Why Gandhari Blamed Krishna for War Instead of Shakuni or Dhritarashtra

In the epic Mahabharata, Gandhari's blame of Krishna for the Kurukshetra War instead of Shakuni, Duryodhana, or Dhritarashtra is a complex interplay of personal grief, perception of his role, and broader themes of fate and divine intervention.

Role of Krishna

As a central figure in the events leading to the war, Krishna played a significant role in the political landscape of the Mahabharata. He was an ally of the Pandavas, making him a key player in the conflict. Gandhari believed that with his wisdom and influence, Krishna could have intervened more decisively to prevent the war. This perception stems from her faith in his divine power and responsibility to the moral fabric of the kingdom.

Personal Grief

After witnessing the devastating loss of her sons in the war, Gandhari's grief and rage were directed towards Krishna. In a state of anguish, she felt that he, as a friend of the Pandavas, had betrayed her by not doing enough to save her family. This emotional burden further fueled her anger and desire for accountability.

Perception of Inaction

Despite his divine status, Krishna's approach often involved strategic inaction. This could be interpreted as complicity in the war's outcome. Gandhari viewed Krishna as a mediator who, despite his intentions, ultimately allowed the war to happen. This perception of complicity contributed to her feelings of betrayal.

Blame for Fate

In many narratives, characters often seek to blame a higher power for their misfortunes. Gandhari's blame of Krishna reflects a broader theme of fate versus free will in the Mahabharata. She may have seen Krishna as a representative of divine will that allowed the tragic events to unfold. This sense of fate and divine intervention overshadowed her desire to place blame on more direct actors like Shakuni or Duryodhana.

Focus on Outcomes

The devastating consequences of the war overshadowed the actions of individuals like Shakuni and Duryodhana. Gandhari’s focus on the broader outcome of the war led her to direct her anger towards Krishna, who, despite his intentions, could not prevent the tragedy. This critical perspective highlights the complexity of her emotional and moral response to the war's outcome.

As a mother, she knew the Kauravas were Adharmi (unrighteous) and she recognized that despite Krishna's ability to stop the war, he chose not to interfere with the free will of the people involved. He gave numerous chances for peaceful resolution, but these were repeatedly ignored. Gandhari's perspective was deeply rooted in her maternal instincts, focusing on the loss of her sons and the lack of protective action by those she believed should have intervened.

Conclusion

Gandhari's blame of Krishna for the Kurukshetra War is a complex interplay of personal grief, perception of his role, and the overarching themes of fate and divine intervention within the Mahabharata. Her emotions and beliefs were heavily influenced by the loss of her sons and her perception of his inaction, leading to a lingering sense of disappointment and betrayal.