यावदेतान्निरीक्षेऽहं योद्धुकामानवस्थितान्।
कैर्मया सह योद्धव्यमस्मिन्रणसमुद्यमे॥
yāvad etān nirīkṣe ’haṃ yoddhu-kāmān avasthitān
kair mayā saha yoddhavyam asmin raṇa-samudyame
Translation
So that I may look at those who stand here eager to fight, and know with whom I must contend in this undertaking of war.
Hindi
ताकि मैं युद्ध की इच्छा से खड़े इन लोगों को देख सकूँ और जान सकूँ कि इस युद्ध के उद्योग में मुझे किन-किन से लड़ना है।
Commentary
Arjuna sounds like a seasoned soldier surveying the field. He wants to know his opponents by name and face. He has no hint yet of what the sight will do to him. The second reason he gives is in 1.23.
