02. The Battlefield of Kurukshetra: Dharma, Duryodhana & the Great Warriors

Introduction: The Beginning of the Bhagavad Gita

Why does the Srimad Bhagavad Gita begin on a battlefield? Why is Kurukshetra called Dharmakshetra? And what can we learn from Duryodhana’s words before the great Mahabharata war?

The Bhagavad Gita begins at a decisive moment in the Mahabharata. Two powerful armies stand facing each other on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, preparing for a war involving families, respected teachers, great warriors and competing claims of duty.

In Session 2 of our Srimad Bhagavad Gita series at Sambhasha | Divine Dialogues, we study Chapter 1, Shlokas 1–15, and explore the setting of the battlefield, the warriors assembled on both sides, Duryodhana’s mindset and the deeper significance of Dharma.

These opening verses establish the background for Arjuna’s emotional crisis and the divine teachings that Bhagwan Shri Krishna will reveal later.

Why Does the Bhagavad Gita Begin with Dharmakshetra Kurukshetra?

The very first shloka of the Bhagavad Gita begins with King Dhritarashtra asking Sanjaya about the events taking place at Kurukshetra.

धर्मक्षेत्रे कुरुक्षेत्रे समवेता युयुत्सवः।

मामकाः पाण्डवाश्चैव किमकुर्वत सञ्जय॥ १-१॥

Simple English Meaning:

O Sanjaya, what did my sons and the sons of Pandu do after assembling at Kurukshetra, the field of Dharma, eager for battle?

The word Dharmakshetra means the field of Dharma.

Kurukshetra is the location of the approaching war, but its description as Dharmakshetra gives the opening of the Bhagavad Gita particular spiritual significance.

The battle is not simply a contest of military strength. It takes place within a larger story involving righteousness, responsibilities, justice, loyalty and moral choices.

The opening verse also introduces Dhritarashtra’s distinction between his own sons and the Pandavas.

Although both groups belong to the same extended family, he refers to them separately.

This provides an important starting point for reflecting on family attachment and partiality within the Mahabharata narrative.

Who Are Dhritarashtra and Sanjaya?

Dhritarashtra is the king of Hastinapura and the father of the Kauravas.

Unable to witness the battlefield directly, he asks Sanjaya to describe what is happening.

Sanjaya serves as the narrator of the events taking place at Kurukshetra.

Through their conversation, the reader is introduced to the armies and the circumstances surrounding the war.

This narrative structure is important because the Bhagavad Gita is presented through the dialogue between Dhritarashtra and Sanjaya, within which the conversation between Shri Krishna and Arjuna unfolds.

Duryodhana’s Mindset Before the Mahabharata War

In Shloka 1.2, Sanjaya describes Duryodhana observing the Pandava army arranged in military formation.

Duryodhana then approaches his teacher, Dronacharya.

He draws Dronacharya’s attention towards the powerful army of the Pandavas and identifies several important warriors.

This exchange is significant because it introduces Duryodhana’s assessment of the opposing forces.

He recognizes the strength of the Pandava army and begins discussing the military capabilities of those gathered for battle.

His words reflect the strategic concerns of a commander preparing for a major confrontation.

They also invite us to consider the difference between outward confidence and the thoughts that may arise when a person faces a powerful challenge.

However, the verses themselves primarily describe Duryodhana’s observations and statements. His deeper psychological motivations require interpretation within the broader Mahabharata narrative.

The Great Warriors on the Pandava Side

In Shlokas 1.4–1.6, Duryodhana identifies several prominent warriors supporting the Pandavas.

Among those mentioned are:

Bhima and Arjuna, the powerful Pandava warriors.
Yuyudhana, also known as Satyaki.
Virata, the king associated with the Pandavas’ period of concealment.
Drupada, the king of Panchala.
Dhrishtaketu and Chekitana.
The king of Kashi.
Purujit and Kuntibhoja.
Shaibya, Yudhamanyu and Uttamauja.
The sons of Draupadi and the son of Subhadra.

These names demonstrate that the Pandavas are supported by a formidable group of warriors.

The verses also establish the importance of alliances and relationships in the Mahabharata war.

Duryodhana is not facing merely five brothers. He is confronting an organized army supported by numerous capable fighters.

The Great Warriors on the Kaurava Side

After identifying the warriors supporting the Pandavas, Duryodhana turns his attention towards his own army.

In Shlokas 1.7–1.9, he names several prominent warriors, including:

Dronacharya, the respected teacher of the Kuru princes.
Bhishma, the revered elder of the Kuru dynasty.
Karna, one of Duryodhana’s most important allies.
Kripacharya, a renowned warrior and teacher.
Ashwatthama, the son of Dronacharya.
Vikarna, one of the Kaurava brothers.
Bhurishrava, the son of Somadatta.

Duryodhana also acknowledges other warriors who are prepared to fight on his behalf.

These verses reveal the enormous military strength gathered on the battlefield.

They also highlight an important feature of the Mahabharata: many individuals standing on opposing sides are connected through family relationships, teachers, friendships and past obligations.

The conflict is therefore deeply personal as well as political and military.

