Verse 24
"Sanjaya said: O descendant of Bharata, having thus been addressed by
Arjuna, Lord Krsna drew up the fine chariot in the midst of the armies of both parties."
Transilteration keys:
aE-va-mu-ktO hRe-SHI-kaE-shO
gu-DA-kaE-shaE-na bhA-ra-ta |
saE-na-yO-ru-bha-yO-rma-dhyaE
sthA-pa-yi-tvA ra-thO-tta-mam || 24||
Analysis:
In this verse Arjuna is referred to as Gudakesa. Gudaka means sleep, and one who conquers sleep is called gudakesa. Sleep also means ignorance. So Arjuna conquered both sleep and ignorance because of his friendship with Krsna. As a great devotee of Krsna, he could not forget Krsna even for a moment, because that is the nature of a devotee. Either in waking or in sleep, a devotee of the Lord can never be free from thinking of Krsna's name, form, qualities and pastimes. Thus a devotee of Krsna can conquer both sleep and ignorance simply by thinking of Krsna constantly. This is called Krsna consciousness, or samadhi. As Hrsikesa, or the director of the senses and mind of every living entity, Krsna could understand Arjuna's purpose in placing the chariot in the midst of the armies. Thus He did so, and spoke as follows.
Verse 24 Contributed by Sandhya Damodar.
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