एतन्मे संशयं कृष्ण छेत्तुमर्हस्यशेषतः। त्वदन्यः संशयस्यास्य छेत्ता न ह्युपपद्यते।।6.39।।
etanim e saṁśayaṁ kṛṣṇa chettum arhasi aśeṣataḥ. tvadanyaḥ saṁśayasya asya chettā na hi upapadyate.
Translation
O Krishna, please dispel this doubt of mine completely, for who other than You can do so?
Word Meanings
etat — this is; me — my; saṁśayam — doubt; kṛṣṇa — O Kṛṣṇa; chettum — to dispel; arhasi — You are requested; aśeṣataḥ — completely; tvat — than You; anyaḥ — other; saṁśayasya — of the doubt; asya — this; chettā — remover; na — never; hi — certainly; upapadyate — is to be found.
Understanding the Verse
In this poignant appeal Arjuna addresses Krishna, seeking the ultimate clarification of his lingering uncertainty. The verse opens with the emphatic declaration “etanim e saṁśayaṁ,” which translates to ‘this very doubt of mine.’ Arjuna acknowledges that the doubt is personal and immediate, not a vague or abstract philosophical query. By specifying “me” (e), he underscores the intimate nature of the concern, suggesting that his hesitation is rooted in his own heart and mind.
Krishna is invoked with reverence – “kṛṣṇa” – signaling the divine status of the interlocutor. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna embodies the supreme consciousness, the source of all knowledge, and the ultimate guide for the wandering soul. Arjuna’s request, “chettum arhasi,” is a humble petition: “please dispel.” The verb form indicates a sincere appeal for removal, not merely an explanation. The inclusion of “arhasi” (you are requested) adds a tone of devotion, stressing that only the divine can fulfill this wish.
The phrase “aśeṣataḥ” means ‘completely’ or ‘without remainder.’ Arjuna is not satisfied with a partial resolution; he seeks total eradication of the doubt that clouds his judgment. The completeness of the dispelling signifies the need for an unshakable conviction, essential for a warrior about to step onto the battlefield of dharma. Any lingering uncertainty could lead to paralysis or misdirected action, both of which would be disastrous in the context of the impending war.
Arjuna then poses a rhetorical question: “tvadanyaḥ saṁśayasya asya chettā na hi upapadyate.” By asking whether anyone other than Krishna can remove this particular doubt, he affirms his belief in Krishna’s unique capacity as the ultimate destroyer of ignorance. The construction “any other … does not arise” conveys that no mortal or external teacher possesses the power to eradicate such a deep-seated inner conflict. This exclusivity highlights the theological principle that divine grace, rather than worldly counsel, is the true source of lasting clarity.
The verse also subtly reflects the broader theme of the Gita: the transition from intellectual understanding to experiential realization. While earlier chapters present philosophical arguments, here Arjuna seeks the lived experience of certainty, a transformation that can only be catalyzed by divine intervention. This underscores the Gita’s message that true knowledge must be internalized, not merely debated.
Finally, the emotional texture of this verse reveals Arjuna’s vulnerability. Even a mighty warrior, poised on the brink of a monumental clash, experiences tremors of doubt. By voicing his plea, Arjuna models the humility required of every seeker: acknowledging one’s limitations and turning to the Supreme for guidance. This act of surrender becomes a template for spiritual aspirants, illustrating that the path to self‑realization is paved with honest confession and reliance on divine wisdom.
