Geethartha Chinthane 69: Global Government, Global War

In the Bhagavad Gita, Sanjaya refers to the ruler as “Prithiveepathe,” indicating that the kings of that time were not just rulers of Hastinapura but of the entire world. It was a global government, with one king for the whole world and Hastinapura as the global capital. This concept of a united global governance existed only during that time. Later, countries were divided, and different kings ruled different nations. The Mahabharata war was a global war. That is why soldiers and kings from places like Afghanistan, Russia, and Indonesia participated in the war.

Sanjaya also addresses Dhritarashtra as “Mahiipathe,” reaffirming his status as a global ruler. When referring to Arjuna’s chariot, he calls it Kapidhvaja (the one with the monkey emblem). There is a reason for this. Hanuman is the symbol of victory, indicating that the Pandavas would hoist the flag of victory in the future. In the war, the number of kings was fewer, while the number of soldiers was higher.

When Krishna deliberately placed Arjuna’s chariot in front of Bhishma and Drona to humble Arjuna’s ego, Arjuna saw his grandfather, teachers, uncles, and relatives standing before him. How is this possible? Out of fear, everyone seemed to appear as his kin. Arjuna then expresses his sorrow, saying, “I am about to destroy my own family.”

~ Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Matha

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