Nimittani Cha Pashyami

Once more, Arjuna cries out to Krishna: Keshava, all around me I see signs of misfortune. I see no good whatsoever in slaying my own kinsmen in this war. Like a traveller who spots bad omens on the road and halts, Arjuna's very being is telling him that nothing good can come of this battle.

He goes further: even if we win, that victory cannot bring happiness. Who will be left to share the joy? The people who would have celebrated with us are the very ones we would have killed.

Arjuna's grief has now reached a point where both his reason and his heart stand united against this war. He is not looking for an excuse to avoid fighting — he genuinely cannot see how any outcome of this battle could be called good.

This verse belongs to the Arjuna Vishada Yoga section where both armies stand face to face at Kurukshetra. Arjuna has seen his grandfathers, teachers, and kinsmen arrayed for battle and has been shaken to his core. From here, his despair will only intensify.

Tradition regards this verse as a sign of Arjuna's deep compassion and sensitivity. He is not merely a warrior — he is a deeply feeling human being.