
1
CHAPTER
VERSE
14
तत: श्वेतैर्हयैर्युक्ते महति स्यन्दने स्थितौ |
माधव: पाण्डवश्चैव दिव्यौ शङ्खौ प्रदध्मतु: || 1.14 ||
Tataḥ śvetairhayairyukte mahati syandane sthitau
Mādhavaḥ Pāṇḍavaścaiva divyau śaṅkhau pradadhmatuḥ ||
Then, Lord Krishna and Arjuna, stationed on a magnificent chariot yoked with white horses, blew their divine conch shells.
Lesson:
The stage is set for the commencement of the great battle of Kurukshetra. Lord Krishna, symbolizing divine wisdom and guidance, and Arjuna, representing human effort and skill, are depicted as being ready for battle. The use of the word "tataḥ" (then) signifies the moment when the battle is about to begin.
The scene is described vividly, with Lord Krishna and Arjuna situated on a grand chariot adorned with white horses. The chariot itself represents the battlefield, where the decisive confrontation between righteousness (dharma) and unrighteousness (adharma) will take place.
Furthermore, the mention of the divine conch shells blown by Krishna and Arjuna holds symbolic significance. In ancient Indian warfare, the blowing of conch shells was a traditional method to signal the beginning of battle and to rally troops. Here, the blowing of the divine conch shells by Krishna and Arjuna symbolizes their readiness to engage in the battle with full determination and divine support. Overall, this verse sets the stage for the epic battle of Kurukshetra and highlights the pivotal roles of Lord Krishna and Arjuna as they prepare to confront their kinsmen and fulfill their respective duties.