Ramanisblog

Tag: Pandava

  • Mahabharata Battle, Rules Of War

    There are adequate references in the Ramayana,Mahabharata and Manusmriti,  the Purana and the Artha Sastra of Kautilya.

    The first requisite is to fight with out anticipation of Victory and performance of the Duty.

    Note the word duty.(Bhagavad Gita ‘Karmaneva..)

    War Rules.
    Rules of War

    War is to be engaged in these cases,

    Appropriation of other’s property,

    Appropriation of Wife

    Raping of women,

    Harassment of the citizens by Unjust King.

    Apart from this the appropriation Cattle is also a ground for War as Cattle represent the Wealth of a King.

    Note the a war was waged by Duryodhana against Drupada by Duryodhana appropriating Drupada’s Cattle.( During the Ajnatha Vasa or Incognito  Living by the Pandavas)

    Before the Declaration of War an Emissary is to be sent for negotiations or Warning.

    Mutually agreed date of engagement is to be fixed for the War.

     The Rules of War

    • Fighting must begin no earlier than sunrise and end exactly at sunset.
    • Multiple warriors may not attack a single warrior.
    • Two warriors may duel, or engage in prolonged personal combat,only if they carry the same weapons and they are on the same mount (no mount, a horse, an elephant, or a chariot).
    • No warrior may kill or injure a warrior who has surrendered.
    • One who surrenders becomes a prisoner of war and will then be subject to the protections of a prisoner of war.
    • No warrior may kill or injure an unarmed warrior.
    • No warrior may kill or injure an unconscious warrior.
    • No warrior may kill or injure a person or animal not taking part in the war.
    • No warrior may kill or injure a warrior whose back is turned away.
    • No warrior may strike an animal not considered a direct threat.
    • The rules specific to each weapon must be followed. For example, it is prohibited to strike below the waist in mace warfare.
    • Warriors may not engage in any ‘unfair’ warfare whatsoever.
    • The lives of women, prisoners of war, and farmers are sacred.
    • Pillaging the land is forbidden.

    Unjust War.

    Sukra in his Nitisara provides this information.

    5
    ‘He points out that a weak king has always had problems
    in maintaining the State. To cope with this situation, Sukra suggests three possible courses of action: a weak king should enter into a peace treaty (sandhi)
    with his enemy, or resort to Mantra Yuddha (a war of intrigues) or Kutta Yuddha
    (unrighteous war).
    36
    h e Mantra Yuddha and Kutta Yuddha were adopted to harass the enemy from the rear and all sides so as to devastate his armed forces.
    Kautilya, in his Arthasastra, mentions three types of war for the benei t of the
    State: open war; concealed war; and silent war.
    37
    Although Kautilya acknowledged

    that open warfare is the most righteous war, he did not speak against waging
    any of these types of war for the consolidation and expansion of the kingdom;
    in Adharma Yudda (unrighteous war) a declaration of war was not possible,
    because it was a secret war.”

    However a Dharma Yuddha or A righteous War is one that is waged for any or all of the reasons mentioned,not withstanding what Sukra says.

    Kautilya’s Views.

    Kautilya in his Artha sastra advocates at time war for personal gain.

    This does not have the sanction of the Sastras.

    Nor do the practices followed by Krishna during the Mahabharata War, on various occasions are approved by the sastras, though Krishna justifies them ‘in the interest of Dhrama’

    Sources:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharmayuddha#External_links

    http://www.icrc.org/eng/assets/files/other/irrc_858_sinha.pdf

     

     

     

     

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  • Did Sanjaya See and Report Mahabharata War Live?

    I treat the Mahabharata and the Ramayana as History, not as mere Stories born out of the imaginations of Vyasa and Valmiki.

     

    If people take as History that

     

    Jesus lived and preached, The Old Testament based on a Book compiled by a Conclave of Cardinals assembled by King Constantine afer

     

    three hundred years of the death of Christ,

     

    Ocean parted,

     

    Mohammed ascended to Heaven,guided by an Angel, directed by God to look at the Rules embedded in a rock(as though God can not remember),

     

    I believe the Mahabharata and the Ramayana to be true as

     

    The city of Hastinapur , and Dwaraka are found,

     

    Kurukshetra and other descriptions of the places mentioned are correct on date, especially Kurukshetra is found to be slightly tilted as explained in the Puranas,

     

    The birth date of Rama and his ascension to throne are verified and proved.

     

    As also his travel routes-refer my posts on these and Dwaraka .

     

    Now  I had a nagging doubt whether Sanjaya  reported the Mahabharata war Live to Dhritarashtra or recollected and reported.

