Bhagavad Gita 1.37 — Tasman Narha Vayam Hantum — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १.३७ — तस्मान्नार्हा वयं हन्तुम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
तस्मात्
tasmāt
therefore; hence
न अर्हाः
na arhāḥ
it does not behoove us; we ought not
वयम्
vayam
we
हन्तुम्
hantum
to kill
धार्तराष्ट्रान्
dhārtarāṣhṭrān
the sons of Dhritarashtra
स्वबान्धवान्
sa-bāndhavān
along with our kinsmen and friends
स्वजनम्
sva-janam
one's own people; kinsmen
हि
hi
indeed; certainly
कथम्
katham
how
हत्वा
hatvā
by killing
सुखिनः स्याम
sukhinaḥ syāma
can we be happy
माधव
mādhava
O Madhava (Krishna)
Complete Translation
Therefore, O Madhava, it does not behoove us to kill the sons of Dhritarashtra, our own kinsmen; for how can we be happy by slaying our own people?
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Verse 37
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the first chapter, Arjuna Vishada Yoga, Arjuna lays out his reasons against fighting. Addressing Krishna as Madhava, he declares that killing his own kinsmen, the sons of Dhritarashtra, cannot be right, and that no happiness could follow from such slaughter — words flowing from his grief and forming the prelude to Krishna's teaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arjuna arguing in Bhagavad Gita 1.37?▼
Arjuna argues that it is not right for the Pandavas to kill their own relatives, the sons of Dhritarashtra. He asks how they could ever be happy after slaying their own kinsmen, expressing his moral reluctance to fight.
Why does Arjuna address Krishna as 'Madhava'?▼
'Madhava' is a name of Krishna, often understood as the Lord of Lakshmi or the husband of fortune. Arjuna uses this affectionate, reverent name even while pouring out his doubts, showing his closeness to and trust in Krishna.
Does the Gita ultimately agree with Arjuna here?▼
Arjuna's compassion is noble, but Krishna shows that his reasoning is clouded by grief and attachment. The Gita teaches that performing one's righteous duty without attachment, while knowing the soul is eternal, is the true path — not abandoning duty out of sorrow.
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