एतान्न हन्तुमिच्छामि घ्नतोऽपि मधुसूदन। अपि त्रैलोक्यराज्यस्य हेतोः किं नु महीकृते
The 'Slayer of Madhu' refers to Lord Krishna. This is a title given to Krishna due to his victory over the demon Madhu. Arjuna addresses Krishna by this title to show respect and reverence.
Arjuna’s distress makes the cost of conflict visible. When a decision affects people you care about, pausing to understand your emotions can be more useful than pretending to be certain.
Go deeper into this verse
In Chapter 1, Verse 35, what does Arjuna express his unwillingness to do?
Arjuna expresses his unwillingness to kill his relatives, even if it means giving up the chance to rule over the three worlds. He emphasizes that he does not desire earthly power at the cost of familial bloodshed.
Why does Arjuna mention the 'throne of the three worlds' in his lament?
Arjuna mentions the 'throne of the three worlds' to highlight the vastness of what he is willing to renounce. He uses this grand metaphor to underscore that not even the ultimate power and dominion over all realms is worth the loss and destruction of his kinsmen, showing his deep conflict and moral dilemma.
What lesson can be learned from Arjuna's reluctance to fight for earthly lordship?
Arjuna's reluctance teaches the value of compassion and the importance of prioritizing moral and ethical values over material gains. It suggests that true fulfillment does not come from power or possessions but from harmony and righteousness. This reflection encourages individuals to consider the ethical implications of their actions and the true cost of ambition.
What does Arjuna's statement about not wanting to kill, even if killed himself, signify?
Arjuna's statement signifies his profound commitment to non-violence and his inner turmoil. It reflects his fear of the karmic consequences of killing his kin and the emptiness he perceives in achieving victory through violence. This highlights his struggle between duty and personal values, revealing the depth of his crisis of conscience.
These I do not wish to kill, though myself slain, O Madhusûdana, even for the sake of the kingship of the three worlds; how then for earth?