Bhishma’s Importance in the Kaurava Army

Bhishma Pitamaha holds an extraordinary position in the Mahabharata.

He is a revered elder of the Kuru dynasty and one of its most respected warriors.

In the opening verses of the Bhagavad Gita, Duryodhana emphasizes the importance of Bhishma and instructs the warriors to protect him.

This reflects Bhishma’s central role in the Kaurava military formation.

In Shloka 1.12, Bhishma blows his conch loudly, producing a powerful sound that encourages Duryodhana.

The sounding of the conch marks an important moment in the preparation for battle.

It also leads into the description of other instruments sounding across the battlefield.

The Sound of Conches on the Battlefield

In Shlokas 1.12–1.13, Bhishma sounds his conch, followed by the sound of other military instruments.

Conches, drums and other instruments produce a tremendous noise.

The description creates a vivid picture of the atmosphere at Kurukshetra.

Two great armies are assembled, their warriors are prepared, and the sounds of battle instruments fill the surroundings.

Then, in Shlokas 1.14–1.15, Bhagwan Shri Krishna and Arjuna, seated in their magnificent chariot drawn by white horses, blow their divine conches.

Shri Krishna blows Panchajanya, while Arjuna blows Devadatta.

Bhima blows his great conch, Paundra.

These events establish the solemn and powerful atmosphere immediately before the war.

They also bring Shri Krishna and Arjuna into the foreground of the narrative, preparing the reader for the conversation that will become the heart of the Bhagavad Gita.

What Is Dharma, and Why Is It Important?

Dharma is one of the central concepts of Sanatan Dharma and the Bhagavad Gita.

It encompasses righteous conduct, responsibilities, ethical principles and the duties associated with our circumstances.

Dharma cannot always be reduced to a single rule applicable to every situation.

Our responsibilities may differ according to our roles, relationships and circumstances.

A parent has responsibilities towards children.

A teacher has responsibilities towards students.

A person performing professional duties must consider honesty, fairness and the consequences of their actions.

The Mahabharata presents numerous situations in which different responsibilities appear to conflict.

This makes the concept of Dharma particularly important for understanding the Bhagavad Gita.

The opening battlefield scene prepares us for a much deeper discussion about how to recognize and perform our responsibilities when circumstances become difficult.

How Does Duryodhana’s Conduct Relate to Everyday Life?

Duryodhana’s discussion with Dronacharya offers an opportunity to reflect on leadership, decision-making and human behaviour.

Before undertaking a major task, individuals often assess the strengths of those around them, the challenges ahead and the resources available to them.

Duryodhana similarly evaluates the warriors on both sides.

His observations also remind us that difficult situations can expose concerns that may not be immediately visible.

In everyday life, we may encounter conflicts involving competition, personal ambitions, relationships and responsibilities.

The Mahabharata encourages us to examine not only the external circumstances of a conflict but also the values and intentions guiding our actions.

This broader reflection becomes especially important when studying the spiritual teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.

How Do These Shlokas Prepare Us for Arjuna’s Inner Struggle?

Although Shlokas 1–15 primarily describe the battlefield, Duryodhana’s words and the assembled warriors, they establish the circumstances that will lead to Arjuna’s emotional crisis.

Arjuna is about to confront people who are not merely opponents.

Among the assembled warriors are respected elders, teachers, relatives and individuals with whom he shares deep personal relationships.

As Chapter 1 progresses, these relationships become the source of intense emotional conflict.

Arjuna begins questioning the purpose of victory and the consequences of fighting against his loved ones.

His confusion eventually leads him to seek guidance from Bhagwan Shri Krishna.

The first fifteen shlokas therefore serve an essential purpose.

They introduce the battlefield and the people involved before the Bhagavad Gita turns towards the profound questions of Dharma, attachment and spiritual knowledge.

What Can We Learn from Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Shlokas 1–15?

The opening fifteen shlokas establish several important themes.

They introduce Kurukshetra as Dharmakshetra, highlighting the significance of Dharma within the Mahabharata.

They present Dhritarashtra’s question and Sanjaya’s narration.

They reveal Duryodhana’s assessment of the Pandava and Kaurava armies.

They introduce the great warriors assembled for battle and the important roles played by Bhishma and Dronacharya.

Finally, the sounding of the conches marks the approaching conflict and prepares the stage for Shri Krishna and Arjuna’s divine dialogue.

Understanding these opening events helps us appreciate the circumstances in which the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita arise.

Continue Your Bhagavad Gita Journey with Sambhasha

At Sambhasha | Divine Dialogues, our Srimad Bhagavad Gita series explores the teachings of Bhagwan Shri Krishna through simple explanations, practical examples and meaningful spiritual discussions.

In Session 2, we study Chapter 1, Shlokas 1–15, focusing on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Duryodhana’s mindset, the great warriors and the importance of Dharma.

We also introduce the circumstances that will lead to Arjuna’s emotional struggle in the subsequent shlokas.

As we continue through Arjuna Vishada Yoga, we will examine how Arjuna’s personal attachments and responsibilities create a profound spiritual dilemma.