Bhagavad Gita 1.24
Spoken by Sanjaya · Verse 24 of 47
सञ्जय उवाच: एवमुक्तो हृषीकेशो गुडाकेशेन भारत। सेनयोरुभयोर्मध्ये स्थापयित्वा रथोत्तमम्॥
sañjaya uvāca: evam ukto hṛṣīkeśo guḍākeśena bhārata / senayor ubhayor madhye sthāpayitvā rathottamam
Krishna does as Arjuna asks — immediately, without question or hesitation.
Word by word (7)
- evam uktaḥ
- — thus addressed / having been told so
- hṛṣīkeśaḥ
- — Krishna (lord of the senses)
- guḍākeśena
- — by Gudakesha — Arjuna (conqueror of sleep / thick-haired) · 'Gudakesha' = one who has conquered sleep (gudaka = sleep, isha = master) or alternatively 'one with thick curly hair.' Both meanings are used — the first suggests mastery of the unconscious.
- bhārata
- — O descendant of Bharata (Sanjaya addressing Dhritarashtra)
- senayor ubhayor madhye
- — between both armies
- sthāpayitvā
- — having placed / stationing
- ratha-uttamam
- — the best of chariots
Sanjaya continues his report: 'Thus addressed by Arjuna, O Bharata, Krishna drove the magnificent chariot to the space directly between the two armies.'
A modern analogy
A trusted advisor does exactly what their partner asks without adding conditions. No 'are you sure?' No 'I know better.' Just: you asked, I will do it. Krishna's immediate compliance is one of the most striking acts of respect in the entire Gita — he treats Arjuna's request as worthy of fulfillment.
Take with you
- The willingness to fulfill a request immediately and completely — without adding conditions — is one of the highest expressions of trust and respect.
- Krishna doesn't warn Arjuna what he's about to see. He honors the request. Sometimes the greatest teaching comes through experience, not prevention.
- The 'best of chariots' (rathottamam) — the finest vehicle, at the most consequential position. Krishna positions the best resources at the most important point.
Public-domain translations (3) compare all →
Sanjaya said: O descendant of Bharata, thus addressed by Gudakesha, Hrishikesha, having stationed that best of chariots between the two armies... [4]
Sanjaya: So Arjuna prayed, and Krishna, guiding swift to that mid-ground betwixt the armies... [7]
Sanjaya said: O Bharata, being thus addressed, Hrishikesha, having stationed that best of chariots between the two armies... [9]
This verse speaks to
Where this thread continues
Krishna says: 'Look.' Two words that will change everything.
This knowledge, more secret than all secrets, has been declared to you — reflect on it fully and act as you wish.
I give you this ancient yoga today because you are My devotee and friend — this is the supreme secret.
O Krishna — the faithful yogi who fell short of yoga's perfection through wandering mind: what is their destination?
Of all yogis, the one whose inner self is merged in Me, worshipping with śraddhā — that one I hold to be most united.
Whatever form a devotee seeks to worship with śraddhā — that very faith I make unwavering.
Verse 24 of 47 · back to Chapter 1