BACKGROUND OF KURUKSHETRA WAR & BHAGAVAD GITA!
(1) Srimad Bhagavad Gita was spoken by Lord Sri Krishna to His dearmost devotee Arjuna at the place now known as Jyotisar Tirtha amid the waring families of the Kurus and the Pandavas at Kurukshetra.
(2) If one wishes one can still go and visit that place and see the monument erected there with Krishna as Parthasarati (the chariot driver) and Arjuna the warrior on their chariot.
(3) It is claimed by the ashram who maintain the shrine that the tree that is next to Them is a non stop growth of the original tree witness that was there at the actual day of speaking.
(THREE GUNAS (MODES) AND CAUSES FROM BHAGAVAD GITA! READ HERE!)
(4) Traditionally devotees come to Kurukshetra (Dharmakshetra) and recite Bhagavad Gita from early morning until the next morning, perform arati to Bhagavad Gita and to Krishna and Arjuna upon the chariot, offer lamps ‘deep daan’ at Brahma Sarovar, shloka recitals, shobha yatras and seminars on the significance of the Gita today.
(5) Devotees who cannot get to Jyotisar Tirtha remember the blessed event by reciting Bhagavad Gita, performing Bhagavad Gita ahuti of each verse or selected chapters into the sacred fire, and discussing the subject matter of Bhagavad Gita in the association of devotees. Distribution of Bhagavad Gita on this day is also a very auspicious activity to perform.
The Scene Where Bhagavad Gita was spoken!
(6) The Pandavas’ army took the western side of the battlefield of Kurukshetra. They were facing the east. Their army was stationed near a lake.
(7) A white royal umbrella was seen in the Kauravas army. The soldiers started warning up at the thought of the battle ahead. Blowing of conches raised a great tumult and beating of drums and many other instruments were sounded to announce the readiness for the war. Excitement was building up.
(8) The warriors of both the sides met and settled the rules of the war. Only equals will fight in personal duels.
(Bhagavad Gita from Vivasvan to manu -Calculation of Period! READ HERE!)
(9) Those who surrender, there lives will be spared.
(10) No charioteer, animal, or servants who were not soldiers were to be attacked. These and some other rules that were usual in a Dharma-Yuddha or a righteous war were finalised and both the sides agreed to abide by them.
(11) On the eve of the war, sage Vyasa visited the palace of Dhritarastra, who was his son, now the terrible days are in store. All your sons and the kings will be killed soon. This is settled by fate. It is ordained so, do not be sorry. I shall grant you your eyesight so that you may witness the war.
(12) Dhritarastra was shaken by the stark words of the sage. He said, ‘My lord, I have been blind all my life. I do not want to see my sons dying in the battlefield. If someone can give me an account of the war as it unfolds, I shall be happy.
(13) Vyasa said, Sanjaya would get the power to see everything that happens in the war. He will be able to see during the day as well as in the night. He shall be even able to know the thoughts of the persons engaged in the war. He shall not be tired or exhausted. The omens are all against the Kauravas.” Saying this the great sage departed.
Purpose of the Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita was spoken to guide the conditioned soul on the path of the spiritual advancement. It is presented as principle and details. The dominating principle of the BG is to develop God consciousness. In the details, Sri Krishna explains three primary ways of doing this and then further expands on these paths. He then relates them to each other and brings forth the single most effective path for returning back to God.
Hope you enjoyed the BACKGROUND OF KURUKSHETRA WAR & BHAGAVAD GITA!
(Doubt whether Bhagavad Gita was spoken by man or God? Read this Post! READ HERE!)