Arjuna questions the righteousness of killing his own family members in battle, even though they are fighting on the opposing side. He sees no way to achieve happiness after such a destructive act, emphasizing the importance of family bonds over the material or political gains that the war promises.

Arjuna reflects on how the Kauravas, driven by greed, are blind to the consequences of their actions. He asserts that, despite the Kauravas’ moral failings, the Pandavas should not engage in similarly sinful actions. Arjuna’s struggle is framed by his belief in the higher moral ground of righteousness and duty to family.

Arjuna reiterates the moral clarity he believes the Pandavas possess in contrast to the Kauravas, who are blinded by greed. He questions why they should not refrain from committing the same sin of destroying their family, appealing to Krishna’s wisdom in this moral dilemma.

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 laments that those who cause the destruction of families are responsible for the loss of the eternal duties and traditions that define both family and caste. This verse emphasizes the generational responsibility of maintaining these values and the catastrophic consequences of their destruction.