The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most revered scriptures in Hindu philosophy, offering profound wisdom on life, duty, and spirituality. However, one of its most contentious components is Krishna's speech on war. As Arjuna hesitates to fight in the Kurukshetra war, Krishna urges him to fulfil his Kshatriya (warrior) duty, leading many to question: Did Krishna justify war? Was his message a promotion of violence, or did it teach a deeper lesson about virtue and responsibility?

This article examines Krishna's justification for war through lines from the Bhagavad Gita, as well as its moral and philosophical consequences.

A. Context: Battlefield of KurukshetraThe Bhagavad Gita is set during the Mahabharata's epic conflict, when the Pandavas (righteous) fight the Kauravas (unjust). Arjuna, the Pandavas' best warrior, is overcome with doubt and anguish as he contemplates killing his own relatives, mentors, and friends. In this moment of moral dilemma, Krishna dispenses divine knowledge, encouraging Arjuna to overcome his reservations and fight.

The most controversial verse that appears to justify war is

"Therefore, Arjuna, arise!" Give up your timidity and stand firm." (The Bhagavad Gita 2:3)

At first glance, this may appear to be Krishna pushing Arjuna towards violence. However, a more in-depth grasp of Krishna's teachings reveals a far more nuanced viewpoint.


B. Krishna's Justification for War: Dharma above EmotionKrishna does not support war for personal gain or damage. Instead, he discusses Dharma (just responsibility) and the importance of acting when injustice occurs.

1. Duty as a Kshatriya (Warrior Dharma)"You should not waver in your commitment to your dharma as a warrior. A righteous fight is the most honourable thing a warrior can do." (The Bhagavad Gita 2:31)

Krishna emphasises that Arjuna, as a Kshatriya (warrior), has a responsibility to maintain justice. Avoiding fights due to mental discomfort would be abdicating his role and allowing injustice to flourish. Krishna teaches that battling for righteousness is not a violent act but rather a responsibility to maintain social balance.

2. The Immortality of the SoulOne of the Gita's central lessons is that the body is impermanent and the soul is immortal. Krishna promises Arjuna:

"The soul is never born or dies, nor does it cease to exist after it has existed." The soul is eternal, unchanging, and ancient." (The Bhagavad Gita 2:20)

Here, Krishna provides a spiritual perspective on war. He argues that physical death is not the end—what truly matters is the soul’s eternal journey. This removes the fear of death and highlights that performing one’s duty should not be hindered by attachment to life and death.

3. War Against Unrighteousness (Adharma)Krishna makes it clear that war is justified only when it is fought to uphold righteousness. He states

When there is a decrease in righteousness and an increase in wickedness, I manifest myself to restore Dharma. (Bhagavad Gita 4:7-8).

This text does not glorify violence but rather illustrates how divine intervention is used to restore equilibrium when injustice prevails. The Kurukshetra War was fought not for personal vengeance but against injustice, dishonesty, and oppression.


C. Is Krishna Justifying Violence? A moral perspectiveWhile Krishna's statements appear to urge conflict, he never promotes senseless violence. His teachings emphasise selfless action, righteousness, and the protection of the Dharma.

1. War as the Last Resort.Krishna tells Arjuna that peace is always desirable, but when all other peaceful attempts fail, fighting becomes essential. In the Mahabharata, the Pandavas tried to negotiate peace several times, but Duryodhana's arrogance and avarice forced them to war.

This is consistent with the current notion of just war, which holds that violence is only acceptable when it protects justice and prevents further harm.

2. Detachment from Results (Karma Yoga)"You have the right to perform your duty, but never to its fruits. Do not be attached to the results of your actions." (Bhagavad Gita 2:47).

Krishna teaches Arjuna how to act without regard for success or failure. He does not encourage war for personal gain but instructs Arjuna to fight with a sense of duty, without ego or hatred.

This principle is key in understanding Krishna’s justification—war is not for revenge or conquest but for the restoration of justice.

3. The Path of Bhakti (Devotion) and Ahimsa (Non-Violence)Interestingly, the Bhagavad Gita also promotes peace, devotion, and non-violence. Krishna declares:

He who is free from animosity towards others, pleasant and compassionate, free of attachment and ego, is beloved to Me." (Bhagavad Gita 12.13)

This emphasises that Krishna's teachings do not celebrate fighting but rather encourage justice and purity of heart.


D. Did Krishna justify the war? Yes and no are both possible answers.Yes, Krishna justified war when it was essential to defend Dharma and overthrow injustice. He pushed Arjuna to fight for justice rather than personal gain.

No, Krishna did not promote violence for selfish reasons. He emphasised detachment, morality, and the idea that war should only be used as a last resort.

Krishna's teachings go beyond the battlefield. They apply to life's challenges, ethical quandaries, and the eternal battle between good and evil. His message is one of balance, duty, and moral responsibility, rather than hostility.


E. Final thoughtKrishna's comments prompt us to consider our own fights, whether in politics, business, or personal life. The true lesson from the Bhagavad Gita is to act with courage, righteousness, and a pure heart while understanding the deeper realities of existence.

So, did Krishna justify the war? Perhaps the fundamental question is whether we are fighting the appropriate fights in our own lives.

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