     

    The Mahabharata  Bhishma Parva  states

    ”

    Its first chapter beings with –‘Narayanam namaskrtya……’, a
    benedictory verse, after which, it begins with a question asked by the king
    Janamejaya to Vaishampayana, as to how the Kauravas, who gathered for the
    battle in Kurukshetra, fought with the kings, who supported Pandavas. While
    giving a reply, the arrangements to stay in the camp with all the facilities were
    arranged by Vaishampayana. The way the Kauravas, Pandavas and Samakas
    made the special rules for the battle is a special feature of this chapter, which
    explores the principles of the battle field. The rules such as, no enmity should
    be observed after the sunset, the existence of mutual love, battle of speech
    should be done only with those who are indulged in it, killing a person, who is
    out of the army is condemned. A foot-soldier, a horse-soldier and an elephantsoldier should fight with their equals only. One should make an enemy alert
    and fight with him alone, who is equal to him in ability, zeal and strength. One
    should not fight with the person who is not unprepared or with a scared person.
    The war is condemned with a person, who is fighting with others, a refugee, a
    person who is out of war and a person with tainted weapons. A charioteer, the
    player of kettle drum, a conch-blower and the supplier of weapons should not
    be attacked. The second chapter begins with the arrival of Vyasa Maharshi.
    He informs the death time of Kauravas. He also conveys Dhrtarashtra that he
    could provide him the ability to see the battle, for which, Dhrtarashtra
    expresses his unwillingness, as he doesn’t want to see the death of his sons.
    After knowing the interest of Dhrtarashtra to listen the details of the battle,
    Sanjaya, the charioteer of Dhrtarashtra was provided with the divine vision by
    Vyasa Maharshi. Many more scary incidents are also depicted.”

    The first sloka of the Bhagavad Gita starts with

    Dharamashetre Kurukshetre…. bu Dhritharashtra asking sanjaya to inform him of what happened in the Bharata Battle.

    Sanjaya replies with the second verse..

    Pasyaithaam pandu puthraanaam…

    Sanjaya , according to mahabharata and all puraanas was granted the Divine vision  to see things from the distance.

    In fact The Bhishma parva states that Sanjaya was endowed with the power of Knowing the past, present and future.

    Then why do I have a doubt?

    Mahabharata War
    Mahabharata War

    The Bhisma parva Section XIV declares

    “Dhritarashtra said,–‘How hath Bhishma, that bull among the Kurus, been slain by Sikhandin? How did my father, who resembled Vasava himself, fall down from his car? What became of my sons, O Sanjaya, when they were deprived of the mighty Bhishma who was like unto a celestial, and who led life of Brahmacharyya for the sake of his father? 2 Upon the fall of that tiger among men who was endued with great wisdom, great capacity for exertion, great might and great energy, how did our warriors feel? Hearing that bull amongst the Kurus, that foremost of men, that unwavering hero is slain, great is the grief that pierceth my heart. While advancing (against the foe), who followed him and who proceeded ahead? Who stayed by his side? Who proceeded with him? What brave combatants followed behind (protecting his rear) that tiger among car-warriors, that wonderful archer, that bull among Kshatriyas, while he penetrated into the divisions of the foe? 1 While seizing the hostile ranks, what warriors opposed that slayer of foes resembling the luminary of thousand rays, who spreading terror among the foe destroyed their ranks like the Sun destroying darkness, and who achieved in battle amongst the ranks of Pandu’s sons feats exceedingly difficult of accomplishment? How, indeed, O Sanjaya, did the Pandavas oppose in battle the son of Santanu, that accomplished and invincible warrior when he approached them smiting? Slaughtering the (hostile) ranks, having arrows for his teeth, and full of energy, with the bow for his wide-open mouth, and with the terrible sword for his tongue, and invincible, a very tiger among men, endued with modesty…..

    Section XV

    ‘Sanjaya said,–“Deserving as thou art, this question is, indeed, worthy of thee, O great king. It behoveth thee not, however, to impute this fault to Duryodhana. The man who incurreth evil as the consequence of his own misconduct, should not attribute that misconduct to others. O great king, the man that doth every kind of injury to other men, deserveth to be slain by all men in consequence of those censurable deeds of his. The Pandavas unacquainted with the ways of wickedness had, for a long time, with their friends and counsellors, looking up to thy face, borne the injuries (done to them) and forgiven them, dwelling in the woods.’

    “Thereafter, in the 13thchapter, the Bhagavadgita parva begins, which is continued till 42nd

    chapter. It begins with Sanjaya, who returns from the battle
    field and conveys the news of Bhishma’s death to Dhrtharashtra. Listening to
    which, Dhrtharashtra, while lamenting, expresses his intention to know about
    the death of Bhishma in detail.’

    This, to me, appears to indicate that the War was not reported Live but by a recollection.

    The whole conversation is as said by Vaisampayana to Janamejaya.

    Will some body clarify?

    Sources.

    http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06015.htm

    http://www.rsvidyapeetha.ac.in/mahabharatha/summary/eng/6.pdf

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  • Duyodhana Praises Yudhisthira ,Sivakumar Wrong.

    In the concluding Episode of ‘Neengalum Vellalaam Oru Kodi, telecast in Star Vijay TV,anchored by Actor Surya, his father and actor Sivakumar remarked that Duryodhana praised Yudhithira because Yudhistira sent word secretly through Katothkacha, son of Arjuna about the vow of Arjuna to kill Jayathratha before sundown the next day for having killed his son Abhimanyu.

    Sivakumar seems to have his facts muddled.

