The Kurukshetra War is a central event in the epic Mahabharata. It holds a pivotal place in Hindu mythology as it symbolizes the conflict between good and evil. According to the narrative, the devastating war took place between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, two branches of the Kuru dynasty, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, in present-day Haryana, India.

The war is not just a historical or mythological event but also serves as a moral and philosophical allegory that addresses the complexity of dharma (duty/righteousness) and the inevitable consequences of human actions.

Background and Causes

The seeds of the Kurukshetra War were sown in the familial and political strife between the Pandavas, the sons of King Pandu, and the Kauravas, the sons of King Dhritarashtra.

Dhritarashtra, being blind, was passed over for the throne of Hastinapura. The throne was then given to Pandu. However, after Pandu’s premature death, Dhritarashtra became the king.

The animosity grew when Duryodhana, the eldest of the Kauravas, and his brothers plotted against the Pandavas, leading to their exile and humiliation. This hostility was further aggravated by the infamous dice game, where Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, gambled away his kingdom, his brothers’ freedom, and the honor of their wife, Draupadi.

The return of the Pandavas from exile and the subsequent refusal of the Kauravas to restore their half of the kingdom led to the inevitability of war. Both sides sought alliances with other kingdoms, resulting in a massive gathering of forces. The conflict thus escalated from a family feud to a full-scale war involving virtually every ruling power of the Bharata subcontinent.

Did you know…?

• The battleground Kurukshetra is also known as Dharmakshetra, which means a sacred land where sins are absolved.
• More than a quarter of the Mahabharata is devoted to the events of the war. These chapters are regarded as some of the oldest within the epic.

The War

The Kurukshetra War lasted for eighteen days, and the Mahabharata gives a detailed day-by-day account of the battles. The Pandavas were supported by their cousin Lord Krishna, who served as the charioteer of Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers.

Each day of the war is marked by fierce battles involving various heroic figures, chariots, elephants, and incredible displays of archery and combat skills.

Significant events during the war included the fall of great warriors such as Bhishma, the grandsire who was bound by a vow of celibacy and loyalty to the throne of Hastinapur; Drona, the revered teacher of both the Pandavas and the Kauravas; Karna, the tragic hero who was the son of Kunti (mother of the Pandavas) but fought for the Kauravas; and many others.

These events were marked by both spectacular and supernatural occurrences, as many of these characters were divine or semi-divine beings.

Key Philosophical Moments

One of the most critical philosophical contributions of the Kurukshetra War is the Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse section of the Mahabharata, which unfolds in the form of a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna.

As the battle begins, Arjuna is filled with doubt and moral confusion about fighting in the war that would involve killing his own relatives, beloved friends, and revered teachers. In response, Krishna imparts spiritual wisdom and guidance about duty and righteousness.

Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gita address the concept of duty, righteousness, and the nature of reality. He explains the impermanence of life and the importance of performing one’s duty without attachment to the results. These teachings form a cornerstone of Hindu philosophy and have been interpreted in various philosophical and theological frameworks over the centuries.

Aftermath of the Kurukshetra War

The war ended with the victory of the Pandavas, but it was a victory steeped in sorrow due to the massive loss of life on both sides.

Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, was crowned as the king of Hastinapura, but he ruled over a kingdom that was greatly weakened by the immense carnage and destruction. The war thus serves as a somber reflection on the costs of conflict.

The Mahabharata concludes with the eventual departure of the Pandavas and Draupadi to the Himalayas, representing their journey towards heavenly abode and marking the end of their earthly reign. This journey, often referred to as the Mahaprasthanika Parva, symbolizes the transient nature of power and the ultimate journey of life towards spiritual liberation.

Cultural and Religious Significance

The Kurukshetra War transcends its narrative to hold profound philosophical and ethical implications. It emphasizes the complexity of dharma, which cannot be understood merely in terms of simplistic binaries of right and wrong. This epic invites introspection and discussion about morality, justice, duty, and the nature of life and death.

Is the Kurukshetra War a transition from one yuga to another?

According to popular tradition, the Kurukshetra War marks a significant turning point in ancient Indian history, symbolizing the transition from the Dvapara Yuga to the Kali Yuga, which is considered the last and darkest of the four cyclical Yugas (ages) described in Hindu scriptures.

This war, therefore, not only signifies a physical and dynastic conflict but also a deeper metaphysical shift in cosmic order and morality.

Traditionally, this transition is dated to around 3102 BC, placing the war at a pivotal epoch that heralds the onset of an age characterized by strife, decay, and a departure from divine principles and righteousness, encapsulating the broader themes of decline and moral complexity in the Mahabharata.

Frequently asked questions about the Kurukshetra War in Hindu mythology

Here are questions about the Kurukshetra War and its implications:

Why did the Kurukshetra War happen?

The war was primarily caused by a deep-seated rivalry and conflict over the rightful succession to the throne of Hastinapura, exacerbated by personal grievances, political alliances, and family disputes.

Where did the war take place?

The Kurukshetra War of the Mahabharata is believed to have taken place in Kurukshetra, which is located in the modern-day Indian state of Haryana. Kurukshetra is also known as Dharmakshetra (“Realm of duty”) or the “Land of the Bhagavad Gita”.

Who were the main participants in the Kurukshetra War?

The main participants were the Pandavas and the Kauravas, along with their respective allies from different kingdoms across ancient India.

What is the significance of the Bhagavad Gita in the context of the Kurukshetra War?

The Bhagavad Gita is a sacred scriptural dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna, which occurs on the battlefield just before the war begins. It discusses key philosophical and ethical issues related to duty, righteousness, and the moral dilemmas of war.

How long did the Kurukshetra War last?

The war lasted for eighteen days, with each day marked by intense battles and significant events that shaped the course of Indian mythology.

What were the consequences of the Kurukshetra War?

The aftermath of the war included vast destruction and loss of life, including many heroic figures. It resulted in the Pandavas reclaiming the throne but at a great moral and emotional cost.

Who were the warriors that survived the war?

After the devastating Kurukshetra War, only eleven warriors survive: the five Pandavas, Krishna, Satyaki, Ashwatthama, Kripa, Yuyutsu, and Kritavarma.

Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, is then crowned as the King of Hastinapura. He rules wisely for 36 years before abdicating in favor of Parikshit, Arjuna’s grandson.

Eventually, Yudhishthira, along with Draupadi and his brothers—Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva—undertake a final journey, during which all except Yudhishthira perish.

Recognized for his righteousness and piety, Yudhishthira is uniquely invited by Yama, the god of death, to enter the heavens as a mortal, underscoring his virtuous nature.

How does the Mahabharata depict the Kurukshetra War?

The Mahabharata provides a detailed narrative of the events leading up to, during, and following the war, emphasizing its ethical and moral complexities.

Who wrote the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita?

Traditionally, the sage Vyasa is credited with composing the Mahabharata, which includes the Bhagavad Gita.

Are there any archaeological evidences of the Kurukshetra War?

There is no definitive archaeological evidence to prove the historical occurrence of the Kurukshetra War; as a result, many scholars regard it as a literary and mythological event.