Arjuna Vishada Yoga · Verse 8

Bhagavad Gita 1.8

Fear clings to strength by naming it aloud.

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

भवान्भीष्मश्च कर्णश्च कृपश्च समितिञ्जयः ।
अश्वत्थामा विकर्णश्च सौमदत्तिस्तथैव च ॥
Hindi · हिन्दी
आप द्रोणाचार्य और पितामह भीष्म तथा कर्ण और संग्रामविजयी कृपाचार्य तथा वैसे ही अश्वत्थामा, विकर्ण और सोमदत्त का पुत्र भूरिश्रवा ॥
English
Bhishma, Karna, Kripa, Ashvatthama, Vikarna, and the son of Somadatta are also there.

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.

The takeaway

Sometimes fear speaks as inventory: count your allies before the fight begins.

Word-by-word translation

भवान् (you) / भीष्मः (Bhishma) / च (and) / कर्णः (Karna) / च (and) / कृपः (Kripa) / च (and) / समितिञ्जयः (victorious in battle) / अश्वत्थामा (Ashvatthama) / विकर्णः (Vikarna) / च (and) / सौमदत्तिः (the son of Somadatta) / तथा एव च (and likewise)

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

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