Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 1.35

Shloka 1.35

“Even for the sake of an earthly kingdom, O Krishna, how can I desire to kill these kinsmen?”

Key Teaching: Arjuna rejects killing kin even for a kingdom, prioritizing relationships.

Theme: Vishada, Dharma, Conflict.

500-Word Description:
Arjuna questions how he can desire to kill his kinsmen, even for an earthly kingdom, continuing his lament (1.28–34). This verse emphasizes his rejection of material rewards, prioritizing family ties over power, and deepens his moral crisis as he grapples with his warrior duty. The themes of vishada, as despair intensifies, dharma, as he questions the righteousness of fighting, and conflict, as personal bonds complicate the war, are central.

In the Mahabharata, the war aims to restore the Pandavas’ kingdom, but Arjuna, facing kin like Bhishma and Drona (1.26–27), sees no value in such a victory. His rhetorical question contrasts with Duryodhana’s ambition for power (1.3–11), highlighting Arjuna’s ethical sensitivity. Krishna’s presence foreshadows guidance to resolve this conflict (2.31).

Philosophically, this verse reflects the human struggle to prioritize personal values over material gains, a theme Krishna addresses with teachings on detachment (2.47). Arjuna’s rejection of the kingdom underscores the conflict between his Kshatriya dharma and compassion, deepening his despair. The theme of vishada highlights his emotional turmoil as he questions the war’s worth.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Arjuna’s objection objectively, emphasizing its significance in the war’s context. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s ethical dilemmas, where material goals conflict with personal bonds. Arjuna’s stance prepares readers for Krishna’s teachings on acting selflessly without attachment to outcomes.