Bhagavad-gītā 1.19 – Study Guide

1. Purport Metrics & Overview

Purport Metrics	Details
No. of times cited by Śrīla Prabhupāda	1
Total No. of Words in Purport	87
No. of Paragraphs in Purport	1
Purport Paragraph Title	Krishna’s Devotees Do Not Fear Even the Greatest Calamity

High-Level Flow:

This verse describes the psychological effect of the Pāṇḍavas’ conchshell sounds on the Kaurava army.
The transcendental sound vibrations shattered the hearts of the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, indicating their inner fear and lack of confidence.
Unlike the Pāṇḍavas, who stood fearless under Krishna’s protection, the Kauravas’ morale was shaken before the war even began.
This verse highlights the difference between materialistic power and spiritual strength—the Pāṇḍavas, being devotees of Krishna, were fearless, whereas the Kauravas, devoid of Krishna’s shelter, were internally weak.

2. Verse & Translation

Sanskrit:
sa ghoṣo dhārtarāṣṭrāṇāṁ
hṛdayāni vyadārayat
nabhaś ca pṛthivīṁ caiva
tumulo ‘bhyanunādayan

Translation:
“The blowing of these different conchshells became uproarious, and thus, vibrating both in the sky and on the earth, it shattered the hearts of the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra.”

3. Connection with Previous Verse

Verses 1.16-18 described the conchshells of all major Pāṇḍava warriors.
Verse 1.19 now explains the impact of those transcendental sounds on the Kauravas.
Key Link:

While the Kauravas’ earlier conchshells (1.12-13) had no such effect on the Pāṇḍavas, the Pāṇḍavas’ conchshells instilled deep fear in their enemies.
This fear arose because the Kauravas lacked divine support, whereas the Pāṇḍavas had Krishna on their side.

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.
This verse highlights that real strength comes from spiritual shelter, not external material power.
The Kauravas, though materially powerful, were internally weak because they opposed Krishna’s will.

✅ This verse is Sambandha-tattva because it highlights:

The difference between material fear and spiritual confidence.
The impact of transcendental sound on both the external world and the hearts of conditioned souls.
How Krishna’s presence determines the strength or weakness of a person’s heart.

5. Analysis of Key Terms

Hṛdayāni Vyadārayat (Shattered the Hearts)

The Kauravas’ hearts were filled with fear even before the battle began—this reveals their deep insecurity.

Tumulaḥ (Uproarious Sound)

The transcendental sound of the Pāṇḍavas’ conchshells was not just loud but spiritually potent, shaking both earth and sky.

Abhyanunādayan (Resounding Everywhere)

Unlike the Kauravas’ sound, which was merely loud, this sound penetrated deep into the hearts, exposing the difference between material and spiritual power.

6. Connection to the Five Topics of Bhagavad-gītā

Topic	Connection in Verse 1.19
Īśvara (Supreme Lord)	Krishna’s presence empowers His devotees and weakens those who oppose Him.
Jīva (Living entity)	The Kauravas, being materially attached, experience fear, while the Pāṇḍavas, surrendering to Krishna, remain fearless.
Prakṛti (Material nature)	Even the sky and earth tremble from transcendental sound, showing that Krishna’s energy pervades everything.
Kāla (Time)	The moment of destruction for the Kauravas has begun, as indicated by their broken confidence.
Karma (Actions & Results)	The Kauravas’ past misdeeds lead to their growing fear and eventual destruction.

7. References from Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Purport

1. Key Points from Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Purport:

When Bhīṣma and the other Kaurava warriors blew their conchshells, there is no mention of fear on the Pāṇḍavas’ side.
The Pāṇḍavas were confident because of their faith in Krishna, whereas the Kauravas lacked such faith.
This verse reveals that one who takes shelter of Krishna has nothing to fear, even in the greatest calamity.

8. Insights from Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Lecture (July 16, 1973, London)

The conchshell sound represents spiritual victory, already guaranteed because of Krishna’s presence.
Real strength is not in physical numbers but in spiritual consciousness—those who stand with Krishna are always victorious.
The hearts of the Kauravas were shattered because they relied on external power rather than dharma.
Fear arises when one is disconnected from Krishna, whereas confidence comes from surrender to Him.

9. Keywords for Bhagavad-gītā 1.19

📌 From Translation: Conchshell, Vibration, Fear, Hearts Shattered, Resounding, Earth & Sky
📌 From Purport: Krishna’s Shelter, Fearlessness, Devotion, Supreme Protection, Spiritual Strength
📌 From Lecture: Victory Assured, Material vs. Spiritual Power, Consciousness Determines Strength

10. Practical Lessons

Fear Comes from Material Attachment, Fearlessness Comes from Krishna’s Shelter

The Kauravas were deeply attached to their kingdom, so they feared loss.
The Pāṇḍavas, surrendering to Krishna, had no fear of defeat.

Spiritual Sound Has the Power to Transform and Influence

Just as the Pāṇḍavas’ conchshells shook the Kauravas, the holy name can purify and uplift devotees.

True Confidence Comes from Krishna’s Presence, Not Material Arrangements

No amount of military power could remove the Kauravas’ fear because they opposed Krishna’s will.

11. Preaching Relevance & Application

Preaching Topic	How This Verse is Relevant
The Effect of Spiritual Sound	Like the conchshell, the holy name shatters the illusion of material life.
Material Fear vs. Spiritual Confidence	Without Krishna, people fear loss; with Krishna, there is no anxiety.
Faith in Krishna Guarantees Victory	Devotees remain fearless, even in difficult situations, by trusting Krishna.

12. Conclusion

Bhagavad-gītā 1.19 reveals the contrast between material and spiritual strength. The Kauravas, despite their vast army, are filled with fear because they lack Krishna’s shelter. In contrast, the Pāṇḍavas stand fearless, their confidence rooted in Krishna’s divine protection. This verse highlights the power of transcendental sound, demonstrating how Krishna’s presence guarantees victory for His devotees.