A story moment · grounding in mood · easy to enter
“Fear clings to strength by naming it aloud.”
Bhishma, Karna, Kripa, Ashvatthama, Vikarna, and the son of Somadatta are also there.
The verse in reading order — each Sanskrit word with its meaning beneath. Hover a word to focus on it.
Read literallyyou · Bhishma · and · Karna · and · Kripa · and · victorious in battle · Ashvatthama · Vikarna · and · the son of Somadatta · and likewise
Duryodhana keeps listing the strongest warriors on his side, naming more of the commanders gathered for battle.
Duryodhana speaks this verse, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, in the chapter titled "Arjuna Vishada Yoga" (The Yoga of Arjuna's Despair).
Verse 8 sits in Chapter 1 of the Bhagavad Gita — Arjuna Vishada Yoga, "The Yoga of Arjuna's Despair". The chapter has 47 verses in total.
Before a tense meeting, someone starts reciting credentials, titles, and backup plans just to feel less exposed. The list itself becomes a shield against fear.
Did you like this verse?
It shows how the mind tries to control uncertainty by assembling names, numbers, and status.
What this verse means
Duryodhana keeps listing the strongest warriors on his side, naming more of the commanders gathered for battle.
Context & commentary
On Kurukshetra, Duryodhana is still speaking to Drona, trying to steady the moment by naming his champions. He adds Bhishma, Karna, Kripa, Ashvatthama, Vikarna, and Somadatta's son to the list, building the case that his army is formidable.
Why this verse still matters
Before a tense meeting, someone starts reciting credentials, titles, and backup plans just to feel less exposed. The list itself becomes a shield against fear.
“Sometimes fear speaks as inventory: count your allies before the fight begins.”
Explore related themes: kurukshetra (95 verses), duryodhana (12 verses)