Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta Chapter 1 shlok 13

King Dhritarashtra’s question to Sanjay, inquiring about the activities of his sons and the sons of Pandu on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, was rooted in a complex mix of emotions and concerns. His deep attachment to his own sons, particularly Duryodhana, clouded his spiritual wisdom and led him away from the path of righteousness. He had, in the past, committed great injustices by denying the Pandavas their rightful share of the kingdom, and this weighed heavily on his conscience.

The term “dharma kṣhetre,” which signifies the field of righteousness or virtuous conduct, alludes to the inner dilemma Dhritarashtra was grappling with. Kurukshetra was considered a sacred land, where dharma was nourished and upheld.

Dhritarashtra’s anxiety stemmed from several factors. He was concerned that the sanctity of the battlefield might influence his sons, awakening their sense of moral discernment. Such a development could potentially lead them to reconsider their decision to engage in a deadly conflict with their cousins, the Pandavas. A negotiated peace would have meant that the Pandavas would continue to be a thorn in the side of his own ambitions and those of his sons.

Despite his uncertainties about the consequences of the impending war, Dhritarashtra still harbored a desire to determine the fate of his sons. He was torn between his affection for them and the recognition that the battle might bring about their downfall. Therefore, he turned to Sanjay for information about the unfolding events on the battlefield, seeking to understand the course of this monumental conflict.