Echoes of Resilience: The Woman Who Shaped Kurukshetra

Once upon a time, in ancient Bharat, there was a legend that spun around the great Mahabharata war and a woman of incredible strength.

We all know the epic tale of Kurukshetra, where Shri Krishna preached the Gita to Arjuna. But why did this epic clash happen there?

Legend has it that Krishna, on a quest for the perfect battleground, heard of a dreadful incident in Kurukshetra. There, a brother’s anger turned deadly when his sibling refused to stop water from flooding their farm. This gruesome tale made Kurukshetra the chosen stage for the war.

The choice of Kurukshetra as the battlefield carries with it another interesting legend, adding layers to the understanding of why this particular location was deemed perfect for such an epic confrontation. According to this lesser-known story, the reason involves a powerful interaction that Lord Krishna had during his travels across India.

As the story goes, Krishna, while travelling the northern regions of India, came across a remarkable woman. She was carrying a basket of food, and out of curiosity, Krishna followed her. To his surprise, he found her husband lying lifeless beneath a tree. But the woman remained composed, saying, “He’s gone, but I must care for our family”, she said, and ate the food alone.

As Lord Krishna approached the woman, he was struck by her determination amidst adversity. He asked her, “Why do you continue to care for your family even in the face of such sorrow?”

With a serene smile, the woman replied, “My Lord, it is my duty and love for my family that drives me. Though my heart may ache, I find solace in fulfilling my responsibilities.”

Lord Krishna was deeply moved by the woman’s words and her dedication. He nodded in admiration. “Your strength and devotion are truly admirable,” he said. “You embody the essence of sacrifice and resilience.”

Despite her challenges, she remained calm and devoted to her family duties. He saw her peaceful acceptance of her fate, her determination to continue through her loss, and her commitment to her responsibilities. These traits deeply resonated with Krishna, who valued duty and righteousness highly.

Her commitment to her duties, even during personal tragedy, perfectly illustrated the concepts of dharma (duty) and karma (righteous action), which are fundamental principles in Hindu philosophy. This influenced Krishna’s decision to choose Kurukshetra, the place where he met her, as the battlefield for the Mahabharata war. It was not merely a tactical decision; it held profound symbolic significance. Her story reflected the spiritual and ethical struggles that the warriors in the Mahabharata would face on the battlefield. It was an ideal example of the moral and spiritual tests that Kurukshetra, as the chosen battleground, was meant to highlight.

Though it’s hard to say if this tale is true, it reminds us of the strength found within every woman. It shows that every woman, like the heroine in this story, is a shining example of courage and hope.

So, let’s remember this legend and find inspiration in this story of strength and determination. In every challenge, let’s embrace the spirit of resilience and strive for greatness, just like the heroes of old.

–Surangama Guha – A homemaker, ex-teacher, and former administrator of a reputed school, Surangama is also a dancer with a passion for music. She believes in herself, takes a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart.