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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 23 Meaning in Hindi and English

By Lakshay Sharma | On 27 May, 2026 | Views

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 23 continues Arjuna’s thoughtful observation on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. In this verse, Arjuna wishes to see those warriors who have gathered to support the evil-minded son of Dhritarashtra, Duryodhana, in the coming war.

This verse highlights awareness, moral understanding, the influence of wrong associations, and the importance of choosing the right side in life. Let us understand Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 23 in Sanskrit, Hinglish, Hindi, and English with deep meaning and life lessons.

Bhagavad Gita 1.23 : Meaning and Importance

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 23 is important because Arjuna now begins examining not only the warriors but also the intentions behind the war.

The verse reflects:

Awareness of morality
Understanding human choices
The impact of association
The difference between Dharma and selfishness

This moment is significant because:

Arjuna realizes that many people are supporting Duryodhana despite knowing the path is wrong.

The verse reminds us that:

People are often influenced by attachment, greed, or loyalty
Wrong leadership can attract followers
Moral clarity is necessary during conflicts

Sanskrit Shlok

योत्स्यमानानवेक्षेऽहं य एतेऽत्र समागताः । धार्तराष्ट्रस्य दुर्बुद्धेर्युद्धे प्रियचिकीर्षवः ॥ २३ ॥

Shlok in Hinglish

Yotsyamanan avekseham ya ete atra samagatah Dhartarashtrasya durbuddher yuddhe priyachikirshavah

English Transliteration

yotsyamānān avekṣe ’haṁ ya ete ’tra samāgatāḥ dhārtarāṣṭrasya durbuddher yuddhe priya-cikīrṣavaḥ

Hindi Meaning

मैं उन योद्धाओं को देखना चाहता हूँ जो यहाँ युद्ध करने के लिए एकत्र हुए हैं और जो दुर्बुद्धि दुर्योधन को प्रसन्न करने के लिए युद्ध में सम्मिलित हुए हैं।

English Meaning

“Let me observe those who have assembled here to fight, wishing to please the evil-minded son of Dhritarashtra in this battle.”

Word-by-Word Meaning

Sanskrit Word	Meaning
योत्स्यमानान् (Yotsyamanan)	Those prepared to fight
अवेक्षे (Avekse)	Observe
अहम् (Aham)	I
ये (Ye)	Those who
एते (Ete)	These
अत्र (Atra)	Here
समागताः (Samagatah)	Gathered
धार्तराष्ट्रस्य (Dhartarashtrasya)	Of Duryodhana / son of Dhritarashtra
दुर्बुद्धेः (Durbuddheh)	Evil-minded
युद्धे (Yuddhe)	In battle
प्रियचिकीर्षवः (Priyachikirshavah)	Wishing to please

Context of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 23

Arjuna now begins looking deeper into the battlefield situation.

He understands that:

Many warriors know the Kauravas are on the wrong path
Yet they continue supporting Duryodhana
Loyalty, greed, fear, and attachment influence human decisions

This verse reflects Arjuna’s growing emotional and moral awareness before the war begins.

The word “Durbuddhi” meaning:

Evil-minded or misguided intellect

is especially important because Arjuna clearly recognizes Duryodhana’s selfish intentions.

Deep Meaning of Bhagavad Gita 1.23

This verse teaches:

Wrong leadership can influence even capable and intelligent people.

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 23 reminds us:

Association shapes actions
Moral clarity is essential
Supporting injustice creates suffering

This verse also teaches:

Humans must choose principles over blind loyalty.

Even powerful individuals may follow wrong paths when:

Personal gain dominates morality
Fear controls decisions
Ego clouds wisdom

Leadership Lesson from Bhagavad Gita 1.23

Ethical Leadership Matters

Duryodhana’s leadership attracted people through power and influence, but not through righteousness.

This teaches:

Leadership without ethics harms society
Followers should question immoral actions
True leaders inspire through integrity and wisdom

In modern life:

Businesses fail without ethical values
Political influence can misguide people
Families need morally strong guidance

Spiritual Insight from Bhagavad Gita 1.23

Spiritually, this verse teaches:

The company we keep influences our thoughts and actions.

Humans grow positively through:

Wise associations
Truthful guidance
Spiritual company

Negative association leads to:

Confusion
Ego
Poor judgment

This verse reminds us to carefully choose:

Mentors
Friends
Leaders
Influences

Modern-Day Relevance

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 23 remains highly relevant today.

People often:

Follow trends blindly
Support wrong actions due to pressure
Ignore morality for personal gain

This verse teaches:

Think independently
Choose ethics over popularity
Stay aware of influences
Support truth even during difficulty

Life Lesson from Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 23

1. Wrong Company Influences Decisions

Associations shape mindset, behavior, and actions.

2. Moral Awareness Is Important

Humans should question whether actions align with truth and righteousness.

3. Loyalty Should Not Support Injustice

True loyalty includes honesty, ethics, and courage to stand for Dharma.

Famous Quote from This Verse

Wisdom lies in choosing truth over blind loyalty and wrong influence.

FAQs About Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 23

Q1.Why does Arjuna call Duryodhana “Durbuddhi”?

Ans: Arjuna calls Duryodhana “Durbuddhi” because of his selfishness, greed, and unjust actions.

Q2.What lesson does Bhagavad Gita 1.23 teach?

Ans: The verse teaches ethical awareness, wise association, moral courage, and independent thinking.

Q3.Why is this verse important?

Ans: This verse highlights the influence of leadership and the importance of choosing righteousness over blind loyalty.

Q4.How is Bhagavad Gita 1.23 relevant today?

Ans: The verse teaches modern lessons about ethics, influence, leadership, and choosing the right path.

Q5.What does “Priyachikirshavah” mean?

Ans: It means those who wish to please or support someone.

Related Bhagavad Gita Verses

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 22
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 24
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 Verse 47

Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Verse 23 shows Arjuna carefully observing the warriors who gathered to support Duryodhana in the Kurukshetra war.

This timeless verse reminds us that leadership, association, and moral choices strongly influence human life. It teaches that wisdom comes from choosing truth, righteousness, and ethical values over blind loyalty and selfish influence.

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Lakshay Sharma

I’m Lakshay Sharma, a writer with a deep passion for Hindu mythology, Vastu Shastra, and home interiors. I enjoy exploring the rich traditions of Hindu gods and goddesses, sharing insights into Vastu principles, and offering guidance on creating sacred spaces like Puja Mandirs. Through my writing, I aim to inspire harmony and spiritual well-being, blending traditional knowledge with modern perspectives.