धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
धर्मक्षेत्रे कुरुक्षेत्रे समवेता युयुत्सवः
मामकाः पाण्डवाश्चैव किमकुर्वत संजय||
Dhristrashtra ask, ‘O Sanjay! What has been done by my sons and the sons of Pandus in the battle field of the great pilgrim Kurukshetra?’
Explanation By Ramsukhdas ji:-Gods/deities had performed Yajna in Kurukshetra. King Kuru also had performed penances there. Owing to the religious rites performed here this religious land/ pilgrim was called Kurukshetra.
Dhritarashtra meant here that it is the land of Kuru clan. This is not only a battlefield but also a place of pilgrimage, wherein a person by performing austerities can seek for their well-being.
In this way worldly and celestial all benefits can be attained by it, with this consideration and approved by the consent by the eminent persons, this land has been chosen as a battlefield.
In this world mostly the disputes arise on the three issues, namely:-
‘Land, wealth and woman.’ Kings fight over the land issues. Kuru clan includes sons of Pandu as well as Kuru. Both are equally entitled to the land acquisition. Therefore this battle arose due to the dispute that Kauravas deny to give land to the Pandavas.
In our ancient Sanatan Dharma, everything is based on religion. Therefore a ghastly action like war was also made associated with religion hence the term was used ‘Dharmkshetre’ so that the deceased may be emancipated in the battlefield which is a pilgrim too.
It is said that by observing the principles of the Dharma the Gita is observed and vice-versa.
Hence it inspires us that every act should be done considering it righteous or not or thinking whether it is based on Dharma or not.
Kings reached to the Duryodhana to reconcile time and again. Even upon request by lord Krishna Duryodhana categorically deny giving a needle size land to the Pandavas without fight.
This insisted Pandavas to fight for their rights. In this way my and Pandus sons have assembled at a place to fight.
Though both the parties were willing to fight however Duryodhana was especially desirous to fight. His main objective was to acquire the kingdom irrespective of the fact whether it is achieved righteously or not, by just or unjust; by the prescribed or prohibited manner. The kingdom should be in the hands of Duryodhana was the only motive of Duryodhana.
Pandavas were religious minded persons hence they always preferred that their every act should be dominated religiously. They used to think that they would subsist anyhow but will not accept any hindrance in observation of the Dharma. They would not go against religion/scriptures. Although king Yudhishthhara was not intending to fight, upon adjure of the mother Kunti he prepared mind to fight. Although Pandavas always regarded Dhritrashra as his own father and obeyed him accordingly yet Dhritrashtra always saw both Pandavas and Kauravas with jaundiced eyes. He always preferred in interest of his own sons without keeping in view what is right or not. He was partial because he was attached to his sons. Which he expressed by saying Mamaka and Pandavas separately depicts his partial nature. The feeling of duality led his family towards ruin. So we should not keep thought of duality in our families, villages, provinces, sects etc. thereby making circle of own people and other people. The sense of duality always leads towards conflicts.
The answer of term ‘Mamaka’ will be given in verse 2-13, whereas the term Pandavas will be answered by Sanjay 14-19 verses.
‘Kimkurvath’ here term ‘kim’ means ‘alternative, criticism, and question’. Out of which whether battle started or not may not be an option as Sanjay is telling the whole incident after 10 days (returning Hastinapur) of the battle when Bhishma great grandfather had been thrown from his chariot.
It may not be subject to criticism as to how this war took place as it was certain.
The term ‘kim’ here represents that Dhritrashtra asked about the incidents taking place in the battle field in form of questions.
Read every verse or couplet daily we will provide you the translation of the Gita one by one.
Keywords: मद भगवत गीता के 5 रहस्य The Gita: 5 Unknown Facts, गीता-रहस्य