The Sacred Land of Kurukshetra:
Dhritarashtra describes Kurukshetra as a righteous land. Parashurama had cleansed it of unrighteousness. He destroyed twenty-one generations of cruel Kshatriyas there. The fields around Hastinapur are called Kurukshetra. King Kuru, ancestor of Kauravas and Pandavas, cultivated this land. Indra granted him a boon. Anyone who performed penance or died heroically here would attain heaven. After this, King Kuru stopped farming there.
Dharmakshetra and Kurukshetra have related but distinct meanings, and they can imply opposite concepts depending on the context.
Meanings in Contrast:
When contrasted, Dharmakshetra emphasizes righteousness and ethical choices, while Kurukshetra emphasizes action and the challenges that come with moral dilemmas. In this sense, they represent the two sides of the same battlefield: one focused on the moral purpose (Dharmakshetra) and the other on the physical and mental struggle (Kurukshetra).
Kurukshetra: A Symbolic Battlefield:
Kurukshetra symbolizes the human body. The word 'Kuru' means 'to act.' For Kauravas, it drives selfish actions. For Pandavas, it re-establishes righteousness.
The Choice of Righteousness or Unrighteousness:
If we practice righteousness, Kurukshetra becomes a land of righteousness. If we practice sin, it remains a battlefield. The Kauravas symbolize demonic tendencies. The Pandavas represent divine tendencies. This battle exists within each of us.
The Field Within Us:
Kurukshetra is within each of us. We choose to make it a land of righteousness or a land of action. Do we take refuge in righteousness or pursue material success?
The field represents the body. The seeds we sow determine the harvest. If we sow compassion, we reap positive experiences. If we sow anger, we reap negative consequences.
The battle between righteousness and unrighteousness is within. The Kurukshetra within us can lead to liberation or bondage, depending on our actions.
Astrology
Atharva Sheersha
Bhagavad Gita
Bhagavatam
Bharat Matha
Devi
Devi Mahatmyam
Ganapathy
Glory of Venkatesha
Hanuman
Kathopanishad
Mahabharatam
Mantra Shastra
Mystique
Practical Wisdom
Purana Stories
Radhe Radhe
Ramayana
Rare Topics
Rituals
Rudram Explained
Sages and Saints
Shiva
Spiritual books
Sri Suktam
Story of Sri Yantra
Temples
Vedas
Vishnu Sahasranama
Yoga Vasishta