Jnaneshwari (Bhavartha Dipika)

by Ramchandra Keshav Bhagwat | 1954 | 284,137 words | ISBN-10: 8185208123 | ISBN-13: 9788185208121

This is verse 1.10-11 of the Jnaneshwari (Bhavartha-Dipika), the English translation of 13th-century Marathi commentary on the Bhagavad-Gita.—The Dnyaneshwari (Jnaneshwari) brings to light the deeper meaning of the Gita which represents the essence of the Vedic Religion. This is verse 10-11 of the chapter called Arjuna’s Dolour.

Verse 1.10: “Thus, boundless is our force with Bhisma to guard it; bounded, however, is the force of these with Bhima to guard it.

Verse 1.11: “Therefore, at all the points of entrance (or egress of our battle-array), stationed in positions as assigned, do ye just guard Bhisma (from the enemy)”.

Commentary called Jnaneshwari by Jnaneshwar:

“That Bhishma who is so great in the Kshatriya family and who is the most well-known of all the warriors, holds the authority of the Commander-in-Chief. Under his command is placed the entire army, arrayed just like a fortress, before which the entire universe compares small. Already a vast ocean, no one can consider it as transgressable the more so if it is helped by a (fabulous) sub-marine fire: or just as the destructive fire and stormy wind should combine, in that way our Commander-in-Chief, the son of the Ganges (is) unconquerable. Who can take a firm stand in war in front of such an army as ours, before which the Pandava army as assembled appears insignificant in comparison? With all this, Bhimasena, who is strong, is the Commander of the Pandava army.” Saying so much Duryodhana remained momentarily silent. Duryodhana then spoke again, “All ye army-men, keep your respective army completely ready. The armies, whosoever is in command, should be sub-divided and assigned the respective places on the battle-field with their commandants duly appointed. The respective armies should be drawn up and they should obey the orders of Bhishma. Drona should also have his attention over all and should protect Bhishma taking him to be myself, as he is the sole support of our army.”

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