Arjun Visada Yog
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 is also known as Arjun Visada Yog. Vishada / Visada means “despair”. In summary, chapter 1 of Bhagavad Gita portrays Arjuna’s despair on seeing the army of Kauravas. The thought of killing his relatives makes him numb. Arjun contemplates in his mind the pros and cons of the war becomes bewildered as to what would be the right decision at this point in time. Arjun thus seeks the guidance of God Krishna after dropping down his bow.
Summary of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1
Chapter 1 of Bhagavad Gita sets the scene where the two armies of Kauravas & Pandavas are juxtaposed in the field of Kurukshetra. Sanjay is granted divine vision by sage Ved Vyas to see the whole saga so that he can narrate it to Dhritrashtra (Father of Duryodhan). Sanjay describes the expanse of the armies of both sides to Dhritrashtra and the valor of the mighty warriors on each side. Sanjay also mentions that victory is certain for the side where Shri Krishna is.
Arjuna is mounted in a chariot controlled by Shri Krishna, the Lord of three lokas.
Arjun is disheartened to see all his relatives standing in the opposite army as his adversaries who until yesterday were merely friends. Due to his mental dilemma, Arjun first requests Shri Krishan to place his chariot between the two armies so that he can see all those who have stood against him. Dominated by ‘Satgun’ (the quality of love & affection), Arjuna drops his weapon and retreats to the back of the chariot citing reasons that he cannot all of a sudden kill whom he had until now considered his own. He even expresses a desire that if Duryodhan kills him right now, then the whole carnage would be averted. Arjun thus seeks the refuge of Shri Krishna.
Read all Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verses
Bhagavad Gita Summary - Chapter 2 →