श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १.२९ — सीदन्ति मम गात्राणि — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १.२९ — सीदन्ति मम गात्राणि
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
सीदन्ति
sīdanti
are giving way; growing weak
मम
mama
my
गात्राणि
gātrāṇi
limbs of the body
मुखम्
mukham
mouth
च
cha
and
परिशुष्यति
pariśhuṣhyati
is drying up
वेपथुः
vepathuḥ
shuddering; trembling
च
cha
and
शरीरे
śharīre
on the body
मे
me
my
रोमहर्षः
roma-harṣhaḥ
standing of the bodily hair on end
च
cha
also
जायते
jāyate
is happening; arises
Complete Translation
मेरे अंग शिथिल हुए जा रहे हैं और मुख सूख रहा है; मेरे शरीर में कम्प तथा रोमांच हो रहा है।
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Verse 29
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
Having asked Krishna to place his chariot between the two armies, Arjuna beholds fathers, grandfathers, teachers, uncles, brothers and friends arrayed for war on both sides. Overcome with compassion and sorrow, he describes the trembling of his body and the failing of his strength. This despondency, narrated by Sanjaya to Dhritarashtra, becomes the starting point of Krishna's teaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bhagavad Gita 1.29 describe?▼
It describes the physical symptoms of Arjuna's grief as he stands on the battlefield: his limbs grow weak, his mouth dries up, his body trembles, and his hair stands on end. He is overcome at the thought of fighting his own relatives and teachers.
Why is Arjuna's despondency important in the Gita?▼
Arjuna's collapse, called 'vishada', is the occasion for the entire Bhagavad Gita. His grief and confusion lead him to surrender to Krishna and ask for guidance, which Krishna answers with the timeless teaching on duty, the soul and devotion.
What can a devotee learn from this verse?▼
It teaches that feeling overwhelmed, afraid or grief-stricken is part of being human, even for a great hero. The wise response is not to hide it but to bring it honestly before the Lord, as Arjuna does, opening the heart to receive divine wisdom.
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