In the epic Mahabharata, Lord Krishna plays a central and multi-faceted role in the conflict between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, two branches of the Kuru dynasty. Krishna’s involvement in the Kurukshetra War is pivotal, not only as a diplomatic advisor and charioteer but also as a profound spiritual guide, whose teachings in the Bhagavad Gita are at the heart of Hindu philosophy.

Krishna as a Diplomat and Peace-Maker

Before the war even begins, Krishna attempts to mediate peace between the Pandavas and Kauravas.

Recognizing the destructive potential of a full-scale conflict, he travels to Hastinapur as a peace envoy on behalf of the Pandavas. Krishna proposes a fair compromise, asking for just five villages for the Pandavas to rule in peace.

However, Duryodhana, the eldest of the Kauravas, haughtily refuses even to grant “land enough to drive a needle through,” highlighting his deep animosity and arrogance.

Krishna’s peace mission ultimately fails, but his efforts underscore his commitment to dharma (righteousness and duty) and the preservation of life.

How did Krishna become Prince Arjuna’s charioteer?

In a pivotal moment before the Kurukshetra War, both Duryodhana and Arjuna, the chief antagonists of the Mahabharata, visit Krishna in Dvaraka to seek his support in the upcoming conflict.

Duryodhana arrives first and, finding Krishna asleep, chooses to sit at his head, a position that he thinks would favor his request. Arjuna arrives later and respectfully sits at Krishna’s feet.

When Krishna awakes, he sees Arjuna first, given Arjuna’s position at his feet, and thus offers him the first opportunity to make a request. Aware of the strategic implications, Krishna offers a choice between his vast and formidable army, the Narayani Sena, and his personal involvement as a non-combatant.

Expecting Arjuna to choose the powerful army, Duryodhana is anxious but is taken aback when Arjuna selects Krishna himself, even without the promise of combat support. Arjuna requests Krishna to serve as his charioteer, and Krishna agrees, pleased with Arjuna’s faith in him rather than mere military might.

Duryodhana, although initially disheartened, realizes the advantage of having the mighty Narayani Sena by his side and leaves feeling satisfied, thinking he has the upper hand. This choice dramatically illustrates the contrasting values between Arjuna, who values wisdom and guidance, and Duryodhana, who values power and numbers.

Krishna as a Strategist

Preparations for war continue as the Pandavas gather their forces in Upaplavya, within the territory of King Virata. Various contingents from across the country arrive to support them, setting the stage for the epic battle of Kurukshetra.

Throughout the war, Krishna serves as Arjuna’s charioteer. This role, though seemingly subservient, positions him at the heart of the military strategy. Krishna’s counsel and strategies are crucial in navigating the complex rules of warfare and in ensuring the tactical victories for the Pandavas on various days of the battle. His divine foresight and unmatched intellect helped the Pandavas counter the formidable strategies posed by the Kaurava army.

One of the most significant moments orchestrated by Krishna is the killing of Bhishma, the great grandfather of both the Pandavas and Kauravas, who is lying on a bed of arrows. Bhishma, bound by a vow to protect the throne of Hastinapur, fights for the Kauravas but declares that he will not fight a true warrior.

Krishna advises the Pandavas to place Shikhandi, who was born a woman and later transformed into a man, in front of Bhishma, as Bhishma had vowed not to attack a woman. This strategy leads to Bhishma lowering his weapons, allowing Arjuna to disable him without killing, as Bhishma had the boon to choose the time of his death.

Krishna as the Divine Manipulator

Krishna’s role transcends the ordinary, blending ethics with the harsh realities of war. In several instances, Krishna encourages the Pandavas to employ tactics that seem to defy the conventional codes of war.

For example, when Drona, the Kauravas’ commander and a formidable warrior, becomes nearly invincible, Krishna advises the Pandavas to deceive Drona about the death of his son, Ashwatthama, leading to Drona’s disheartenment and subsequent death.

While Krishna’s actions may appear deceitful, they are portrayed as necessary for the restoration of dharma, underlining the complex moral dilemmas faced during the war.

Did you know…?

• The Mahabharata notes that during the year of the Kurukshetra War, three solar eclipses occurred within a span of thirty days, an ominous sign in Hindu astrology.
• At the war’s commencement, the Kaurava army faced west, while the Pandavas faced east, organizing their forces in a vajra (diamond) formation.
• The Kauravas deployed ten akshauhinis in a phalanx arrangement, with the eleventh directly under Bhishma’s command for his protection. Duryodhana, prioritizing Bhishma’s safety, relied heavily on his skills and leadership, considering him central to his military strategy.
• The name “Krishna” originates from the Sanskrit word Kṛṣṇa, meaning “black” or “dark blue.” In the Vishnu Sahasranama, Krishna is the 57th name of Vishnu. Depicted as black- or blue-skinned, he is also known by names like Mohan (enchanter), Govinda (chief herdsman), and Gopala (protector of cows)

Krishna and the Bhagavad Gita

Perhaps Krishna’s most profound contribution is the spiritual guidance he offers Arjuna through the Bhagavad Gita.

At the start of the battle, Arjuna is filled with doubt and moral confusion about fighting against his own kin. In response, Krishna imparts a series of spiritual teachings that address the nature of life and death, duty, righteousness, and detachment. He explains the concept of ‘niskama karma’, the idea of performing one’s duty without attachment to the results.

Krishna’s teachings provide Arjuna and the readers with a philosophical framework to understand and resolve the ethical conflicts of human life.

Krishna’s Role Post-War

After the war, Krishna’s role as a divine guide continues. He supports Yudhishthira, the new king, in overcoming his guilt and grief over the bloodshed. Krishna’s presence and counsel are crucial in helping the Pandavas establish a just and virtuous rule in Hastinapur.

