Arjuna expresses his fear that the destruction of the family will lead to the breakdown of traditional family values and moral order. The loss of these values would lead to the rise of unrighteousness, symbolizing the larger societal and moral decay that would follow from the war’s devastation.

Arjuna fears that when unrighteousness dominates, the moral decay will start with the women of the family, leading to social disorder through the intermingling of castes. This reflects the ancient societal concern about the breakdown of traditional roles and the resulting chaos in maintaining social and religious order.

Arjuna believes that the disruption of family traditions will cause the ancestors to fall into hell, as the regular rituals of offering food and water will cease. The verse reflects the belief in the importance of maintaining familial rituals and duties to preserve the spiritual well-being of both the living and the dead.

Arjuna recalls the teachings he has heard from the wise, stating that those who destroy their family’s traditions will suffer in hell indefinitely. This reflects the belief in the continuation of consequences beyond this life, as breaking family traditions is seen as a grave sin that has repercussions in the afterlife.

Arjuna acknowledges that the desire for power and kingdom pleasures is driving the conflict, leading them to commit a great sin. This realization intensifies his inner conflict, as he questions the morality of the war, seeing it as motivated by greed rather than righteousness.

Arjuna expresses his preference to die unarmed and without resistance rather than kill his relatives. This verse shows the depth of his despair, as he feels that surrendering his life would be more honorable than committing violence against his family members, even in the context of war.