The sacred roll call of the Pandava heroes continues in the sixteenth verse of the Bhagavad Gita. Known as the Anantavijayam Raja verse, the focus now shifts from the raw power of Krishna, Arjuna, and Bhima to the righteous authority of the Pandava king and his loyal brothers. The Anantavijayam Raja verse reinforces the theme of a systematic and divinely ordained response.
Sanskrit Verse
अनन्तविजयं राजा कुन्तीपुत्रो युधिष्ठिरः ।
नकुलः सहदेवश्च सुघोषमणिपुष्पकौ ॥ १६ ॥Transliteration
anantavijayaṁ rājā kuntīputro yudhiṣṭhiraḥ |
nakulaḥ sahadevaśca sughoṣamaṇipuṣpakau || 16 ||Word for Word Translation
anantavijayam – the conch named Anantavijaya; rājā – the king; kuntīputraḥ – the son of Kunti; yudhiṣṭhiraḥ – Yudhishthira; nakulaḥ – Nakula; sahadevaḥ – Sahadeva; ca – and; sughoṣa-maṇipuṣpakau – the conches named Sughosha and Manipushpaka.
English Translation
King Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, blew his conch shell, the Anantavijaya, and Nakula and Sahadeva blew the Sughosha and Manipushpaka.
Explanation
Each Bhagavad Gita verse whispers ancient truths, let’s listen closely with Vedic Stories…
The Anantavijayam Raja verse continues to highlight the significance of names, both of the warriors and their divine instruments. Each name carries a prophetic weight for the battle to come.
- Yudhishthira, the King: The eldest Pandava, whose name means “steady in battle.” As the son of Kunti, he is the rightful heir. His presence symbolizes Dharma and righteous leadership.
- Anantavijaya: King Yudhishthira’s conch, which means “Eternal Victory.” Its sound is a declaration that his cause, being righteous, is destined for a victory that will last forever.
- Nakula and Sughosha: Nakula, known for his handsome appearance and skill with horses, blows the “Sughosha,” which means “Melodious Sound.” This reflects his refined and noble character.
- Sahadeva and Manipushpaka: Sahadeva, the wisest of the brothers, blows the “Manipushpaka,” which means “Jewel-Flowered.” This name evokes beauty, intricacy, and preciousness, reflecting his wisdom.
The systematic sounding of the conches, as described in the Anantavijayam Raja verse, continues to paint a picture of an army that is organized, confident, and united in its purpose. Every hero, from the king down, has a distinct and significant role to play.
Conclusion
The Anantavijayam Raja verse teaches us about the different facets of a strong and righteous front. It’s not just about raw power (like Bhima) or divine skill (like Arjuna), but also about just leadership (Yudhishthira), refinement (Nakula), and wisdom (Sahadeva). A truly strong cause is supported by a multitude of virtues.
This verse is a reminder that every member of a team brings a unique quality, symbolized here by the distinct names of the conches. The “Eternal Victory” promised by Yudhishthira’s conch is not just a military one; it is a victory of a whole system of values. The Anantavijayam Raja verse shows that true success is a symphony of different strengths working together in perfect harmony.
Read Next: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 – Verse 17 – Kashyash Cha Parameshvasah
