एतान्न हन्तुमिच्छामि घ्नतोऽपि मधुसूदन ।
अपि त्रैलोक्यराज्यस्य हेतोः किं नु महीकृते ॥
अपि त्रैलोक्यराज्यस्य हेतोः किं नु महीकृते ॥
Hindi · हिन्दी
आचार्य, पिता, पुत्र और उसी प्रकार पितामह, मामा, ससुर, पौत्र, साले तथा अन्य जितने भी सम्बन्धी हैं, मुझपर प्रहार करने पर भी मैं इनको मारना नहीं चाहता, और हे मधुसूदन मुझे त्रिलोकी का राज्य मिलता हो, तो भी मैं इनको मारना नहीं चाहता, फिर पृथ्वीके लिये तो मैं इनको मारूँ ही क्या ॥
English
I do not want to kill these people, even if they kill me, O Madhusudana. Not even for the rule of the three worlds, much less for the earth.
What this verse means
Arjuna says he cannot bring himself to kill his own relatives, even for power over all three worlds, let alone for a kingdom on earth.
Context & commentary
On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Arjuna sees teachers, fathers, sons, grandfathers, and in-laws standing opposite him. His bow has not yet fallen completely, but his resolve is breaking. He tells Krishna that no kingdom could justify killing them.
Why this verse still matters
You are one signature away from harming a family member's future, and the reward is huge. Something in you knows the price is too high.
The takeaway
Some choices feel wrong even when they promise everything. The heart can refuse what ambition wants.
Word-by-word translation
एतान् (these) / न (not) / हन्तुम् (to kill) / इच्छामि (I want) / घ्नतः (of the one killing) / अपि (even) / मधुसूदन (O Madhusudana) / अपि (even) / त्रैलोक्य-राज्यस्य (of the rule of the three worlds) / हेतोः (for the sake) / किं (what) / नु (indeed) / मही-कृते (for the earth)
This verse is part of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1: Arjuna Vishada Yoga — The Yoga of Arjuna's Despair, which contains 47 verses.
Explore related themes: kurukshetra (95 verses), arjuna vishada (14 verses)