Dharmakshetra vis.a.vis Kurukshetra

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.

1. Dharmakshetra (धर्मक्षेत्र):
• This term refers to a sacred place or a field of righteousness. It signifies a place where righteous actions, virtues, and ethical conduct are emphasized. In the context of the Mahabharata, The place, Kurukshetra is called Dharmakshetra because it is the land where the battle between good (Pandavas) and evil (Kauravas) took place, with righteousness ultimately prevailing.
2. Kurukshetra (कुरुक्षेत्र):
• Kurukshetra is the geographical name of the battlefield. It is also symbolic of a field of action or karma. The word 'Kuru' means 'to act' or 'to do.' Therefore, Kurukshetra represents a place of intense action, struggle, and moral choices.

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.

Knowledge Bank

Swan

Swan is called Hamsa in Sanskrit. Swans are descendants of Hamsa the daughter of Kashyapa and Tamra. Their original dwelling place is Manasarovar. Swan is also the vehicle of Brahma and Saraswathy.

Gemstone for Ashwini Nakshatra

Cat's eye