Dharma-kṣetre Kurukṣetre yuddha-stu yad-vai-dhṛtaḥ

Yuddhaḥ (the war) tu (indeed) dhṛtaḥ (was taken up) yad-vai (when) Dharma-kṣetre (in the field of righteousness) Kurukṣetre (in the Kurukṣetra)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara interprets this verse as setting the stage for the dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna, which ultimately reveals the non-dual nature of reality. Shankara argues that the field of dharma (Dharmakṣetra) represents the realm of righteousness, where the individual self (jiva) must confront its own dualistic tendencies. The choice of Kurukṣetra as the battlefield symbolizes the internal conflict between the higher and lower aspects of the self. Through this verse, Shankara points to the identity of brahman and ātman, emphasizing that the ultimate reality is beyond the dualistic distinctions of the worldly realm. As Shankara writes in his commentary on the Gītā, the purpose of the dialogue is to reveal the unity of all existence, and the field of dharma is the context in which this revelation occurs.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, views this verse as an introduction to the cosmological and theological themes that underlie the dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna. Rāmānujācārya interprets Dharmakṣetra as the realm of righteous action, where the individual self (jiva) is called to fulfill its duty (svadharma) in devotion to the supreme Lord (Īśvara). The choice of Kurukṣetra as the battlefield represents the jiva's opportunity to recognize its dependence on Īśvara and to surrender its egoistic tendencies. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, emphasizes the dramatic tension between the divine and human realms, highlighting the contrast between the divine plan and human limitations. Both Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya see this verse as a call to devotion and self-surrender, emphasizing the relationship between the jiva and Īśvara as the central theme of the Gītā.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets this verse as a symbol of the universal human struggle between duty and desire. Vivekānanda sees the field of dharma (Dharmakṣetra) as the realm of moral responsibility, where the individual must confront the conflicting demands of personal desire and social duty. The choice of Kurukṣetra as the battlefield represents the inner conflict that arises when we are forced to choose between our own interests and the greater good. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his commentary on the Gītā, emphasizes the importance of selfless action (nishkāma karma) in achieving spiritual growth and liberation. According to Rādhākrishnan, this verse points to the need for a universal ethic that transcends individual interests and cultural boundaries, highlighting the relevance of the Gītā's teachings to contemporary life and global challenges.

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