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In the
Udyoga Parva of the
Mahabharata, Lord Krishna makes a sincere attempt at arbitration to reconcile the conflict between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. However, his efforts fail, and it becomes evident that war is now inevitable. As preparations for battle begin, both the Pandavas and Kauravas seek Krishna's alliance and support. Aware of his close ties to both sides, Krishna diplomatically declines to take up arms for either. Instead, he offers his personal service to Arjuna, choosing to become his charioteer.
Sanjaya, blessed with divine sight, is able to witness the battle as it unfolds. He narrates the events to Dhritarashtra, the blind Kuru king. Sanjaya begins by vividly describing the grand formations of the two opposing armies as they prepare to clash, having come together for the ultimate confrontation.
He then focuses on Arjuna, who is struck by a deep moral crisis. Upon seeing his own kin, elders, and teachers arrayed on the battlefield, Arjuna is overwhelmed with sorrow and confusion. Torn between duty and emotion, he hesitates to fight.
In this moment of inner turmoil, Arjuna turns to Krishna for guidance. What follows is Krishna's profound counsel-
the Bhagavad Gita-a philosophical and spiritual dialogue addressing the nature of life, duty, and righteousness.
Each chapter begins with the
moola shloka in Sanskrit, followed by English transliteration with diacritical marks, and concludes with a translated version of the verse in English.
