Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, verses 8 and 9 of the Bhagavad Gita describe the scene on the battlefield of Kurukshetra as the great war is about to begin. These verses set the stage for the dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna, the charioteer, and serve as the backdrop for the philosophical teachings that follow.

Here are the verses:

Verse 8: “भवान् भीष्मश्च कर्णश्च कृपश्च समितिञ्जयः। अश्वत्थामा विकर्णश्च सौमदत्तिस्तथैव च।।” (Bhagavad Gita 1.8)

Translation: “You and Bhishma, Karna, and also Kripa, the victorious in war; Asvatthama, Vikarna, and Jayadratha, the son of Somadatta, and also many other heroes who are ready to give up their lives for my sake, armed with various weapons and all well skilled in battle.”

Verse 9: “अन्ये च बहवः शूरा मदर्थे त्यक्तजीविताः। नानाशस्त्रप्रहरणाः सर्वे युद्धविशारदाः।।” (Bhagavad Gita 1.9)

Translation: “And there are also many other heroes who are prepared to lay down their lives for my sake. All of them are well equipped with various kinds of weapons, and all are experienced in military science.”

These verses enumerate the prominent warriors present on both sides of the battlefield, ready to engage in the impending conflict. It highlights the formidable array of fighters assembled for battle, including renowned figures like Bhishma, Karna, and others, along with numerous skilled warriors prepared to sacrifice their lives for their respective causes.

These verses underscore the magnitude and gravity of the impending battle and emphasize the commitment and prowess of the warriors involved, setting the stage for Arjuna’s moral and existential crisis, which forms the central theme of the Bhagavad Gita.