    Chakravyuha
    Chakra Vyuha

    The vow of Arjuna reached Duryodhana’s camp after Arjuna vowed to kill Jayathratha.

    There were no secret parley between Duryodhana and Yudhitra during the Mahabharata war according to Vyasa.

    Hence there was no question of Duryodhana praising Yudhisttra on this issue.

    However Duryodhan praises Yudhitstra for having allowed his brother Sahadeva t fix an auspicious date for performing the Human Sacrifice before the start of the Mahabharata War for Duryodhana.

    “Yudhisthira and others sat, tears streaming from their eyes. Arjuna defeated Trigartas and returned. The ominous silence in the camp filled his heart with an unknown dread. He too was in a deep and profound shock to learn about the tragic killing of his son in the Chakra-Vyuha in the cruelest manner. Even Krishna could not check his tears, hearing about the death of his favourite Nephew. Arjuna was told all the gruesome details, how six maharathis together killed his son.

    Then Arjuna stood up, suddenly and said, Tommorrow, I promise I will kill Jayadratha. If I do not kill him before sunset tommorrow, I will enter the blazing fire with my Gandhiva.

    This lifted the gloom from the hearts of the Pandavas camp. They gave lusty cheers and sounded the drums and trumpets. This unusual and uncalled for cheering drew the attention of the spies and they rushed to Duryodhana to give him the news of Arjuna Oath. In Pandava camp no one could sleep. The death of Abhimanyu had caused too much of grief. They were praying that Arjuna fulfills his terrible oath of killing Jayadratha the next day.

    Jayadratha was panic-stricken hearing about the oath of Arjuna. He rushed to Drona. He said, “I will run away and go back to my kingdom. Arjuna cannot kill a man who has run away from the battle. It is against the dharma and Arjuna is righteous.” Drona laughed and said, Do not talk of Dharma. By running away you may not be able to save your life. Your life can be saved only if you remain in the battle. The entire Kaurava army and all the heroes will guard you only. You are a no mean fighter yourself. Lord Shiva blessed you. Why are you afraid of Arjuna? If he fails to kill you, he will enter the fire. Once Arjuna is gone, the Pandavas would lose the war.” Duryodhana also agreed with the views of Drona. Now Jayadratha was some what pacified.

    It was heart-rendering scene at the Pandavas camp. Arjuna, not having the courage to face his wife Subhadra, asked Krishna to pacify her. It took all task and compassion of Krishna to pacify somehow his sister Subhadra and Draupadi. He asked them to have courage like Kshatriya women and to go to Uttara and comfort her. Subhadra and Draupadi comforted Uttara. She was delirious with sorrow. She was carrying Abhimanyu’s child in her womb, who was to be the sole survivor of the Pandavas.

    Krishna could not sleep. He was worried about Arjuna’s oath. He called his charioteer Daruka. He said, Daruka. Tommorrow, the spies tell us that Drona is going to form a very complex and formidable Vyuha to protect Jayadratha. Besides all other Kaurava warriors Drona and Karna will be there to guard Jayadratha. The Sun being in Dakshinayana sets early now a days. Arjuna will not be able to defeat Drona,Karna and all other warriors, to reach Jayadratha. So keep my chariot ready. Keep my bow, Saranga, Chakra Sudarshana and mace Kaumudiki in it. Fix the Garuda banner. Yoke Valahaka, Shaivya, Meghapushpa and Sugnva, my beloved horses. Wear your armour. When I sound ‘Rishabha’ note from Panchajanya, bring the chariot to me. I have taken an oath not to join the war. But Arjuna is my devotee and a friend. I cannot allow his words to be untrue, even if my words become false. The honour of my devotee is dearer to me than my own honour. Arjuna will not be allowed to fail his words, even if I have to kill Drona and Karna with my own hands. Daruka listened to Krishna’s command with tears in his eyes. He said, I will do as my lord commands, but I can see no way Arjuna can fail when the lord of the universe is guiding his chariot. Daruka left to make the necessary preparations. Then Krishna went to sleep as a burden had been cast off his mind.

    http://www.urday.in/marjunavow.htm

    Jayadratha fought on the side of Duryodhana in the Kurukshetra War. On the 13th day of the Mahabharata war, when the Chakravyuha was launched by Dronacharya, then Jayadrath made use of the first boon granted to him by Lord Shiva. He was able to hold all the Pandava brothers at bay except Arjuna and Krishna who were busy battling elsewhere with Susharma and his brothers. Jayadratha allowed Arjuna’s son Abhimanyu to enter the battle, but effectively closed the opening created by Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu who did not know how to exit from the Chakravyuha got trapped and gets killed in a brutal way by the Kauravas treacherously. After the end of the battle, Jayadratha kicked the dead body of Abhimanyu and rejoiced around it.

    The Pandavas were startled and enraged after finding that Jayadratha (whose life was once spared during the Draupadi’s abduction episode in the past) was able to hold the world’s most powerful warriors at bay. Arjuna blamed Jayadratha to be the cause for Abhimanyu’s death. He vowed to kill him the very next day before sunset, failing which Arjuna would kill himself by jumping in a pyre of fire.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayadratha#Arjuna.27s_revenge