FolioCorpusBhagavad-gītā

Bhagavad-gītā 1.3

పశ్యైతాం పాణ్డుపుత్రాణామాచార్య మహతీం చమూమ్ । వ్యూఢాం ద్రుపదపుత్రేణ తవ శిష్యేణ ధీమతా ॥ ౩ ॥
paśyaitāṁ pāṇḍu-putrāṇām
[pashyaitaam paandu-putraanaam]
ācārya mahatīṁ camūm
[aachaarya mahateem chamoom]
vyūḍhāṁ drupada-putreṇa
[vyoodhaam drupada-putrena]
tava śiṣyeṇa dhīmatā
[tava shishyena dheemataa]
Word-for-word
paśya — behold etām — this pāṇḍu - putrānām — of the sons of Pāṇḍu ācārya — O teacher mahatīm — great camūm — military force vyūḍhām — arranged drupada - putreṇa — by the son of Drupada tava — your śiṣyeṇa — disciple dhī - matā — very intelligent .
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
paśyaitāṁ pāṇḍu-putrāṇām
paśya
behold
etām
this
pāṇḍu - putrānām
of the sons of Pāṇḍu
ācārya mahatīṁ camūm
ācārya
O teacher
mahatīm
great
camūm
military force
vyūḍhāṁ drupada-putreṇa
vyūḍhām
arranged
drupada - putreṇa
by the son of Drupada
tava śiṣyeṇa dhīmatā
tava
your
śiṣyeṇa
disciple
dhī - matā
very intelligent .
Important Words
  • paśya — behold
    Imperative of *paś* (to see). The first imperative of the Gītā is to *look*. Duryodhana commands his teacher to *see* — an inversion of the proper relation, where it is the disciple who asks the teacher to open his eyes.
  • ācārya — O teacher
    Vocative case. Duryodhana addresses Droṇa by his role just to instrumentalize it — to remind the teacher of his loyalty to the side that fed him. Naming the office is sometimes a way of pulling on its leash.
  • drupada - putreṇa — by the son of Drupada
    Compound with instrumental ending. Duryodhana refuses even to use Dhṛṣṭadyumna's name — naming him only as *Drupada's son*, the lineage of the very king Droṇa once humiliated. Every syllable is calculated to inflame the teacher's old wound.
  • śiṣyeṇa — by your disciple
    *Śiṣya* — one who has been *śās*-ed, taught. The bitter irony: Droṇa's own teaching is being weaponized against him. The verse silently raises a Vaiṣṇava question: a teacher cannot withhold knowledge from a sincere student, even one whose path will cross his own.
  • dhī - matā — very intelligent
    *Dhī* — discerning intelligence; *-matā* — possessing. Duryodhana grants the enemy commander *dhī*, the very faculty the Gītā will later identify as the seat of yoga (*buddhi-yoga*). His own grudging compliment names the quality his own party lacks.
O my teacher, behold the great army of the sons of Pāṇḍu, so expertly arranged by your intelligent disciple the son of Drupada.
Purport

Duryodhana, a great diplomat, wanted to point out the defects of Droṇācārya, the great brāhmaṇa commander in chief. Droṇācārya had some political quarrel with King Drupada, the father of Draupadī, who was Arjuna’s wife. As a result of this quarrel, Drupada performed a great sacrifice, by which he received the benediction of having a son who would be able to kill Droṇācārya. Droṇācārya knew this perfectly well, and yet as a liberal brāhmaṇa he did not hesitate to impart all his military secrets when the son of Drupada, Dhṛṣṭadyumna, was entrusted to him for military education. Now, on the Battlefield of Kurukṣetra, Dhṛṣṭadyumna took the side of the Pāṇḍavas, and it was he who arranged for their military phalanx, after having learned the art from Droṇācārya. Duryodhana pointed out this mistake of Droṇācārya’s so that he might be alert and uncompromising in the fighting. By this he wanted to point out also that he should not be similarly lenient in battle against the Pāṇḍavas, who were also Droṇācārya’s affectionate students. Arjuna, especially, was his most affectionate and brilliant student. Duryodhana also warned that such leniency in the fight would lead to defeat.

