The verse, therefore, is not just a roll‑call of heroes, but a subtle invitation to contemplate the paradox of fighting one’s own kin, teachers, and friends while seeking higher truth.
From an SEO perspective, this verse is often searched with queries like "Bhagavad Gita 11.26 meaning", "Chapter 11 verse 26 translation", and "Krishna names warriors in Gita". By providing a comprehensive explanation, synonyms, and transliteration, this entry caters to scholars, students, and spiritual seekers looking for a deep dive into the verse’s linguistic and philosophical layers.
