Bhagavad-gītā 1.13 – Study Guide
1. Purport Metrics & Overview
| Purport Metrics | Details |
|---|---|
| No. of times cited by Śrīla Prabhupāda | 1 |
| Total No. of Words in Purport | No Purport |
| No. of Paragraphs in Purport | No Purport |
| Purport Paragraph Title | No Purport |
High-Level Flow:
- Following Bhīṣma’s conchshell blast (1.12), the rest of the Kaurava army joins in, creating a deafening war sound.
- The blowing of conchshells, bugles, trumpets, drums, and horns symbolizes the official commencement of battle.
- The sound is described as “tumultuous,” reflecting the chaotic and grand scale of the war.
- This verse marks a transition—the Kaurava army is now fully engaged in the war mindset, unaware of their impending doom.
2. Verse & Translation
Sanskrit:
tataḥ śaṅkhāś ca bheryaś ca
paṇavānaka-gomukhāḥ
sahasaivābhyahanyanta
sa śabdas tumulo ‘bhavat
Translation:
“After that, the conchshells, bugles, trumpets, drums, and horns were all suddenly sounded, and the combined sound was tumultuous.”
3. Connection with Previous Verse
Verse 1.12 describes Bhīṣma’s conchshell blowing, meant to reassure Duryodhana.
Verse 1.13 amplifies the scene, as the entire Kaurava army joins in, creating an overwhelming sound.
Key Link:
- From individual encouragement (Bhīṣma’s conchshell) to collective battle readiness (full army’s war cry).
- The sound represents Kaurava enthusiasm, but also signals the beginning of their downfall.
4. Sambandha, Abhidheya, or Prayojana?
Category: Sambandha-tattva (Understanding our relationship with Krishna and the material world)
Sambandha-tattva defines the nature of jīva, īśvara, prakṛti, kāla, and karma.
Duryodhana’s army believes power lies in their military display, failing to understand Krishna’s supreme will.
The tumultuous sound is merely a material expression of power, but real power belongs to Krishna.
✅ This verse is Sambandha-tattva because it highlights:
- The illusion of material strength—the Kauravas rely on external displays rather than dharma.
- The conditioned soul’s false sense of security in numbers, sound, and external appearances.
- The contrast between external excitement (Kauravas’ war cry) and internal confidence (Pāṇḍavas’ reliance on Krishna).
5. Analysis of Key Terms
Sahasā (All of a Sudden)
The Kaurava army erupts in noise instantly, showing their excitement but also their nervousness.
Tumulaḥ (Tumultuous Sound)
The deafening noise is a sign of external might, but spiritually, it carries no weight—Krishna determines victory, not sound.
6. Connection to the Five Topics of Bhagavad-gītā
| Topic | Connection in Verse 1.13 |
|---|---|
| Īśvara (Supreme Lord) | The Kauravas’ sound is loud, but Krishna’s will is supreme—He alone decides the war’s outcome. |
| Jīva (Living entity) | The Kaurava warriors feel emboldened by sound, showing how conditioned souls seek security in material power. |
| Prakṛti (Material nature) | The instruments, battle formations, and sound are temporary material manifestations. |
| Kāla (Time) | Kāla is moving forward—this sound signals the irreversible march toward Kaurava destruction. |
| Karma (Actions & Results) | The Kauravas’ past sinful deeds have led them here—their excitement is misplaced, as karma will soon bring them destruction. |
7. Insights from Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Lecture (July 14, 1973, London)
- The sound represents material confidence, but it does not indicate true strength.
- Real victory is determined by spiritual strength—whoever has Krishna is the true winner.
- Despite their loud display, the Kauravas are fighting against Krishna’s will, so their downfall is certain.
- The blowing of conchshells and war cries will be contrasted in the next verse when the Pāṇḍavas blow their conchshells.
8. Practical Lessons
Material Displays of Power Are Temporary
Loudness does not equal victory—real strength lies in surrender to Krishna.
External Enthusiasm Cannot Change Fate
Despite their excitement, the Kauravas are already doomed due to their past sinful actions.
True Strength Comes from Divine Protection
While the Kauravas rely on weapons and sound, the Pāṇḍavas rely on Krishna.
9. Preaching Relevance & Application
| Preaching Topic | How This Verse is Relevant |
|---|---|
| False Confidence in Material Strength | The Kauravas are loud, but noise does not ensure victory—Krishna does. |
| Temporary vs. Eternal Power | Material displays fade, but Krishna’s protection is eternal. |
| Illusion of Strength in Worldly Arrangements | Just as the Kauravas think noise equals strength, people today trust in external power rather than Krishna. |
10. Conclusion
Bhagavad-gītā 1.13 depicts the full mobilization of the Kaurava army, with their collective war cries creating a deafening sound. However, despite their enthusiasm, their fate is already sealed—Krishna’s will determines the outcome, not external noise. This verse foreshadows the contrast between the Kauravas’ reliance on material displays and the Pāṇḍavas’ quiet confidence in Krishna.