Beginning of the Kurukshetra War

The Kurukshetra War is the central event of the epic Mahabharata, where a great conflict took place between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. The war began due to a combination of various causes and events, ultimately becoming one of the most famous and devastating wars in human history. The primary cause of the Kurukshetra War was the power struggle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. The Pandavas, who were the sons of King Pandu, and the Kauravas, who were the sons of Dhritarashtra, both claimed the throne of Hastinapur. Despite being from the same lineage, disputes and differences between them continued to grow. Dhritarashtra, who was blind, was biased due to his deep love for his son Duryodhana, and as a result, the Pandavas were treated unjustly. A significant turning point leading to the war was the disrobing of Draupadi. Draupadi, who was the wife of all five Pandavas, was staked in a game of dice (gambling) and was humiliated. This incident was not only an insult to the honor of the Pandavas but also marked the beginning of Draupadi's vow of revenge. Her vow to avenge this insult became a critical catalyst for the war. Before the war, Lord Krishna made peace efforts by approaching the Kauravas and asking for just five villages for the Pandavas, but Duryodhana refused and said that he would not give even a needle-point of land. Thus, all peace efforts failed, and war became inevitable. The Kurukshetra War took place in the region of present-day Kurukshetra in Haryana, a location of great religious and spiritual significance. Various kings and warriors from across India participated in this war, including Bhishma, Dronacharya, Karna, Ashwatthama, Shakuni, and Lord Krishna himself. Before the war commenced, Arjuna, seeing his relatives and teachers on the battlefield, refused to fight. It was then that Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita's teachings to him. These teachings not only inspired Arjuna to engage in battle but also became a priceless scripture for humanity. The war lasted for eighteen days, resulting in enormous bloodshed, and countless warriors lost their lives. The war not only determined the fate of the Pandavas and Kauravas but also highlighted the conflict between righteousness and unrighteousness. The presence of Lord Krishna on the side of the Pandavas and the arrogance and unrighteousness on the side of the Kauravas deepened the significance of this war. Thus, the commencement of the Kurukshetra War marks a critical turning point in the epic saga of the Mahabharata, holding a unique place in Indian culture and history. The outcome of this war not only resulted in the Pandavas gaining the throne of Hastinapur but also established the importance of righteousness, justice, and duty.