The Kurukshetra war is supposed to be the most important war in Hindu mythology. Lord Krishna had left his force to Kaurava side and came to Pandava side as the charioteer of Arjuna, in this combat. Krishna had actually given the choice to select him or his force, to both the sides. Krishna was selected by Arjuna and his force was taken by Duryodhana. Prince Arjuna is advised by Krishna about the truths, in this important war. These truths are collectively called as Bhagavat Gita.
Gita
Gita comprises of advises given to prince Arjuna at the time of war because he was in a dilemma whether to fight the combat against his cousins, friends and gurus. Krishna speaks about the responsibilities he has to perform as a warrior and a prince. He also explains about karma and dharma. This text contains a lot of philosophies, examples and references.
Lord Krishna also disclosed his true identity as the absolute power through his Vishwarupa, in this war. Lord Krishna tells prince Arjuna that Kurukshetra war is a Dharma Yudha, meaning a war to let Dharma prevail.
The five important truths of life, as described in Gita, are Ishwara, Prakriti, Kaala, Dharma and Jiva. This world is controlled by the ultimate power Ishwara. Universe works by Prakriti, which is the intelligence. This is the basic principle on which the works of creation is done. The meaning of Kaala is time or age. Dharma is the law of nature, which holds all the forces together.
The basic message that Gita gives is that one has to surpass the weaknesses of body and unite himself with the ultimate power. Gita is a part of the Hindu epic Mahabharata and it contains a total of 700 verses.
Important Verses
‘Yada Yada Hi Dharmasya….
Srijamyaham’ is considered to be a very important verse in Bhagavat Gita. Through this verse Krishna assures Arjuna that when the world becomes affected by Adharma and Dharma is not at all protected, he will re-incarnate and protect the world from evil spirits. Another verse ‘Paritranaya Sadhunam…..Yuge Yuge’ is also very important. In order to safeguard the saints from evil forces, to kill evil forces and to make Dharma prevail in the universe, Krishna will take birth again in all the ages.
Sanjaya, apart from prince Arjuna, also heard the truths of life, which was contained in Gita. He was bestowed with Divya Drishti from Veda Vyasa to recount war to his blind master Dhritarashtra. Barbarika (son of Ghatotkacha) and Lord Hanuman also heard the content of Gita.
Because Gita is holy, it is also called Gitopanishad. But as it has summary of all the teachings, it is also called Upanishad of Upanishads.
To know more about Hanuman chalisa English and read about Hindu Gods like Shiva, go to Prabhubhakti.
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