The Mahabharata is a great Indian epic, encompassing numerous tales of dharma (righteousness), morality, and war. The crux of this war was the conflict between dharma and adharma (unrighteousness). Lord Krishna's role in this war extended far beyond that of a mere charioteer; he ensured Pandava victory through strategic planning and astute policies. While Lord Krishna never directly wielded weapons, his intelligence, tactical maneuvers, and wisdom led the Pandavas to triumph in the Mahabharata war. Let us explore how Krishna, through his intelligence and divine skills, secured victory for the Pandavas.
From Arjun's Charioteer to Lord Krishna's Strategic Mentorship
During the Mahabharata war, Lord Krishna served as Arjun's charioteer. However, this role was not limited to driving the chariot. He imparted the supreme knowledge of life to Arjun through the Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna's teachings dispelled Arjun's doubts and distractions, inspiring him to fight for dharma. This discourse of the Gita remains an immortal guide, not just for the Mahabharata war, but for human life as well.
Weakening Duryodhana's Vajra-like Armor
In the Mahabharata, Duryodhana was an exceptionally powerful warrior. His mother, Gandhari, had received a boon from Lord Shiva that whoever she cast her gaze upon would become invincible, like a thunderbolt (Vajra). Gandhari bestowed this invincibility upon Duryodhana. However, Lord Krishna's cunning even weakened this boon. Krishna suggested that Duryodhana should not be completely naked in front of his mother. Duryodhana covered his lower body, leaving this area vulnerable. Consequently, Bhima defeated Duryodhana by striking this weak point during the war. This incident exemplifies Lord Krishna's strategic intelligence.
Krishna's Cunning Against Bhishma Pitamaha
Bhishma Pitamaha was one of the greatest warriors in the Mahabharata and a formidable challenge to the Pandavas. Their victory was impossible without his defeat. Lord Krishna placed Shikhandi, who was Amba in a previous life, on Arjun's chariot. Bhishma, who would not fight against a woman, refrained from attacking seeing Shikhandi. Arjun seized this opportunity, showering Bhishma with arrows and laying him on a bed of arrows. This clever tactic exemplifies Lord Krishna's foresight.
Krishna's Strategic Play for Dronacharya's Demise
Dronacharya was one of the most fearsome warriors for the Pandavas, and his presence on the battlefield posed a significant threat. Krishna devised a ruse to weaken Dronacharya. During the war, Bhima killed an elephant named Ashwatthama and loudly proclaimed, "Ashwatthama is dead!" Dronacharya sought confirmation from Yudhisthira. Yudhisthira, upholding his commitment to truth, confirmed that Ashwatthama was dead but cleverly referred only to the elephant. Hearing this, Dronacharya, believing his son dead, succumbed to grief. Dhrishtadyumna took advantage of this moment and killed him. This too, is a testament to Lord Krishna's war strategy and intelligence.
Krishna's Illusion in Jayadratha's Death
When Arjun vowed to kill Jayadratha before sunset, the Kauravas hid Jayadratha to prevent this. Lord Krishna then created an illusion of a solar eclipse. Jayadratha, believing the war was over, emerged from hiding. The eclipse then ended, and Arjun killed Jayadratha, fulfilling his vow. This incident demonstrates that Krishna, while respecting the rules of war, also employed tactical cunning to ensure victory.
Victory Impossible Without Krishna
In the Mahabharata war, Lord Krishna never lifted a weapon, yet his role clearly demonstrates that war is won not only through force but also through intelligence, strategy, and the knowledge of dharma. His presence guided, instructed, and protected the Pandavas. Krishna's war strategies protected dharma and defeated adharma.
The Mahabharata war was not merely a battle; it symbolized the conflict between dharma and adharma. Lord Krishna's role in this conflict was unparalleled. He secured the Pandavas' victory and established dharma without ever wielding a weapon. His wisdom, strategy, and divine cunning continue to teach us the importance of using intelligence and strategy in challenging situations.
