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1

CHAPTER 

VERSE

29

सीदन्ति मम गात्राणि मुखं च परिशुष्यति।
वेपथुश्च शरीरे मे रोमहर्षश्च जायते || 1.29 ||

Sīdanti mama gātrāṇi mukhaṁ cha pariśhuṣhyati.
Vepathuśhcha śharīre me roma-harṣhaśhcha jāyate ||

"My limbs are giving way, and my mouth is drying up. My body trembles, and my hair is standing on end!"

Lesson:

Arjuna expresses the physical and emotional distress he experiences upon witnessing the impending battle. He describes how his body is reacting to the overwhelming situation unfolding before him. Arjuna's use of vivid imagery underscores the intensity of his inner turmoil and the magnitude of the decision he faces.

The phrase "sīdanti mama gātrāṇi" (सीदन्ति मम गात्राणि) conveys Arjuna's sense of physical weakness and exhaustion. He feels his limbs failing him, indicating the onset of fatigue and apprehension. Additionally, "mukhaṁ cha pariśhuṣhyati" (मुखं च परिशुष्यति) signifies Arjuna's parched mouth, a common physiological response to stress and anxiety.

Arjuna further describes the trembling of his body with the words "vepathuśhcha śharīre me" (वेपथुश्च शरीरे मे), indicating his trembling and shaking due to fear and agitation. This trembling reflects Arjuna's inner turmoil and emotional instability in the face of the impending battle.

Finally, Arjuna mentions "roma-harṣhaśhcha jāyate" (रोमहर्षश्च जायते), signifying the sensation of his hair standing on end. This physical reaction, known as "goosebumps" or "horripilation," is often associated with intense emotions such as fear, excitement, or awe. Arjuna's hair standing on end indicates the depth of his emotional turmoil and the profound impact of the situation on his psyche. Overall, this verse vividly depicts Arjuna's inner struggle and the overwhelming emotions he experiences as he grapples with the moral and ethical dilemmas of war. It sets the stage for the subsequent dialogue between Arjuna and Lord Krishna, where Arjuna seeks guidance to overcome his doubts and regain clarity of purpose.

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