Bhagavad-Gita: Chapter 1, Verse 27

Nimbaditya

Kesava Kasmiri's Commentary

In answer to the question what did Arjuna do next? Sanjaya replies with a mood to console the blind Dhritarastra whose mind was visibly disturbed by the doubt that his son Duryodhana might not be victorious but could indeed lose the entire kingdom. Dhritarastra previously had not the slightest intention of giving back to the Pandavas, the children of his deceased brother Pandu, their rightful share of the kingdom. Then when the Pandavas had to suffer further miseries in the forest for 13 years did he consider giving them a reprieve. But in the process of undergoing various trails and tribulations of forest life, Arjuna received many divine weapons from Siva and Indra and his mighty Gandiva bow bestowed upon him by Agni. Arjuna although being protected by Lord Krishna and fully capable of defeating the belligerent warriors of the Kaurava army when he saw so many of his family and friends arrayed against him he became overwhelmed with compassion for them.

One might wonder how is it possible that just before battle such a mighty warrior as Arjuna is smitten so untimely with feelings of compassion. Arjuna is being referred to as Kaunteya the son of Kunti who is the exalted sister of Vasudeva who Lord Krishna accepted as His father. Vasudeva was so magnanimous and compassionate that he forgave Kamsa who was an incurable sinner. So feeling some pity for them Arjuna forlornly spoke the words found in the next verse.