In Bhagavad Gita 1.24, Sanjaya reports that Krishna, addressed by Arjuna, drives the finest of chariots into the space between the two armies.
Sanskrit Verse
सञ्जय उवाच · Sanjaya said
एवमुक्तो हृषीकेशो
गुडाकेशेन भारत
सेनयोरुभयोर्मध्ये
स्थापयित्वा रथोत्तमम् ॥ १-२४ ॥
evamukto hṛṣīkeśo
guḍākeśena bhārata
senayorubhayormadhye
sthāpayitvā rathottamam
English transliteration evamukto hrisheekesho
gudaakeshena bhaarata
senayorubhayormadhye
sthaapayitvaa rathottamam ॥ 1.24 ॥
Translation / Meaning
Sanjaya said: O descendant of Bharata, thus addressed by Gudakesha (Arjuna), Hrishikesha placed that finest of chariots between the two armies,
Verses 1.24–1.25 form one sentence.
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| एवम् evam | thus |
| उक्तः uktaḥ | addressed |
| हृषीकेशः hṛṣīkeśaḥ | Hṛṣīkeśa (Kṛṣṇa) |
| गुडाकेशेन guḍākeśena | by Guḍākeśa, conqueror of sleep (Arjuna) guḍāka (sleep) + īśa (master) |
| भारत bhārata | O descendant of Bharata (Dhṛtarāṣṭra) |
| सेनयोः senayoḥ | of the armies |
| उभयोः ubhayoḥ | both |
| मध्ये madhye | in the middle |
| स्थापयित्वा sthāpayitvā | having placed |
| रथोत्तमम् rathottamam | the finest chariot ratha (chariot) + uttamam (best) |
Word-wise Chanting
- e–va–muk–to hṛ–ṣī–ke–śo 8 syllables e-va-muk-to hri-shee-ke-sho
- gu–ḍā–ke–śe–na bhā–ra–ta | 8 syllables gu-daa-ke-she-na bhaa-ra-ta
- se–na–yo–ru–bha–yor–madh–ye 8 syllables se-na-yo-ru-bha-yor-madh-ye
- sthā–pa–yit–vā ra–thot–ta–mam || 1-24 8 syllables sthaa-pa-yit-vaa ra-thot-ta-mam
How to read this
How to chant: each line is one pāda (quarter-verse); chant it in one breath. The hyphen (-) divides the syllables, inside a word and across a sandhi join, so every pāda shows its 8 syllables (11 in triṣṭubh verses). A consonant cluster is divided after its first consonant (kar-ma, vet-ti): that syllable is held longer. Mark above a syllable: guru, long (two beats); laghu, short (one beat). | closes the half-verse, || the verse; the number is the syllable count of the pāda.
Deeper Explanation – Chapter 1 Verse 24
Context
Arjuna has asked to be placed between the armies (1.21–1.23). Sanjaya now describes Krishna’s response; the sentence continues in 1.25.
Meaning
Arjuna is called Gudakesha, “master of sleep,” one who has conquered laziness and dullness. Krishna is again Hrishikesha, master of the senses. The two epithets together describe the ideal disciple and the ideal guide: alert, wakeful effort and perfect mastery. Krishna does exactly what Arjuna asks, placing the chariot where he can see everything.
The Divine does not force a lesson on us; it places us where we can see. Many of life’s turning points come when circumstances bring us face to face with what we had kept at a distance. Krishna’s quiet obedience here sets the stage for the deepest teaching. Wakefulness and guidance meet in the middle of the field.
In Practice
Ask yourself where in your life you are being shown something you would prefer not to see. Stay awake to it instead of turning away.
Related Verses
Continue Your Study
This verse belongs to Chapter 1: Arjuna Vishada Yoga (The Yoga of Arjuna’s Despondency). Read the chapter overview, browse every verse of the Gita, or return to the chapter-by-chapter guide. For a reading plan, see how to study the Bhagavad Gita and the study resources.