A large proportion of Hindu mythology is evoked from the great Sanskrit epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata. While discussing epic, Mahabharata is one of the renowned texts which has an epic role in the foundation of Hindu philosophy, culture and ethics. The stories of Mahabharata revolve around the struggles and war between the two groups of cousins, Pandavas and Kauravas.
If you have heard about some glimpse of Mahabharata, you might be aware that lord Krishna has played an epic role in Mahabharata. However, a large proportion of people are not aware of the role lord Krishna played in Mahabharata. So the blog is for you.
Before moving into it, let's summarize a few things about Mahabharata.
Mahabharata- The Epic Story
As said before, the whole story of Mahabharata relies on the war between Pandavas and Kauravas. One of the major plots of Mahabharata is the Kurukshetra war. Including both divine and human characters, the epic is known for the actions of characters, including lord Krishna, Draupadi, Arjuna, Bhima, and Yudhishtra of Pandavas. At the same time, it also portrays the powerful characters of Kauravas like Duryodhana, Karna, Bhisma, etc. Delivering philosophical, moral and spiritual teachings, Mahabharata has an immense place in everyone's mind, especially Hindu religion.
In addition to being an inspiration, the epic influences the Indian customs and culture, which are adhered to by a significant section of the Hindu population. Bhagavad Gita is a sacred and divine text which is a phenomenal part of Mahabharata in which you can witness the conversation between Prince Arjuna and lord Krishna.
But do you know What role Krishna plays in Mahabharata? It’s time to dig into the roots of Mahabharata to gain some insights about lord Krishna.
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What role does Krishna Play in Mahabharata?
Despite being considered the god of protection, love and compassion, he has an extensive and unavoidable role in Mahabharata as a philosopher, spiritual guide, and charioteer.
Arjun’s Charioteer
One of the fascinating roles that lord Krishna played was being the charioteer of Arjun, a prime member of the Pandava brothers. It was during the Kurukshetra war, that Arjun was struggling with the crisis emotionally and morally. It became a challenge for him to fulfil his responsibility as a warrior at the same time, it is hard to handle his emotional attachment to Kinsmen on the opposite side. In this situation where he was clueless, he turned towards lord Krishna to seek his guidance to make the right decision. Playing the role of a charioteer, lord Krishna gave him not only moral guidance but also spiritual teaching with physical support. Later, those conversations were transformed into the holy text, Bhagavad Gita.
Advisor
While witnessing the whole plot of Mahabharata, you will get to know the valuable advice and guidance that lord Krishna delivered not only to Arjun but also to other members of Pandavas. His teachings, guidance, and strategies had an impact on the decision-making of the Pandavas and also helped them win the battle. Due to this, lord Krishna’s wisdom and intelligence was always an irreplaceable factor in Mahabharata.
The Negotiator
Before the war began, Pandavas sent lord Krishna as a peace negotiator towards Kauravas. During the peace mission to prevent the battle, he shared many offers, but unfortunately, it didn't work. Despite the efforts of lord Krishna, the peace mission failed, leading to an inexorable battle. Even though the mission of negotiation failed, his dedication and commitment to bringing peace, avoiding war, solving conflicts and embracing justice and righteousness always had a notable role.
The Political Reformer
Other than being a spiritual guide, negotiator and advisor, lord Krishna also stood as a political reformer in Mahabharata. His presence and strategies have a great role in building the social and political landscape. Being an advisor of Pandavas, lord Krishna aids Pandavas in shaping a kingdom with enhanced ethical governance. Evoking the principles of justice, righteousness and equality, he never fails to deliver moral teachings that helped mould the kingdom on the right path.
Lord Krishna- Incarnation of Lord Vishnu
Being a well-known incarnation of lord Vishnu, lord Krishna was always known for compassion, protection and love. His support to Pandavas bridges them in creating a righteous kingdom by embracing justice. His presence and impeccable activities like uplifting Govardhan hills, and showing his cosmic appearance to Arjuna made his role more memorable and notable in the epic.
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Lord Krishna, A Lord of Love and Compassion
Despite lord Krishna’s miraculous activities, his role in Mahabharata and his love for Radha have made people remember, worship and praise him. There is a large proportion of devotees to lord Krishna in the Hindu community. People commemorate him through festivals such as Janmashtami, Holi and more. People place their idols at houses and conduct rituals to remember lord Krishna or Radha Krishna, the pursuit of endless love.
