Bhagavad Gita · Verse 1.15
Chapter 1: Arjuna Vishada Yoga (अर्जुनविषादयोगः)
(Sanjaya said)
पाञ्चजन्यं हृषीकेशो देवदत्तं धनञ्जयः । पौण्ड्रं दध्मौ महाशङ्खं भीमकर्मा वृकोदरः ॥१५॥
pāñcajanyaṃ hṛṣīkeśo devadattaṃ dhanañjayaḥ | pauṇḍraṃ dadhmau mahāśaṅkhaṃ bhīmakarmā vṛkodaraḥ ||15||
Complete Shloka Translation
Hrishikesha blew Panchajanya, Dhananjaya blew Devadatta, and Vrikodara, the doer of formidable deeds, blew the great conch Paundra.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| पाञ्चजन्यम् | pāñcajanyam | the celestial conch Panchajanya |
| हृषीकेशः | hṛṣīkeśaḥ | Lord Krishna (master of the senses) |
| देवदत्तम् | devadattam | the conch Devadatta |
| धनञ्जयः | dhanañjayaḥ | Arjuna (conqueror of wealth) |
| पौण्ड्रम् | pauṇḍram | the colossal conch Paundra |
| दध्मौ | dadhmau | blew with mighty breath |
| महाशङ्खम् | mahā-śaṅkham | the gigantic conch |
| भीमकर्मा | bhīma-karmā | performer of colossal feats |
| वृकोदरः | vṛkodaraḥ | Bhima (having voracious fire of digestion) |
the celestial conch Panchajanya
Lord Krishna (master of the senses)
the conch Devadatta
Arjuna (conqueror of wealth)
the colossal conch Paundra
blew with mighty breath
the gigantic conch
performer of colossal feats
Bhima (having voracious fire of digestion)
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Hrishikesha is Krishna, Dhananjaya is Arjuna, and Vrikodara is Bhima. Preserving the conch names keeps the account specific; symbolic meanings should not be added as though they were stated in the verse.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Each principal warrior's conch is named, making the response individual as well as collective."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How can I contribute in my own way without copying another person?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
The Power of Authentic Tools and Named Talents: Each warrior sounded their signature conch — Panchajanya, Devadatta, Paundra. Know your distinct core competencies and bring your unique personal mastery to your chosen craft.