Sanjaya continues his narration, bringing King Dhritarashtra (and the reader) to the very brink of the Gita’s core teachings. After Arjuna’s final, silent refusal, the moment of truth arrives. The Tam Uvaca Hrsikesah Prahasann Iva Bharata verse describes Lord Krishna’s divine disposition as He prepares to speak. His reaction to Arjuna’s profound crisis is not one of anger or frustration, but of perfect, compassionate understanding, symbolized by a single, powerful action: a smile.
Sanskrit Verse
तमुवाच हृषीकेशः प्रहसन्निव भारत ।
सेनयोरुभयोर्मध्ये विषीदन्तमिदं वचः ॥ १० ॥Transliteration
tam uvāca hṛṣīkeśaḥ prahasann iva bhārata
senayor ubhayor madhye viṣīdantam idaṁ vacaḥWord for Word Translation
tam — to him; uvāca — said; hṛṣīkeśaḥ — the master of the senses, Krishna; prahasan iva — as if smiling; bhārata — O Dhritarashtra, descendant of Bharata; senayoḥ — of the armies; ubhayoḥ — of both; madhye — in the midst; viṣīdantam — to the lamenting one; idam — this; vacaḥ — word.
English Translation
O descendant of Bharata (Dhritarashtra), at that time, Hrishikesha (Krishna), as if smiling, spoke the following words to the lamenting Arjuna, who was situated in the midst of both armies.
Explanation
Each Bhagavad Gita verse whispers ancient truths, let’s listen closely with Vedic Stories…
This verse is the official doorway to the Gita’s philosophy. Sanjaya sets the scene with meticulous detail, and every element is significant.
- Senayor ubhayor madhye: “In the midst of both armies.” Sanjaya reminds us of the immense gravity of the setting. This is not a private, peaceful conversation in a secluded ashram. The divine wisdom is about to be spoken in the most stressful, urgent, and public environment imaginable, underscoring its relevance and power even in the face of imminent violence.
- Viṣīdantam: “To the lamenting one.” He contrasts the setting with Arjuna’s internal state. The great warrior is still `viṣīdantam`—grieving, despondent, and lamenting. This highlights the problem that needs to be solved.
- Prahasann iva: “As if smiling.” This is the most profound part of the verse. Krishna’s smile is not one of mockery or condescension. It is a smile of deep, divine affection and confidence. It signifies that He, the Supreme Lord, sees the entire situation—past, present, and future—and is not in the least bit disturbed by Arjuna’s crisis. He knows the solution. The smile is a reassurance, a divine signal that the problem, which seems insurmountable to Arjuna, is perfectly manageable from a higher perspective.
- Hṛṣīkeśaḥ: The name `Hṛṣīkeśa` (Master of the Senses) is used again. It is the perfect title for someone about to address a man whose senses are “withering” from grief. The Master of the senses is now going to teach the afflicted soul how to achieve mastery over his own mind and senses through spiritual knowledge.
Conclusion
Krishna’s smile is the preface to the entire Bhagavad Gita. It is the calm before the illumination. It tells Arjuna (and all of us) that from the divine perspective, our greatest, most overwhelming problems are solvable. It is the gentle, loving expression of the ultimate teacher, who is confident in both the wisdom He is about to impart and the ability of the sincere student to receive it. With this single, graceful gesture, the stage is set, the tension is broken, and Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, begins to speak the words that will dispel the darkness of illusion forever.
Read Next: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 – Verse 11 – Sri Bhagavan Uvaca Asocyan Anvasocas Tvam
