Shlokas 12-20. Chapter 1

Transform your campaign with practical, proven strategies from Bhagavad Gita to create an aura of strength and unity. Achieve victory by galvanizing support and inspiring confidence!

तस्य सञ्जनयन्हर्षं कुरुवृद्धः पितामहः।

सिंहनादं विनद्योच्चैः शङ्खं दध्मौ प्रतापवान्।।12.1।।

tasya sañjanayan harṣaṁ kuruvṛddhaḥ pitāmahaḥ

siṁhanādaṁ vinadyoccaiḥ śaṅkhaṁ dadhmau pratāpavān

ततः शङ्खाश्च भेर्यश्च पणवानकगोमुखाः।

सहसैवाभ्यहन्यन्त स शब्दस्तुमुलोऽभवत्।।13.1।।

tataḥ śaṅkhāś ca bheryaś ca paṇavānaka-gomukhāḥ

sahasāivābhyahanyanta sa śabdas tumulo ’bhavat

ततः श्वेतैर्हयैर्युक्ते महति स्यन्दने स्थितौ।

माधवः पाण्डवश्चैव दिव्यौ शङ्खौ प्रदध्मतुः।।14.1।।

tataḥ śvetair hayair yukte mahati syandane sthitau

mādhavaḥ pāṇḍavaś caiva divyau śaṅkhau pradadhmatuḥ

पाञ्चजन्यं हृषीकेशो देवदत्तं धनञ्जयः।

पौण्ड्रं दध्मौ महाशङ्खं भीमकर्मा वृकोदरः।।15.1।।

pāñcajanyaṁ hṛṣīkeśo devadattaṁ dhanañjayaḥ

pauṇḍraṁ dadhmau mahāśaṅkhaṁ bhīmakarmā vṛkodaraḥ

अनन्तविजयं राजा कुन्तीपुत्रो युधिष्ठिरः।

नकुलः सहदेवश्च सुघोषमणिपुष्पकौ।।16.1।।

anantavijayaṁ rājā kuntīputro yudhiṣṭhiraḥ

nakulaḥ sahadevaś ca sughoṣamaṇipuṣpakau

काश्यश्च परमेष्वासः शिखण्डी च महारथः।

धृष्टद्युम्नो विराटश्च सात्यकिश्चापराजितः।।17.1।।

kāśyaś ca parameṣvāsaḥ śikhaṇḍī ca mahārathaḥ

dhṛṣṭadyumno virāṭaś ca sātyakiś cāparājitaḥ

द्रुपदो द्रौपदेयाश्च सर्वशः पृथिवीपते।

सौभद्रश्च महाबाहुः शङ्खान्दध्मुः पृथक्पृथक्।।18.1।।

drupado draupadeyāś ca sarvaśaḥ pṛthivīpate

saubhadraś ca mahābāhuḥ śaṅkhān dadhmuḥ pṛthak pṛthak

स घोषो धार्तराष्ट्राणां हृदयानि व्यदारयत्।

नभश्च पृथिवीं चैव तुमुलोऽभ्यनुनादयन्।।19.1।।

sa ghoṣo dhārtarāṣṭrāṇāṁ hṛdayāni vyadārayat

nabhaś ca pṛthivīṁ caiva tumulo ’bhyanunādayan

अथ व्यवस्थितान्दृष्ट्वा धार्तराष्ट्रान्कपिध्वजः।

प्रवृत्ते शस्त्रसम्पाते धनुरुद्यम्य पाण्डवः।।20.1।।

हृषीकेशं तदा वाक्यमिदमाह महीपते।

atha vyavasthitān dṛṣṭvā dhārtarāṣṭrān kapidhvajaḥ

pravṛtte śastra-sampāte dhanur udyamya pāṇḍavaḥ

hṛṣīkeśaṁ tadā vākyam idam āha mahīpate

Meaning

The verses (shlokas) 12 to 20 of the first chapter of the Bhagavad Gita describe the scene on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, just before the great war begins. These verses capture the dramatic preparations and the sounds of the conch shells being blown by various warriors, signaling the commencement of battle. Here's a collective context and meaning of the verses:

Shloka 12

Bhishma, the grandsire and elder of the Kuru dynasty, who is also the commander of the Kaurava forces, roars like a lion and blows his conch shell to instill enthusiasm among the Kaurava warriors.

Shloka 13

Following Bhishma's lead, conch shells, drums, and other musical instruments are sounded together, creating a tumultuous and loud noise that resonates across the battlefield.

Shloka 14

Seated in a grand chariot drawn by white horses, Krishna (Madhava) and Arjuna (Pandava) blow their divine conch shells, marking their readiness for battle.

Shloka 15

Krishna blows his conch named Panchajanya, Arjuna blows his conch named Devadatta, and Bhima, known for his mighty deeds, blows his powerful conch named Paundra.

Shloka 16

King Yudhishthira, the eldest son of Kunti, blows his conch named Anantavijaya, while Nakula and Sahadeva blow their conches named Sughosha and Manipushpaka, respectively.

