śrutvā senāṃ paryagato rathaṃ niṣṭhitān rathinaḥ । brahma-śiro-nipātāt savye hatāsvinam
“Having heard that, Arjuna went around the army and saw the warriors stationed on the chariots; with a divine missile he then struck the charioteer on the left.”
Structure
śrutvā senāṃ paryagato ratham niṣṭhitān rathinaḥ brahma śiro nipātāt savye hatā asvinam
śrutvā (having heard) senāṃ (the army) paryagato (went around) ratham (the chariot) niṣṭhitān (stationed) rathinaḥ (the charioteers) brahma (of Brahma) śiro (the head) nipātāt (from the fall) savye (on the left side) hatā (killed) asvinam (the Aśvin)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| śrutvā | śrutvā | indeclinable | — | having heard |
| senāṃ | senāṃ | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | army |
| paryagato | paryagato | verb | √gā · past participle · third | went around, surrounded |
| ratham | ratham | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | chariot |
| niṣṭhitān | niṣṭhitān | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | warriors stationed on chariots |
| rathinaḥ | rathinaḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | charioteers |
| brahma | brahma | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | Brahma's |
| śiro | śiro | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | head |
| nipātāt | nipātāt | indeclinable | — | from the fall |
| savye | savye | indeclinable | — | on the left side |
| hatā | hatā | verb | √han · past participle · third | killed |
| asvinam | asvinam | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | of the Aśvin |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as a demonstration of Arjuna's growing detachment and understanding of the ultimate reality. By observing the warriors on the chariots, Arjuna begins to see the impermanence of the worldly sphere, a crucial step towards realizing the brahman-ātman identity. Śaṅkarācārya notes that the 'divine missile' symbolizes the power of knowledge that destroys ignorance, enabling the individual to transcend the limited self. As Arjuna progresses on his spiritual journey, he begins to perceive the world from a non-dual perspective, where the distinctions between friend and foe, self and other, dissolve. This verse thus marks a significant moment in Arjuna's transformation, underscoring the importance of self-inquiry and the pursuit of ultimate truth.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Rāmānujācārya's commentary on this verse emphasizes the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Arjuna's actions, guided by Krishna, exemplify the devotee's surrender to the divine will. The 'divine missile' that strikes the charioteer represents the Lord's intervention in the world, protecting the righteous and upholding dharma. Rāmānujācārya highlights the significance of prapatti, or self-surrender, as the means to attain spiritual liberation. In this context, Arjuna's decision to inspect the army and engage in battle, despite his initial reservations, demonstrates his growing devotion to Krishna and his acceptance of the Lord's plan. This verse illustrates the Vaiṣṇava concept of the Lord's sovereignty and the devotee's dependence on His grace.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda's lectures often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. In the context of this verse, he might have seen Arjuna's inspection of the army as a metaphor for self-examination and the cultivation of awareness. The 'divine missile' that strikes the charioteer could represent the sudden insight or awakening that occurs when one confronts their own limitations and biases. Vivekānanda would likely have encouraged his audience to embark on a similar journey of self-discovery, using the Bhagavad Gītā as a guide for navigating life's challenges. By embracing the universal principles of Vedānta, individuals can develop the inner strength and resilience needed to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential. This verse, in Vivekānanda's view, offers a powerful reminder of the importance of self-awareness, courage, and determination in the pursuit of personal growth and transformation.