Verse 16
anantavijayaṁ rājā
kuntī-putro yudhiṣṭhiraḥ
nakulaḥ sahadevaś ca
sughoṣa-maṇipuṣpakau
Word-for-Word Meaning:
- anantavijayam — (the conch named) Anantavijaya (“Endless Victory”)
- rājā — King
- kuntī-putraḥ — the son of Kunti
- yudhiṣṭhiraḥ — Yudhishthira
- nakulaḥ — Nakula
- sahadevaḥ — Sahadeva
- ca — and
- sughoṣa — (the conch named) Sughosha (“Beautiful Sound”)
- maṇipuṣpakau — (the conch named) Manipushpaka (“Jeweled Flower”)
“King Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, blew his conch called Anantavijaya; and Nakula and Sahadeva blew their conches named Sughosha and Manipushpaka respectively.”
Expanded Interpretation:
Resonance of Nobility and Inner Strength:
This verse highlights the remaining Pandava brothers — Yudhishthira, Nakula, and Sahadeva — each sounding their own symbolic conch shells before the battle, signifying their readiness, purpose, and noble character.
Who Are the Main Figures?
- Yudhishthira (Kunti-putra, King):
- Name Meaning: Yudhishthira means “steady in battle” — the embodiment of calm, truth, and righteousness.
- Conch – Anantavijaya: Meaning “Endless Victory.” Symbolizes timeless, righteous triumph.
- His blowing of Anantavijaya signals a victory that is not just of war, but of dharma (righteousness) itself.
- Nakula:
- Name Meaning: Handsome and skilled with the sword, Nakula is known for wisdom and physical grace.
- Conch – Sughosha: Meaning “Beautiful Sound.” Represents inner harmony, clarity, and elegance in action.
- Sahadeva:
- Name Meaning: The youngest Pandava, known for wisdom and devotion.
- Conch – Manipushpaka: Meaning “Jeweled Flower.” Symbolizes refined thought, divine elegance, and mental brilliance.
Symbolism of the Conches:
| Conch | Blower | Symbolizes |
|---|---|---|
| Anantavijaya | Yudhishthira | Eternal victory, dharma, righteousness |
| Sughosha | Nakula | Harmony, inner beauty, elegance |
| Manipushpaka | Sahadeva | Subtle power, wisdom, sacred brilliance |
Spiritual and Psychological Insight:
These conches are not just war instruments — they are spiritual emblems:
- Yudhishthira’s Anantavijaya reflects inner victory through truth and integrity.
- Nakula’s Sughosha expresses beauty in discipline and skill.
- Sahadeva’s Manipushpaka reveals the power of intellect and silent strength.
Just as Krishna, Arjuna, and Bhima represent divine will, focused action, and raw power — Yudhishthira, Nakula, and Sahadeva embody the subtler powers of wisdom, harmony, and inner resolve.
Philosophical Perspective:
Victory is not only won on the battlefield but also in the alignment of mind, heart, and spirit. The conch sounds mark the beginning of the battle of dharma — with each warrior declaring their readiness to fight not out of hatred, but out of sacred responsibility.
Call of the Soul:
These warriors show us that true victory comes when:
- We act with clarity (Yudhishthira)
- Maintain balance and grace (Nakula)
- Think with purity and wisdom (Sahadeva)
Conclusion:
Verse 16 expands the divine chorus of dharma. As each conch echoes across the battlefield, it resonates with not just martial valor, but inner clarity and spiritual nobility. Together, they form a symphony of righteous action — where every sound is a vow to uphold truth, justice, and inner harmony.
Reflection Questions:
What is your Anantavijaya — your unwavering commitment to truth?
Can you, like Nakula, act with both strength and beauty?
Are your decisions, like Sahadeva’s, guided by wisdom and integrity?