— A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
3. “O teacher, see this great army of the sons of Pāṇḍu, arranged for battle by your intelligent disciple, the son of Drupada.”
Commentary

Understanding that Dhṛtarāṣtra wanted war, Saṣjaya then spoke, to make him aware that there would be war, but that the results would be the opposite of the fulfillment of his desires. Duryodhana, seeing the arrangement of troops (vyūḍhām) being prepared by the Pāṇḍavas, then speaks, revealing his inner fear in nine verses, starting from the third verse. He criticizes Droṇācārya. He tells him that he is very foolish because Dhṛṣṭadyumna, the son of Drupada, was arranging the troops of the enemy. That person was Droṇa’s student, having been taught by him, even knowing that he was born to kill him. [Note: King Drupada was forced to give part of his kingdom to Droṇa. As he was less powerful, he performed a sacrifice to obtain a son who would kill Droṇa. Dhṛṣṭadyumna and Draupadī emerged from the fire. A celestial voice proclaimed that his son would kill Droṇa in the future. The news spread, but Droṇa did not mind. When Dhṛṣṭadyumna approached him to learn the art of weaponry, Drona taught him. During the war, Dhṛṣṭadyumna eventually beheaded Droṇa.] “Dhṛṣṭadyumna is very intelligent (dhīmatā) because he has gained the knowledge of how to kill you from you yourself, his enemy. See what will finally result from this greatly intelligent act in the future!”

Baladeva Vidyābhūṣaṇa Gauḍīya
Translation
3. “O teacher, see this great army of the sons of Pāṇḍu, arranged for battle by your intelligent disciple, the son of Drupada.”
Commentary

This verse relates the words spoken by Duryodhana. Thinking that Droṇa would not fight against Yudhiṣṭhira and his brothers because of great affection, in order to produce some anger in Droṇa towards them, he revealed the Pāṇḍavas’ disrespect for Droṇa. “Their army has approached very close, with arrogance, not considering your exalted position as a warrior and teacher. Seeing that, you should recognize their disrespect. The army has been arranged (vyuḍhām) by the son of Drupada. Drupada, in order to kill you, had his son Dṛṣṭadumnya appear from the fire sacrifice. And then you, though knowing he was an enemy, taught that son the art of fighting. That was your foolishness. And he, the enemy, is very intelligent (dhīmatā), having learned from you how to kill you. What you have done has produced a problem for us now!”

Bhūrijana Dāsa Gauḍīya
Commentary

Duryodhana was an expert in politics and immediatly says to Dronacarya that the opposing general is Dhrstadyumna, but he doen't call by his name, rather he calls him 'drupada‑putrena' , the son of Drupada'. Why did he call like that? Because Dronacarya's great enemy was Drupada, and Drupada was given the benediction that his son, Dhrstadyumna, would have the ability to kill Dronacarya. Duryodhana is saying that just to get Dronacarya fired‑up.

Study Notes — Gauranga Priya Dāsa
Gauranga Priya Dāsa Study
Bhakti-śāstrī Notes, ISKCON Chowpatty (2009)
Theme

COMMON THEME: Duryodhana’s actions are described – They reveal his diplomacy and inner fear by the

following indications:

1. Duryodhana although mentioned as king, goes to the commander on account of seriousness of

situation – quite fit to be a politician (1.2)

2. Points out Drona’s mistake (of imparting military secrets to son of Drupada, Dhrstadyumna who was

born to kill Dronacharya) to make him alert and uncompromising and warns that leniency would lead to

defeat (1.3*)

3. Mentions great heros equal to Bhima and Arjuna (1.4*)

Why he compares them to Bhima and Arjuna –
Because he knew the strength of Bhima and Arjuna
Why he mentions other heros –
Because they were great stumbling blocks on the path of victory as each and every one of them was as formidable and Bhima and Arjuna