Shloka 17

The great archer Kashya, the mighty warrior Shikhandi, Dhrishtadyumna, Virata, and the undefeated Satyaki also blow their conch shells.

Shloka 18

Drupada, the sons of Draupadi, and the strong-armed Abhimanyu, son of Subhadra, each blow their conch shells separately, creating a powerful sound.

Shloka 19

The combined sound of all these conch shells shatters the hearts of the sons of Dhritarashtra (the Kauravas), reverberating through the sky and the earth.

Shloka 20

At this point, observing the Kaurava army standing ready, Arjuna, with the emblem of Hanuman on his chariot, takes up his bow and prepares to speak to Krishna. The sound of the conch shells and the preparations for battle create a highly charged and intense atmosphere on the battlefield.

These verses set the stage for the ensuing dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna, highlighting the tension and the high stakes of the imminent battle. They convey the anticipation, determination, and the psychological impact of the war preparations on both sides.

Today's context - An election campaign

In the vibrant city of Bharatpur, excitement was in the air. Election season had arrived, and citizens were eager to hear from their leaders. Among the notable candidates was Arjun Singh, a charismatic politician known for his speaking skills and dedication to the people.

As Arjun Singh’s major campaign rally neared, his team worked tirelessly to ensure everything was perfect. The rally was set to take place at the city's central ground, a site of many historic events, now poised to resonate with new beginnings.

On the rally morning, streets were adorned with colorful banners and posters of Arjun Singh. His supporters, dressed in vibrant attire, gathered in large numbers, chanting slogans and showing their loyalty. 

As the sun reached its peak, Arjun Singh arrived at the venue, greeted by the blowing of trumpets and beating of drums signaling readiness and boosting morale. Their sound symbolized power and enthusiasm, aiming to intimidate opponents and inspire supporters.

Arjun Singh, standing tall on stage, looked out at the sea of supporters. He raised his hand, signaling the drummers to intensify their rhythm. The drums' beat grew louder, creating a pulsating energy that swept through the crowd.

He began his speech with a powerful message, 'My dear friends, just as our ancestors signaled their courage and strength with the conch shells, today, we signal our readiness to fight for justice, for progress, and for the future of Bharatpur!'

The crowd erupted in applause, their spirits lifted by his words. Arjun Singh's speech was filled with promises of development, education, and healthcare. He spoke of change and progress, rallying his supporters with each word. His strong, unwavering voice echoed through the ground.

As he continued, his opponents, watching from a distance, felt a pang of anxiety. The enthusiasm and unity of Arjun Singh's supporters created an aura of invincibility around his campaign. The trumpets, the drums, and the powerful speeche all combined to create an atmosphere of confidence and determination.

By the end of the rally, Arjun Singh had reinforced his supporters' morale and instilled a sense of impending victory. The sounds of the trumpets and drums lingered, a testament to the power of tradition and timeless strategies of leadership and psychological warfare.

Arjun Singh’s rally was a resounding success. As the crowd dispersed, the echoes of the trumpets and drums continued to resonate in the hearts of Bharatpur's people, a reminder of their strength and unity as they moved forward towards a brighter future.

Key Takeaways for any campaign

The psychological impact of displaying self-confidence, demonstrating power, and boosting morale is a crucial factor in the success of campaigns. These elements help to create an aura of strength and unity, essential for galvanizing support and achieving victory.

Cultivate Self-Confidence:

Public Speaking Training: Invest in professional public speaking training to ensure the candidate can communicate confidently and effectively.

Positive Body Language: Encourage the candidate to maintain strong, positive body language during public appearances and speeches.

Dress for Success: Ensure the candidate is always well-dressed and presents a polished image.

Demonstrate Power:

Visual Displays: Use vibrant banners, posters, and stage decorations that reflect the campaign's themes and the candidate’s strengths.

Sound and Music: Incorporate powerful, uplifting music and rhythmic drumming at rallies to create an energetic atmosphere.

Large Crowds: Organize large gatherings and events to visually showcase the candidate’s support base.

Boost Morale:

Inspirational Speeches: Focus on speeches that include clear, achievable promises of development, progress, and positive change.

Engage Supporters: Create opportunities for supporters to actively participate in the campaign, such as volunteering, canvassing, and attending events.

Celebrate Achievements: Regularly highlight and celebrate the campaign’s milestones and successes to keep morale high.

Psychological Strategy:

Strategic Messaging: Craft messages that emphasize readiness, strength, and a clear vision for the future. Use slogans and chants that are easy to remember and repeat.

Create Symbolism: Use symbols and traditions that resonate with the cultural and historical context of the electorate to create a deeper emotional connection.

Confidence-Building Activities: Organize team-building activities and workshops for campaign staff and volunteers to strengthen their confidence and unity.

Knowledge Bank

Drona meaning

Droni means cave in Sanskrit. The sperm of Sage Bharadwaja grew up into a human being in a cave. That's how Drona got his name. Drona- someone who was born and grew up in a droni, cave. This is as per Bhava Deepa commetary of Mahabharata - Adi Parva - 63.106.

Who is the guardian of the East?

Indra is the guardian (Lokapala) of the East.