Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 1.1

Shloka 1.1

“Dhritarashtra said: O Sanjaya, what did my sons and the sons of Pandu do, having assembled at the sacred field of Kurukshetra, eager to fight?”

Key Teaching: Initiates the Gita’s dialogue, framing the war’s moral and ethical context.

Theme: Narrator, Dharma, Conflict.

Description:

The opening verse of the Bhagavad Gita, spoken by Dhritarashtra, the blind Kuru king, sets the narrative and philosophical foundation for the entire text. Addressing Sanjaya, his advisor gifted with divine vision, Dhritarashtra inquires about the actions of his sons (the Kauravas, led by Duryodhana) and the Pandavas at Kurukshetra, described as “Dharmakshetra” (field of righteousness). This question is not merely a request for battlefield updates but reveals Dhritarashtra’s deep anxiety and partiality toward his sons, despite their unjust actions against the Pandavas, who were denied their rightful kingdom. The verse introduces the central tension of the Gita: the conflict between dharma (righteous duty) and personal attachment, which will unfold through Arjuna’s moral crisis in subsequent verses.

Dhritarashtra’s blindness symbolizes his spiritual ignorance and bias, as he prioritizes his sons’ success over justice, foreshadowing the moral dilemmas the Gita addresses. The term “Dharmakshetra” elevates Kurukshetra to a sacred arena, suggesting that the war is not just a physical battle but a cosmic struggle where dharma is tested. The phrase “eager to fight” captures the initial enthusiasm of both armies, contrasting with Arjuna’s later despondency (1.28–46), which prompts Krishna’s teachings. This verse establishes dharma as a core theme, as the war challenges characters to align with their duties—Kshatriya dharma for Arjuna and the broader moral law for all.

Contextually, the verse is rooted in the Mahabharata, where the Kurukshetra war results from years of rivalry over the Hastinapura throne, marked by betrayal and failed diplomacy. Dhritarashtra’s question reflects his hope for his sons’ victory, yet his reliance on Sanjaya’s impartial narration hints at the objective wisdom Krishna will provide. Sanjaya’s divine vision ensures an accurate account, making him a conduit for the Gita’s teachings, which transcend personal bias. The verse sets up the narrative structure, with Sanjaya relaying the Krishna-Arjuna dialogue that forms the text’s core.

Philosophically, 1.1 introduces the Gita’s exploration of human conflict—external (war) and internal (ethical dilemmas). Dhritarashtra’s inquiry mirrors the human tendency to cling to personal desires over universal dharma, a theme central to the Gita’s teachings on selfless action (2.47) and surrender (18.66). The sacredness of Kurukshetra suggests a divine plan, as Krishna later confirms (4.7–8), framing the war as a test of moral resolve. This verse invites readers to reflect on their own battles, making the Gita a timeless guide for navigating ethical challenges. It encapsulates the tension between duty and attachment, setting the stage for Krishna’s guidance on reconciling action with wisdom.