Bhagavad Gita 1.26 — Tatrapashyat Sthitan Parthah — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १.२६ — तत्रापश्यत्स्थितान्पार्थः
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
तत्र
tatra
there; in both armies
अपश्यत्
apaśhyat
saw
स्थितान्
sthitān
stationed; standing
पार्थः
pārthaḥ
Arjuna, son of Pritha
पितृ़न्
pitṝīn
fathers (and paternal elders)
अथ
atha
thereafter; also
पितामहान्
pitāmahān
grandfathers
आचार्यान्
āchāryān
teachers
मातुलान्
mātulān
maternal uncles
भ्रातृ़न्
bhrātṝīn
brothers
पुत्रान्
putrān
sons
पौत्रान्
pautrān
grandsons
सखीन्
sakhīn
friends
तथा
tathā
also
श्वशुरान्
śhvaśhurān
fathers-in-law
सुहृदः
suhṛidaḥ
well-wishers
सेनयोः उभयोः
senayoḥ ubhayoḥ
in both the armies
Complete Translation
There Arjuna saw, stationed in both armies, his fathers and grandfathers, teachers, maternal uncles, brothers, sons, grandsons and friends, as well as fathers-in-law and well-wishers.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Verse 26
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the first chapter, Arjuna Vishada Yoga, after asking Krishna to draw the chariot between the armies, Arjuna gazes upon the assembled forces. Sanjaya narrates to Dhritarashtra how Arjuna beheld his own fathers, teachers, kinsmen and friends ranged on both sides — the sight that gives rise to the grief leading into Krishna's teaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Arjuna see in Bhagavad Gita 1.26?▼
With his chariot placed between the armies, Arjuna sees his own relatives and loved ones stationed on both sides — fathers and grandfathers, teachers, uncles, brothers, sons, grandsons, friends, fathers-in-law and well-wishers, all ready for battle.
Why is this moment so significant in the Gita?▼
Seeing his beloved kinsmen arrayed for mutual destruction triggers Arjuna's overwhelming grief and moral confusion. This despondency is the very reason Krishna delivers the teaching of the Bhagavad Gita, making this verse a crucial turning point.
What spiritual lesson does this verse offer?▼
It shows how attachment to relationships can cloud our judgment and shake our resolve. The Gita uses Arjuna's predicament to teach detachment, equanimity and the knowledge of the eternal Self that lies beyond all bodily relationships.
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