The Character and Attitude of Lord Krishna in Mahabharata
The Character and Attitude of Lord Krishna in Mahabharata
The character of Lord Krishna in the ancient epic Mahabharata is of paramount importance, second to none. Krishna, often not needing an introduction, has become a worldwide phenomenon, with his sanctuaries and organizations like ISKCON making him one of the most recognizable figures in the world. From tales of his childhood, such as lifting a mountain to save a town, to his legendary battles like beating his maternal uncle Kansa, Krishna’s portrayal highlights his role as a master builder and a great influencer in the Kurukshetra conflict.
From Childhood Friend to Eternal Companion
One of the most fascinating aspects of Krishna's character is his kinship with Arjuna. Their relationship began when Arjuna, exiled in shame after intruding upon Yudhishthira and Draupadi's private moment, encountered Krishna. They were childhood friends and cousins, but their bond grew even stronger when Arjuna met Subhadra. Subhadra's confession of her feelings towards Arjuna to Krishna led to a strategic deal between Krishna and Balarama. Krishna’s influence on Arjuna's abilities is evident in their timeless fellowship, which laid the foundation for their epic journey.
The Kurukshetra Conflict: A Testament to Krishna's Wisdom
The Kurukshetra conflict was brought about by Duryodhana and his choice to choose the Yadavas for the war, while Arjuna chose Krishna as his charioteer. The decision of the Yadavas presented a formidable force, but Duryodhana's selection of war instead showcased his wisdom, as Arjuna’s selection of Krishna was his confidence in skilled guidance.
Krishna did not physically participate in the conflict, but his influence was evident. His true deed was not in battle but in guiding Arjuna through the Bhagavad Gita, a conversation that transformed Arjuna's understanding of dharma (righteousness or moral duty). The Bhagavad Gita is still revered as one of the best ways to find peace with life's challenges and secrets.
Master of Deception and Wonders
Krishna's ability to overcome enemies and allies alike was extraordinary. In the conflict, he masterfully overcame Karna by removing his divine defensive armor, and he humiliated Duryodhana by causing him to feel the divine vision of Gandhari during Bhishma's death. Another significant moment was the clever arrangement to kill Dronacharya with a misdirected arrow. Krishna's role in the conflict was crucial, not just in the battles, but in the strategic maneuvers that led to a chaotic and tragic end.
The Legacy of Mahabharata
The conflict ended in tragedy, with Krishna exiled from his kingdom and cursed by Gandhari for the loss of her sons. Additionally, the Yadavas fell into a national conflict, leading to_eachone's_death. Krishna himself met his end due to a physical injury caused by a hunter, which seemed ironic given his divine status. This end served as a reminder of his human side, fulfilling his purpose to leave the world, much like Shiva, who left the mortal realm to transcend it.