We all know about the great epic of Mahabharata. But, do you know why it was fought on ground of Kurukshetra? Here we will talk about two most prominent stories and one logical explanation which will definitely clarify these questions.
The Mahabharata, one of the most significant epic narratives in Hindu mythology and ancient Indian history, depicts the great war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. The reasons that Krishna chose that place only:
- Story of King Kuru:
King Kuru is a legendary figure in ancient Indian history, and he is associated with the founding of the Kuru dynasty. While there isn’t an extensive narrative about King Kuru in the Mahabharata or other major Hindu texts, his name is prominently linked to the Kuru lineage and the region where the epic events of the Mahabharata took place.
King Kuru was a noble and virtuous ruler. Kuru’s virtuous rule and commitment to dharma (righteousness) earned him a reputation as a just and wise king. Due to his noble character and lineage, the region where he ruled came to be known as “Kuru-Jangala,” and the kingdom was named “Kuru Kingdom.” Hence this place is called Kurukshetra. He had received a boon from lord Indra that whoever will die on this land will attain Swarga (Heaven). Only Krishna and Bhishma knew about this so they chose Kurukshetra to liberate everyone.
- Story of Two Brothers:
When war was decided, Krishna along with other elders was asked to decide a place. Krishna wanted eradication of all evil beings at the end of the war. But he knew that those who are fighting are ultimately brothers. One cannot deny a possibility in which after certain amount of massacre both partied would make a pact to stop the war. Which if happened, would not fulfil the cause.
Hence Krishna called few of his confidants. Those messengers were asked to roam in the area for a while and then come back to describe whatever they saw. Messengers took stock of events in the vicinity and came back. They elaborated everything they saw in detail to Lord Krishna. Among them, there was one messenger who witnessed an unusual incident.
He said that he saw two brothers working in a farm. Due to heavy rain the elder brother asked the younger one to do something about the flowing rainwater which was ruining crops. The younger brother refused to comply with his command. Prompted by this refusal, in fit or rage the elder brother killed the younger one and used his corps to block the flowing rainwater. Moreover, the messenger specified that the elder brother did it with a straight face and had no guilt on his face whatsoever.
(Some texts say it was a father and a son.)
Listing to this, Krishna got sure about adequacy of the place. Even brotherly affection cannot ameliorate the animosity on such a land.
Also, in some tales it says that Krishna was sure because the elder brother performed his Karma of preserving the farmland without hesitation and guilt. So, he was assured that everyone will perform their duty. (That is why it is called Dharmkshetra as well).
In summary, the choice of Kurukshetra as the battlefield for the Mahabharata was influenced by its historical significance, its neutrality, and its association with tradition and symbolism. It was considered a suitable location for a conflict of such immense importance in Hindu mythology and ancient Indian history.
