In the seventh verse of the Bhagavad Gita’s first chapter, known as the Asmakam Tu Vishishta verse, the narrative focus pivots dramatically. After spending several verses enumerating the strengths of his enemies, King Duryodhana now changes his tactic. The verse Asmakam Tu Vishishta, which translates to “but our distinguished warriors,” signals his shift from fear to a projection of power, aimed directly at his commander, Dronacharya.
Sanskrit Verse
अस्माकं तु विशिष्टा ये तान्निबोध द्विजोत्तम ।
नायका मम सैन्यस्य संज्ञार्थं तान्ब्रवीमि ते ॥ १-७ ॥Transliteration
asmākaṁ tu viśiṣṭā ye tānnibodha dvijottama |
nāyakā mama sainyasya saṁjñārthaṁ tānbravīmi te || 7 ||Word for Word Translation
asmākam – our; tu – but; viśiṣṭāḥ – special; ye – who; tān – them; nibodha – be informed; dvijottama – O best of the brahmins; nāyakāḥ – captains; mama – my; sainyasya – of the army; saṁjñārtham – for information; tān – them; bravīmi – I am speaking; te – to you.
English Translation
O best of the twice-born, please take note of our distinguished warriors, the commanders of my army. I am naming them for your information.
Explanation
Each Bhagavad Gita verse whispers ancient truths, let’s listen closely with Vedic Stories…
The Asmakam Tu Vishishta verse is a calculated move by a king trying to steady his nerves and assert his authority. Duryodhana addresses Dronacharya with the respectful title “Dvijottama,” meaning “best of the twice-born” or “best among the Brahmins.” On the surface, it is a sign of respect. However, it is also a subtle and powerful reminder to Dronacharya of his Brahminical duty and his allegiance to the Kuru throne, which has given him status and purpose. It is a veiled command wrapped in courteous language.
The core of this verse, Asmakam Tu Vishishta, is Duryodhana’s attempt to build confidence. He is effectively saying, “Enough about them, now listen to the strength we possess.” He is preparing to list the great commanders of the Kaurava army, warriors of immense power and reputation. This verse serves as the introduction to that list, which includes titans like Bhishma, Karna, and Drona himself. This verbal parade of power is meant to reassure both his teacher and himself that their side is overwhelmingly strong.
He claims he is naming them for Drona’s “information,” but his true motive is motivation. He wants to stir Drona’s fighting spirit and ensure his unwavering loyalty. The entire purpose of the Asmakam Tu Vishishta verse is to shift the psychological balance of the conversation from a place of anxiety to one of formidable strength, setting the stage for the verses to come.
Conclusion
The lesson within the Asmakam Tu Vishishta verse is a timeless one about leadership and psychology. In moments of great pressure, a leader must not only assess the enemy but also rally their own forces by reminding them of their strengths. Duryodhana’s speech is a classic example of countering fear by projecting confidence.
This verse teaches us that in any conflict, personal or professional, our perception of our own capabilities is as important as our assessment of the challenge. The message of Asmakam Tu Vishishta is clear: before you can win the battle, you must first believe that you have the strength to do so. It is a reminder to acknowledge our own power and to inspire that same belief in those who stand with us.
Read Next: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 – Verse 8 – Bhavan Bhishma Cha Karna Cha
