Continuing from the previous verse, the Bhagavad Gita now provides specific details about the divine conch shells blown by the Pandava leaders. The fifteenth verse, known as the Panchajanyam Hrishikesho verse, begins this sacred roll call with the two most important figures on the battlefield: Lord Krishna and Arjuna. The Panchajanyam Hrishikesho verse establishes the divine precedent for the Pandavas’ call to war.
Sanskrit Verse
पाञ्चजन्यं हृषीकेशो देवदत्तं धनञ्जयः ।
पौण्ड्रं दध्मौ महाशङ्खं भीमकर्मा वृकोदरः ॥ १५ ॥Transliteration
pāñcajanyaṁ hṛṣīkeśo devadattaṁ dhanañjayaḥ |
pauṇḍraṁ dadhmau mahāśaṅkhaṁ bhīmakarmā vṛkodaraḥ || 15 ||Word for Word Translation
pāñcajanyam – the conch named Panchajanya; hṛṣīkeśaḥ – Hrishikesha (Krishna, the master of the senses); devadattam – the conch named Devadatta; dhanañjayaḥ – Dhananjaya (Arjuna, the winner of wealth); pauṇḍram – the conch named Paundra; dadhmau – blew; mahāśaṅkham – the terrific conch; bhīmakarmā – one who performs Herculean tasks; vṛkodaraḥ – the voracious eater (Bhima).
English Translation
Lord Krishna blew His conch shell, named Panchajanya; Arjuna blew his, the Devadatta; and Bhima, the voracious eater and performer of Herculean tasks, blew his terrific conch, named Paundra.
Explanation
Each Bhagavad Gita verse whispers ancient truths, let’s listen closely with Vedic Stories…
The Panchajanyam Hrishikesho verse is incredibly rich with meaning, as every name used has deep significance. This is not a chaotic noise but a deliberate, divine proclamation.
- Hrishikesha (Krishna): This name for Krishna means “Master of the Senses.” By using this name, the text implies that Krishna is in complete control of the minds and senses of all beings. His sounding of the conch is a divine act of will.
- Panchajanya: Krishna’s conch, the Panchajanya, was made from the body of a demon named Panchajana. Its sound is said to be terrifying to the unrighteous and a sign of victory for the devotees.
- Dhananjaya (Arjuna): This name for Arjuna means “Winner of Wealth.” It reminds us of his heroic past and his ability to win great treasures for his kingdom, signifying that he will be victorious in this war as well.
- Devadatta: Arjuna’s conch, the “God-given” Devadatta, was a gift from the celestial beings, further emphasizing the divine sanction behind his cause.
- Vrikodara (Bhima): Bhima, “the voracious eater,” is described by his most famous characteristic, but also as “bhima-karma,” the performer of mighty, Herculean deeds. His conch, the Paundra, is called “mahashankham” (the great or terrific conch), signifying its immense, earth-shaking sound.
The systematic way each warrior and their conch is named in the Panchajanyam Hrishikesho verse demonstrates order, discipline, and purpose, a direct contrast to the tumultuous outburst from the Kaurava side.
Conclusion
The Panchajanyam Hrishikesho verse teaches a profound lesson about identity and purpose. The names used are not just labels; they are affirmations of the characters’ divine roles and past glories. This act of naming signifies that the Pandavas are entering this war with a full understanding of who they are and what they represent.
This verse reminds us that when we face our own battles, acting with a clear sense of our own identity and purpose gives us immense strength. The Pandavas’ response is not an emotional reaction; it is a declaration of their very being. The message of the Panchajanyam Hrishikesho verse is that true power comes from a deep connection to our inner nature and a clear, unwavering purpose.
Read Next: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 – Verse 16 – Anantavijayam Raja
