Dharmakṣetre kurukṣetre yuddhisthānam upāgamāt.
“The place of battle having arrived at the field of Kurukṣetra where Dharma resides.”
Structure
Dharma-kṣetre, Kuru-kṣetre, yuddhi-sthānam, upāgamāt
Yuddhisthānam upāgamāt, Dharma-kṣetre, Kuru-kṣetre English: Having come to the place of battle, (which is) Dharmakshetra, Kurukshetra
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dharma | Dharma | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | righteousness, duty |
| kṣetre | kṣetre | noun | locative · singular · neuter | field, place |
| Kuru | Kuru | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Kuru, a proper noun |
| kṣetre | kṣetre | noun | locative · singular · neuter | field, place |
| yuddhi | yuddhi | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | battle, war |
| sthānam | sthānam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | place, site |
| upāgamāt | upāgamāt | verb | √gām · preterite · third | he approached |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Mahābhārata, Śaṅkarācārya emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality. The phrase 'Dharmakṣetre kurukṣetre' suggests that the field of dharma, or righteousness, is synonymous with the field of action, kurukṣetre. This equivalence points to the ultimate reality, Brahman, which underlies all existence. According to Śaṅkarācārya, the word 'yuddhisthānam' (place of battle) symbolizes the internal conflict between the individual self (jīva) and the universal Self (Brahman). The arrival at this field signifies the culmination of the individual's journey towards self-realization, where the distinctions between the individual and the universal dissolve. This verse, therefore, underscores the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self is ultimately one with the universal Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets the 'Dharmakṣetre kurukṣetre' as the sacred space where the Lord resides, and where the devotee (jīva) engages in the battle of life. The phrase 'yuddhisthānam upāgamāt' indicates the jīva's proximity to the divine, where one seeks refuge in the Lord (Īśvara) and receives guidance. This verse highlights the loving relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, where the Lord is the guide and protector of the devotee. Madhvācārya, in his commentary on the Mahābhārata, further emphasizes the role of devotion (bhakti) in this context, where the jīva's love for the Lord is the means to attain liberation. The Vaiṣṇava tradition, therefore, views this verse as a testament to the intimacy between the individual and the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Mahābhārata, emphasizes the universal and practical application of this verse. The 'Dharmakṣetre kurukṣetre' represents the field of human action, where individuals must confront their own weaknesses and limitations. The 'yuddhisthānam upāgamāt' signifies the inner struggle to realize one's true potential, where the individual must confront their own ego and ignorance. Vivekānanda views this verse as a call to action, where individuals must strive to realize their innate divinity and contribute to the betterment of society. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings on the Mahābhārata, further highlights the relevance of this verse in contemporary life, where individuals must navigate the complexities of modern society while remaining grounded in their spiritual values. This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life of purpose, integrity, and self-awareness.