Bhagavad Gita 1.29 — Arjuna's Body Trembles and His Mouth Goes Dry
सीदन्ति मम गात्राणि मुखं च परिशुष्यति ।
वेपथुश्च शरीरे मे रोमहर्षश्च जायते ॥ १.२९ ॥
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My limbs are giving way and my mouth is drying up; trembling arises in my body, and my hair stands on end.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| sīdanti | are failing, giving way |
| mama | my |
| gātrāṇi | limbs |
| mukham | mouth |
| cha | and |
| pariśhuṣhyati | is drying up |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| vepathuḥ | trembling |
| cha | and |
| śharīre | in the body |
| me | my |
| romaharṣhaḥ | standing of the hair on end |
| cha | and |
| jāyate | arises |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| sīdanti | are failing, giving way | vepathuḥ | trembling |
| mama | my | cha | and |
| gātrāṇi | limbs | śharīre | in the body |
| mukham | mouth | me | my |
| cha | and | romaharṣhaḥ | standing of the hair on end |
| pariśhuṣhyati | is drying up | cha | and |
| jāyate | arises | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Arjuna describes the physical effects of his emotion: his limbs weaken, his mouth becomes dry, his body trembles and his hair stands on end. The verse shows with great honesty how deeply inner turmoil can affect the body.
Essence
Arjuna's words are a precise description of the body's response to overwhelming distress.
A. Sīdanti mama gātrāṇi mukhaṁ ca pariśuṣyati (my limbs sink and my mouth dries up)
The word sīdanti, 'sink', comes from the same root as viṣāda. His limbs lose strength, just as his spirit does. The dryness of the mouth is a common sign of fear and anxiety. The great archer who had boldly asked to see the field now finds his body failing him.
B. Vepathuś ca śarīre me (and a trembling in my body)
The word vepathu means shaking or trembling. Arjuna is not describing weakness of character but the natural response of a sensitive person facing a terrible situation. The Gita does not hide this vulnerability. It shows that even the greatest warrior is human.
C. Romaharṣaś ca jāyate (and the hair stands on end)
The word romaharṣa refers to the hair standing on end, a sign of intense feeling. In other contexts, it can express joy or awe, but here it expresses horror and dread.
D. Body and mind as one
The verse is a reminder that body and mind are deeply connected. Distress is not only a mental experience; it is felt in the limbs, the breath and the skin. Many spiritual traditions, including the yoga tradition, treat the care of the body and the calming of the mind as parts of one practice.
Message for Everyday Life (Listening to the Body)
When we are overwhelmed, our body often tells us before we admit it to ourselves: a dry mouth, trembling hands, a racing heart. Instead of ignoring these signals, we can treat them as messages that something needs attention. Slowing down, breathing deeply and seeking support are practical ways to respond to them.
Arjuna's words are a precise description of the body's response to overwhelming distress.
A. Sīdanti mama gātrāṇi mukhaṁ ca pariśuṣyati (my limbs sink and my mouth dries up)
The word sīdanti, 'sink', comes from the same root as viṣāda. His limbs lose strength, just as his spirit does. The dryness of the mouth is a common sign of fear and anxiety. The great archer who had boldly asked to see the field now finds his body failing him.
B. Vepathuś ca śarīre me (and a trembling in my body)
The word vepathu means shaking or trembling. Arjuna is not describing weakness of character but the natural response of a sensitive person facing a terrible situation. The Gita does not hide this vulnerability. It shows that even the greatest warrior is human.
C. Romaharṣaś ca jāyate (and the hair stands on end)
The word romaharṣa refers to the hair standing on end, a sign of intense feeling. In other contexts, it can express joy or awe, but here it expresses horror and dread.
D. Body and mind as one
The verse is a reminder that body and mind are deeply connected. Distress is not only a mental experience; it is felt in the limbs, the breath and the skin. Many spiritual traditions, including the yoga tradition, treat the care of the body and the calming of the mind as parts of one practice.
Message for Everyday Life (Listening to the Body)
When we are overwhelmed, our body often tells us before we admit it to ourselves: a dry mouth, trembling hands, a racing heart. Instead of ignoring these signals, we can treat them as messages that something needs attention. Slowing down, breathing deeply and seeking support are practical ways to respond to them.
Next Topic
Arjuna has described his trembling body. In the next verse, his condition grows even more severe, as his bow Gāṇḍīva slips from his hand, his skin burns, and he feels unable to stand while his mind seems to whirl.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Your body tells the truth about your heart.
Speak your symptoms, and you open the way to healing.
Even the brave can be overwhelmed.
Admitting limits is wise, not weak.
Calm the mind, and the body follows.
Courage includes naming your fear.
Seeking help begins with honest reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Arjuna describe his physical symptoms?
What are these symptoms in modern terms?
What does 'romaharṣhaḥ' (hair standing on end) indicate?
Is Arjuna showing cowardice here?
What does the verse teach us today?
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