Bhagavad Gita 1.30 — The Gandiva Slips from Arjuna's Hand
गाण्डीवं स्रंसते हस्तात्त्वक्चैव परिदह्यते ।
न च शक्नोम्यवस्थातुं भ्रमतीव च मे मनः ॥ १.३० ॥
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The Gandiva slips from my hand and my skin burns all over; I am not able to stand firm, and my mind seems to be whirling.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| gāṇḍīvam | the bow named Gandiva |
| sraṁsate | slips |
| hastāt | from the hand |
| tvak | skin |
| cha | and |
| eva | also |
| paridahyate | burns all over |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| na | not |
| cha | and |
| śhaknomi | I am able |
| avasthātum | to stand firm |
| bhramati | is whirling |
| iva | as if |
| cha | and |
| me | my |
| manaḥ | mind |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| gāṇḍīvam | the bow named Gandiva | na | not |
| sraṁsate | slips | cha | and |
| hastāt | from the hand | śhaknomi | I am able |
| tvak | skin | avasthātum | to stand firm |
| cha | and | bhramati | is whirling |
| eva | also | iva | as if |
| paridahyate | burns all over | cha | and |
| me | my | ||
| manaḥ | mind | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Arjuna's condition grows worse. His mighty bow Gāṇḍīva slips from his hand, his skin burns, he cannot remain standing, and his mind seems to spin. The great warrior who raised his bow just a few verses ago is now close to collapse.
Essence
This verse completes the picture of Arjuna's breakdown.
A. Gāṇḍīvaṁ sraṁsate hastāt (Gāṇḍīva slips from my hand)
Gāṇḍīva is Arjuna's famous divine bow, a symbol of his skill and identity as a warrior. That it slips from his hand is a powerful image. The very instrument of his duty falls away as his inner strength dissolves.
B. Tvak caiva paridahyate (and my skin burns all over)
The word paridahyate means burning all around. It is a feeling of intense inner heat, often experienced in times of strong anxiety or anguish. Arjuna's whole body feels the flame of his sorrow.
C. Na ca śaknomy avasthātuṁ (I am unable to stand)
He can no longer stand in the chariot. The warrior who confidently stood to survey the field must now sit down. The physical image reflects an inner reality: the ground of his certainty has gone.
D. Bhramatīva ca me manaḥ (and my mind seems to whirl)
The mind is bhramati, wandering and whirling. This is the heart of the matter. The body's collapse is a reflection of the mind's confusion. Notice the word iva, 'as if'. Arjuna senses that something is wrong with his thinking. This awareness, that his mind is not in a state to decide, is actually a form of wisdom. It will lead him to ask for guidance rather than act on his confusion.
Message for Everyday Life (Recognising When We Cannot Decide)
One of the most valuable abilities is to recognise when our mind is too disturbed to make a good decision. Instead of forcing a choice in that state, we can pause, seek advice and wait for clarity. Arjuna's honesty about his condition is the first step towards his transformation.
This verse completes the picture of Arjuna's breakdown.
A. Gāṇḍīvaṁ sraṁsate hastāt (Gāṇḍīva slips from my hand)
Gāṇḍīva is Arjuna's famous divine bow, a symbol of his skill and identity as a warrior. That it slips from his hand is a powerful image. The very instrument of his duty falls away as his inner strength dissolves.
B. Tvak caiva paridahyate (and my skin burns all over)
The word paridahyate means burning all around. It is a feeling of intense inner heat, often experienced in times of strong anxiety or anguish. Arjuna's whole body feels the flame of his sorrow.
C. Na ca śaknomy avasthātuṁ (I am unable to stand)
He can no longer stand in the chariot. The warrior who confidently stood to survey the field must now sit down. The physical image reflects an inner reality: the ground of his certainty has gone.
D. Bhramatīva ca me manaḥ (and my mind seems to whirl)
The mind is bhramati, wandering and whirling. This is the heart of the matter. The body's collapse is a reflection of the mind's confusion. Notice the word iva, 'as if'. Arjuna senses that something is wrong with his thinking. This awareness, that his mind is not in a state to decide, is actually a form of wisdom. It will lead him to ask for guidance rather than act on his confusion.
Message for Everyday Life (Recognising When We Cannot Decide)
One of the most valuable abilities is to recognise when our mind is too disturbed to make a good decision. Instead of forcing a choice in that state, we can pause, seek advice and wait for clarity. Arjuna's honesty about his condition is the first step towards his transformation.
Next Topic
Arjuna's body and mind are in turmoil. In the next verse he turns to what he sees as outer signs: he notices ill omens and declares that he can see no good in killing his own people in battle.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Sometimes what slips from our hands needs to.
A restless mind cannot stand firm.
Collapse can make room for clarity.
Who we are is more than what we carry.
Inner conflict heats the whole being.
Truthful words begin recovery.
Where strength fails, guidance begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'gāṇḍīvam' (Gandiva)?
What does 'paridahyate' (burns all over) mean here?
What does 'na cha śhaknomi avasthātum' (I am not able to stand firm) imply?
Why does the mind seem to be 'bhramati' (whirling)?
What is the significance of this verse?
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