FAQs about the Kurukshetra War and Lord Krishna’s role

Here are some questions and answers based on the preparations and strategic decisions of the Pandava and Kaurava armies before the Kurukshetra War:

Why did Duryodhana feel insulted by Krishna during the peace negotiations?

Duryodhana felt insulted because Krishna refused his invitation to stay in the royal palace, which Duryodhana perceived as a slight to his hospitality and authority.

Duryodhana not only rejected Krishna’s peace proposals but also escalated the situation by ordering his soldiers to arrest Krishna in the court, an act that defied the counsel of the elders and was meant to humiliate Krishna.

How did Krishna respond to being ordered arrested by Duryodhana?

Krishna laughed off the threat and displayed his divine form, radiating intense light, which demonstrated his supernatural powers and divine status to everyone present in the court.

Krishna cursed Duryodhana, predicting that his downfall was inevitable and would come at the hands of Bhima, who was sworn to tear off Duryodhana’s thigh.

What did Krishna do after his peace mission was rejected?

After the rejection and humiliation, Krishna returned to the Pandava camp at Upaplavya and informed them that war was the only remaining option to uphold the principles of virtue and righteousness.

Krishna met Karna and requested him to join his brothers, the Pandavas, and fight on the side of dharma. However, Karna refused, citing his loyalty and debt to Duryodhana, whom he could not betray.

Who were the major warriors at the Kurukshetra War?

The Kurukshetra War featured numerous legendary warriors from both the Pandava and Kaurava sides, each known for their unique skills and divine weapons.

Here are some of the major warriors from both factions:

Pandava Side:

1. Arjuna – Considered the greatest archer of the time, Arjuna was a key figure in the Pandava victory. He was the recipient of divine weapons from the gods and was the protagonist of the Bhagavad Gita.
2. Bhima – Known for his immense strength, Bhima played a crucial role in many battles, including the killing of key Kaurava warriors like Dushasana.
3. Yudhishthira – The eldest of the Pandavas and their leader, known more for his righteousness and less for his prowess in battle.
4. Nakula and Sahadeva – The twins were skilled in swordsmanship and horse-keeping. Nakula was also considered the most handsome man in the Kuru lineage.
5. Dhrishtadyumna – The commander-in-chief of the Pandava forces and the slayer of Drona.
6. Shikhandi – Originally born as a woman named Amba, Shikhandi was instrumental in Bhishma’s downfall, as Bhishma would not raise weapons against a woman.
7. Satyaki – A fierce warrior who was a devotee of Krishna and a direct descendant of the Yadu dynasty.

Kaurava Side:

1. Duryodhana – The eldest of the Kauravas and the main antagonist who led the war against the Pandavas.
2. Bhishma – The grandsire of both the Pandavas and Kauravas, Bhishma was one of the most powerful warriors and served as the commander of the Kaurava forces until his fall on the tenth day.
3. Drona – The royal teacher of both Pandavas and Kauravas, he was a master of advanced military arts and served as the commander after Bhishma.
4. Karna – A formidable warrior and the secret half-brother of the Pandavas, Karna was known for his generosity and his rivalry with Arjuna. He became the commander of the Kaurava army towards the later part of the war.
5. Ashwatthama – The son of Drona, known for his fiery temper and martial skills. He played a major role in the night raid after the war.
6. Kripa – One of the oldest warriors in the battlefield, Kripacharya was a teacher to both Pandavas and Kauravas and fought for the Kauravas.
7. Shakuni – Duryodhana’s maternal uncle, known more for his cunning and involvement in the game of dice which led to the Pandavas’ exile than for his prowess in battle.

Who was appointed as the Major General of the Pandava Army?

The Pandavas organized an army consisting of seven akshauhinis with the assistance of their allies. Yudhishthira instructed his brothers to organize their forces effectively.

After consulting with his commanders, Dhrishtadyumna was appointed as the Major General of the Pandava Army.

Who commanded the Kaurava Army?

The Kaurava Army was composed of 11 akshauhinis, which included the formidable Narayani Sena provided by Krishna.

Bhishma was asked by Duryodhana to command the Kaurava Army. Bhishma accepted with the condition that he would fight sincerely but would not harm the five Pandava brothers. Additionally, he stipulated that Karna would not fight under his command but would serve as Duryodhana’s bodyguard while he was on the battlefield.

What causes Arjuna’s despondency at the beginning of the Kurukshetra War?

Arjuna becomes despondent and confused upon realizing that he would have to battle and potentially kill his beloved granduncle Bhishma and his respected teacher Drona, both of whom he holds in high esteem.

Who does Arjuna turn to for advice when he is conflicted about fighting in the war?

Arjuna turns to Krishna, who is not only his charioteer but also his divine guide, for advice on his duties and the moral dilemmas he faces.

Krishna advises Arjuna to overcome his doubts and reluctance to fight, reminding him that as a warrior, it is his duty to fight against unrighteousness. Krishna emphasizes that the war is a battle between righteousness (dharma) and unrighteousness (adharma), and Arjuna must act against those who side with sin.

Krishna reveals his divine universal form and explains that he incarnates on Earth in every eon when evil predominates, to restore the balance of righteousness.

How does Yudhishthira demonstrate his respect for his elders before the battle begins?

Before the battle, Yudhishthira disarms himself, removes his armor, and walks unarmed to the Kaurava army. He seeks blessings from Bhishma, demonstrating his respect and adherence to dharma, despite the impending conflict.

After receiving Bhishma’s blessings, Yudhishthira returns to his chariot, and both armies are then ready to commence the battle.