4. Mentions heros who are ready to lay down their lives for “me” (like Jayadratha, Krtavarma, Salya) (1.9)

5. Praises Bhisma – He was confident of full support of Bhismadeva and Dronacarya because:

They did not protect Draupadi when she was insulted
Although Bhisma and Drona have affection for Pandavas and might become lenient, he hoped that they will give up all affection now (1.11)

6. Asks for everyone’s support for Bhisma (1.11) – because

Bhismadeva was undoubtedly the great hero, but he was an old man and the enemy might take advantage of his full engagement on one side
He wanted everyone to feel important
Focus of Learning

PLEASE NOTE: Some points of these purports are covered under the main theme above

(a) Why Sanjaya described Duryodhana’s actions first –

Because Dhrtarashtra was blind from birth and also bereft of spiritual vision and he knew that his sons were equally blind in the matter of religion
And Dhrtarashtra was afraid that under the influence of the place of pilgrimage, his sons may make some compromise

(b) Study names of warriors on both sides (1.4 – 1.9)

(c) Duryodhana compared Bhisma (more experienced general) to Bhima (less experienced general)

(1.10*)

Because Duryodhana knew if he should die at all he would be killed by Bhima and was therefore always envious of Bhima
Bhima is like a fig in the presence of Bhisma

(d) What made Duryodhana confident of victory (1.7 – 1.11)

Above mentioned strength of his friends (1.7 – 1.9)
Presence of Bhisma, a far superior General than Bhima – He clearly felt that victory of Kurus dependent on the presence of Bhismadeva (1.11)
Confident of full support of Bhisma and Drona as they had shown during Draupadi’s insulting episode (1.11 purport)
SUBSECTION B — SIGNS OF VICTORY OF PANDAVAS (1.12* — 1.20)

COMMON THEME: Sanjaya tactfully informed Dhrtarashtra about “his hopeless plans to win” by giving the

following indications and signs:

SIGNS OF VICTORY OF PANDAVAS (9 points) 1. Krishna’s personal presence confirms victory
Supreme Personality of Godhead is the charioteer (1.14) – “jayas tu pandu-putranam yesam…”
Krishna as Hrsikesha directly controls the senses of a pure devotee

2. Goddess of fortune

Whenever and wherever the Lord is present, the goddess of fortune is also there
She never lives without her husband; therefore all fortune is guaranteed (1.14)

3. Venue

Kurukshetra is a holy place (1.1)

4. Hanumanji on Arjuna’s flag

Hanumanji also helped Lord Rama in gaining victory (1.20)

5. Symbol of Vishnu

Conchshell is a symbol of Vishnu (1.12* & 1.14)
This is indirectly indicated by Bhisma and Pandavas conchshells

6. Transcendental conchshells

Krishna and Arjuna’s conchshell mentioned as divya (transcendental) (1.14)

7. Bhisma’s conchshell to pacify Duryodhana (1.12*)

8. Agnideva’s Chariot given to Arjuna

It was capable of conquering all directions (1.14)

