1.21 — Place my chariot between the armies

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Dharma In You · Updated 8 October 2026

Speaker: Arjuna, addressing Krishna

Teaching film · Sanskrit · Everyday reflection

Our original brief meaning and reflection accompany the Sanskrit below.

Verses 1.21–1.22 share one connected lesson. Each shloka retains its own number.

Context, Sanskrit and lesson transcript

Arjuna now speaks to Krishna. He asks to see the people assembled for battle.

अर्जुन उवाच।
सेनयोरुभयोर्मध्ये रथं स्थापय मेऽच्युत॥२१॥

यावदेतान्निरीक्षेऽहं योद्धुकामानवस्थितान्।
कैर्मया सह योद्धव्यमस्मिन् रणसमुद्यमे॥२२॥

Brief meaning, in our own words. Arjuna asks Krishna to place his chariot between the two armies, so he can look at those standing ready and see whom he must fight.

Achyuta is a name for Krishna. These are Arjuna’s words to his charioteer. Verses twenty-one and twenty-two form one request, so we hear them together.

Here is our everyday reflection. Before you respond to a difficult situation, look carefully at who is involved. Ask what you need to understand before deciding.