Arjuna Vishada Yoga · Verse 9

Bhagavad Gita 1.9

Confidence built on numbers still trembles before battle.

Wisdom translation, edited by Ankur Shukla. Commentary AI-drafted, human-reviewed. Reviewed June 2026. Methodology →

अन्ये च बहवः शूरा मदर्थे त्यक्तजीविताः ।
नानाशस्त्रप्रहरणाः सर्वे युद्धविशारदाः ॥
Hindi · हिन्दी
इनके अतिरिक्त बहुतसे शूरवीर हैं, जिन्होंने मेरे लिये अपने जीने की इच्छा का भी त्याग कर दिया है और जो अनेक प्रकार के शस्त्रअस्त्रों को चलानेवाले हैं तथा जो सबकेसब युद्धकला में अत्यन्त चतुर हैं ॥
English
Besides these, many heroes have given up their lives for my sake. They wield many kinds of weapons and are all skilled in warfare.

What this verse means

More warriors stand on Duryodhana's side too. They are fearless, heavily armed, and experienced in battle.

Context & commentary

On the Kurukshetra field, Duryodhana keeps listing his side’s champions to Drona. After naming Bhishma, Karna, and others, he adds more fearless fighters who are ready to die for him. The speech builds his confidence before the war begins.

Why this verse still matters

Before a high-stakes confrontation, someone rattles off every ally, every backup, every advantage, trying to silence doubt with a show of force.

The takeaway

Pride can inflate strength into certainty, even before the first blow lands.

Word-by-word translation

अन्ये (others) / च (and) / बहवः (many) / शूराः (heroes) / मदर्थे (for my sake) / त्यक्तजीविताः (having given up life) / नानाशस्त्रप्रहरणाः (wielding various weapons) / सर्वे (all) / युद्धविशारदाः (expert in warfare)

Explore related themes: kurukshetra (95 verses), battlefield (20 verses), duryodhana (12 verses)

Share this verse X WhatsApp

Related verses