Bhagavad Gita 1.21 — Arjuna Asks Krishna to Station the Chariot Between the Armies
अर्जुन उवाच ।
सेनयोरुभयोर्मध्ये रथं स्थापय मेऽच्युत ॥ १.२१ ॥
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Arjuna said: O Achyuta, please station my chariot in the middle of the two armies.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| senayoḥ | of the armies |
| ubhayoḥ | of both |
| madhye | in the middle |
| ratham | chariot |
| sthāpaya | please station |
| me | my |
| achyuta | O Achyuta (the infallible one) |
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
These are Arjuna's first words in the Gita. He addresses Lord Krishna as Acyuta, the infallible one, and asks him to place the chariot between the two armies. This request seems purely practical, yet it will lead to the greatest conversation in the epic.
Essence
Arjuna's first words are a command given with the trust of a friend, and the verse extends over verses 21 and 22.
A. Senayor ubhayor madhye rathaṁ sthāpaya me 'cyuta
Arjuna says, 'Place my chariot in the middle of the two armies.' He addresses Krishna as Acyuta, 'one who never falls', 'the unfailing one'. It is a significant name: Arjuna is about to feel his own certainty fall, and he turns to the one who does not.
The phrase ubhayor madhye, 'in the middle of both', is an important image. The middle of two armies is the point where one can see everything and be pulled in both directions. It is a symbol of the human situation, standing between two opposing forces within us.
B. A request from a friend, or a command to a servant?
The use of the word me, 'my' chariot, and the imperative sthāpaya, 'place', shows that Arjuna still regards Krishna as his charioteer. He speaks as a warrior giving orders. The Gita's central drama is the transformation of this relationship, from charioteer and warrior to teacher and student.
C. Seeing before acting
Arjuna wants to see the field before fighting. This desire to look clearly is, in itself, good. What he sees will shake him, but the impulse to examine before acting is an important beginning.
Message for Everyday Life (Standing in the Middle)
There are moments in life when we feel we stand between two armies: duty and desire, loyalty and conscience, past and future. These are often the moments of greatest confusion, but also of greatest clarity, if we allow ourselves to look honestly at what is before us.
Arjuna's first words are a command given with the trust of a friend, and the verse extends over verses 21 and 22.
A. Senayor ubhayor madhye rathaṁ sthāpaya me 'cyuta
Arjuna says, 'Place my chariot in the middle of the two armies.' He addresses Krishna as Acyuta, 'one who never falls', 'the unfailing one'. It is a significant name: Arjuna is about to feel his own certainty fall, and he turns to the one who does not.
The phrase ubhayor madhye, 'in the middle of both', is an important image. The middle of two armies is the point where one can see everything and be pulled in both directions. It is a symbol of the human situation, standing between two opposing forces within us.
B. A request from a friend, or a command to a servant?
The use of the word me, 'my' chariot, and the imperative sthāpaya, 'place', shows that Arjuna still regards Krishna as his charioteer. He speaks as a warrior giving orders. The Gita's central drama is the transformation of this relationship, from charioteer and warrior to teacher and student.
C. Seeing before acting
Arjuna wants to see the field before fighting. This desire to look clearly is, in itself, good. What he sees will shake him, but the impulse to examine before acting is an important beginning.
Message for Everyday Life (Standing in the Middle)
There are moments in life when we feel we stand between two armies: duty and desire, loyalty and conscience, past and future. These are often the moments of greatest confusion, but also of greatest clarity, if we allow ourselves to look honestly at what is before us.
Next Topic
Arjuna has asked Krishna to take the chariot into the space between the armies. In the next verse he explains why: he wishes to see those who have gathered, eager to fight, and with whom he must contend.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
See before you strike.
Hand the reins to the one you trust.
The middle shows both sides without bias.
The right question changes the course of history.
A friend is one who drives your chariot when you need to see.
Look first at what you are about to face.
Great decisions deserve a moment of silence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Arjuna call Krishna 'achyuta' (the infallible one)?
Why does Arjuna want the chariot in the middle of the two armies?
Is Arjuna giving an order to Krishna?
Why is this verse important for the Gita?
What does it teach us today?
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