9. Shattering of hearts

Conchshells of Pandavas shattered Kauravas hearts (1.19)
Pandavas hearts not shattered – because of confidence in Krishna
Classical Ācāryas
Śrī Śaṅkarācārya Classical
Translation
1.3 Sri Sankaracharya did not comment on this sloka. The commentary starts from 2.10.
Śrī Rāmānujācārya Classical
Translation
1.1 - 1.19 Dhrtarastra said - Sanjaya said Duryodhana, after viewing the forces of Pandavas protected by Bhima, and his own forces protected by Bhisma conveyed his views thus to Drona, his teacher, about the adeacy of Bhima's forces for conering the Kaurava forces and the inadeacy of his own forces for victory against the Pandava forces. He was grief-stricken within. Observing his (Duryodhana's) despondecny, Bhisma, in order to cheer him, roared like a lion, and then blowing his conch, made his side sound their conchs and kettle-drums, which made an uproar as a sign of victory. Then, having heard that great tumult, Arjuna and Sri Krsna the Lord of all lords, who was acting as the charioteer of Arjuna, sitting in their great chariot which was powerful enough to coner the three worlds; blew their divine conchs Srimad Pancajanya and Devadatta. Then, both Yudhisthira and Bhima blew their respective conchs separately. That tumult rent asunder the hearts of your sons, led by Duryodhana. The sons of Dhrtarastra then thought, 'Our cause is almost lost now itself.' So said Sanjaya to Dhrtarastra who was longing for their victory. Sanjaya said to Dhrtarastra: Then, seeing the Kauravas, who were ready for battle, Arjuna, who had Hanuman, noted for his exploit of burning Lanka, as the emblem on his flag on his chariot, directed his charioteer Sri Krsna, the Supreme Lord-who is overcome by parental love for those who take shelter in Him who is the treasure-house of knowledge, power, lordship, energy, potency and splendour, whose sportive delight brings about the origin, sustentation and dissolution of the entire cosmos at His will, who is the Lord of the senses, who controls in all ways the senses inner and outer of all, superior and inferior - by saying, 'Station my chariot in an appropriate place in order that I may see exactly my enemies who are eager for battle.'
Śrī Abhinavagupta Classical
Translation
1.2 1.9 Why this exhaustive counting? The reality of things is this:
Swami Sivananda Classical
Translation
1.3. "Behold, O Teacher! this mighty army of the sons of Pandu, arrayed by the son of Drupada, thy wise disciple.
Commentary

1.3 पश्य behold? एताम् this? पाण्डुपुत्राणाम् of the sons of Pandu? आचार्य O Teacher? महतीम् great? चमूम् army? व्यूढाम् arrayed? द्रुपदपुत्रेण son of Drupada? तव शिष्येण by your disciple? धीमता wise.No Commentary.

Swami Gambhīrānanda Classical
Translation
1.3 O teacher, (please) see this vast army of the sons of Pandu, arrayed for battle by the son of Drupada, your intelligent disciple.
Shri Purohit Swami Classical
Translation
1.3 Revered Father! Behold this mighty host of the Pandavas, paraded by the son of King Drupada, thy wise disciple.
Related values & verses
Related values
Tyaga (Renunciation / Letting Go)Tapas (Austerity / Discipline)Guru Bhakti (Reverence for Teacher)Atma Nigraha (Self-control)Daksya (Resourcefulness / Skill)Maitri (Friendship / Goodwill)Abhaya (Fearlessness)
Related verses
BG 1.10 BG 16.13 BG 16.14 SB 7.5.7 SB 10.1.67 SB 7.8.3 CC Madhya 22.69 CC Madhya 19.151 CC Antya 3.50 Kaṭha Upaniṣad 1.2.24Muṇḍaka Upaniṣad 3.1.5
Related lectures
Personal Guidance
Acknowledging the strength of the righteous — even those who oppose us — is the first step toward sober vision.
Practical Applications
  • Identify one person whose dharma you secretly respect even though you disagree with them.
  • List three things your 'opposition' is actually doing right.
  • Bring your real questions to your spiritual mentor, not only the comfortable ones.
Reflection Questions
  • Where am I avoiding the truth of someone else's spiritual strength?
  • Do I welcome hearing about devotees who challenge my sense of self?
Analogy

A man who praises the sharpness of the sword his enemy is about to use against him is not paying a compliment — he is steadying his own nerves by naming the danger out loud. Duryodhana's flattering line to Droṇa about "your intelligent disciple" is just such a backhanded acknowledgment: the strength of the other side has already cracked his composure.

Stories
Drupada's son, Droṇa's pupil

Dhṛṣṭadyumna was born from a sacrificial fire kindled by his father Drupada with one express purpose: to kill Droṇa. Yet by the inscrutable workings of dharma, Droṇa himself was the one who trained Dhṛṣṭadyumna in the science of war. The teacher knew the boy's destiny and taught him anyway.

Duryodhana names this fact aloud — *tava śiṣyeṇa dhī-matā* — "by your intelligent disciple." The line is barbed: *your* pupil, *intelligent* enough to formation-shape an army against you. Behind the etiquette is a warning, and behind the warning is fear. Even Duryodhana cannot help acknowledging the spiritual strength of those he opposes.

📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

← Read full Chapter 1