The Bhagavad Gita is set within the Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic traditionally attributed to the sage Vyasa. It is believed to have been composed around 3100 BCE, during the Dvapara Yuga, a period in Hindu cosmology. The Gita is part of the Bhishma Parva (Book of Bhishma) in the Mahabharata and unfolds on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
The historical context revolves around a dynastic conflict between two royal families: the Pandavas and the Kauravas, both descendants of the Kuru dynasty. The Pandavas, led by Arjuna, sought to reclaim their rightful share of the kingdom, while the Kauravas, led by Duryodhana, refused to yield even a small portion of land. This dispute escalated into a full-scale war.
The Gita begins with Arjuna experiencing a moral and emotional crisis as he faces the prospect of fighting his own relatives, teachers, and friends. Lord Krishna, serving as his charioteer, delivers profound teachings on duty, righteousness, and the nature of life and death, guiding Arjuna to fulfill his dharma (duty) as a warrior.
The Gita's teachings transcend its historical setting, offering timeless wisdom on ethics, spirituality, and self-realization. Its influence has extended far beyond India, inspiring thinkers and philosophers worldwide.
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