Bhagavad Gita 1.46 — Yadi Mam Apratikaram — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १.४६ — यदि मामप्रतीकारम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
यदि
yadi
if
माम्
mām
me
अप्रतीकारम्
apratīkāram
unresisting; not counter-attacking
अशस्त्रम्
aśhastram
unarmed; without weapons
शस्त्रपाणयः
śhastra-pāṇayaḥ
those with weapons in hand
धार्तराष्ट्राः
dhārtarāṣhṭrāḥ
the sons of Dhritarashtra
रणे
raṇe
on the battlefield
हन्युः
hanyuḥ
should slay
तत्
tat
that
मे
me
to me
क्षेमतरम्
kṣhema-taram
better; more beneficial
भवेत्
bhavet
would be
Complete Translation
If the sons of Dhritarashtra, weapons in hand, should slay me in battle while I am unarmed and unresisting, that would be better for me.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Verse 46
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the first chapter, Arjuna Vishada Yoga, Arjuna concludes his outpouring of grief by declaring that he would rather be slain unresisting than fight his own kinsmen. This is the final verse of his lament, narrated by Sanjaya, just before Arjuna casts aside his bow and Krishna's teaching begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Arjuna say in Bhagavad Gita 1.46?▼
Arjuna says it would be better for him to be killed, unarmed and unresisting, by the armed sons of Dhritarashtra than to fight and kill his own kinsmen. It is the lowest point of his despondency in the first chapter.
Why is this verse significant?▼
It marks the climax of Arjuna's grief and his complete unwillingness to fight. Immediately after this, in verse 1.47, he casts down his bow and sits in sorrow, setting the stage for Krishna to begin His teaching in the second chapter.
Does the Gita support Arjuna's wish here?▼
No. Arjuna's wish springs from grief and attachment, not wisdom. Krishna gently shows that abandoning one's righteous duty out of sorrow is not the path. The Gita teaches one to rise above despair and act with detachment and devotion instead.
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