Mahabharat Essay Writing Competition Winning Essays (Part 1)

 

We organized an Essay Writing Competition on the theme "Lessons I learnt from the Mahabharat," we got amazing responses and our winners depicted through their excellent writing skills the lessons they have learnt from this timeless epic. So here we present to you some of the best essays penned down by our writers. 

Our Winners under English Category are - 

1st Place Winners - 

Niharika Kiran 

Essay - 

   A key theme throughout the story is dharma. But what exactly is it? The central conflict between the cousins, the Kauravas and Pandavas, is called dharmayuddha, meaning a battle for righteousness. The narrative includes the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna before the Kurukshetra war, where Arjuna experiences doubt about the morality of the fight and his responsibilities.

   The passage discusses dharma and swadharma in detail. Bhishma imparts teachings on rajadharma to Yudhishthira while lying on his deathbed. Vidura counsels Dhritarashtra on his duties as the king and leader of the family. Draupadi and Kunti urge Yudhishthira to adhere to his dharma.

  So, what is it precisely?

  It is commonly interpreted as religion or, at times, as law. These terms, although not entirely accurate, effectively convey the concept of dharma. Dharma refers to the faith in a deity or deities and a structured framework of beliefs, rituals, and regulations employed to venerate a deity or deities and their interests. In simple words, it can be referred to as righteousness.

  In the Mahabharata, Krishna states that dharma supports existence. Dharma refers to what is essential for life to continue. Sri Aurobindo describes dharma as "the complete regulation of all interactions between humans and other entities, with the environment, and with the divine, viewed through the lens of a divine principle manifesting itself in various forms and laws of action, aspects of both inner and outer existence, and the arrangement of all types of relationships in the universe."

  Dharma encompasses both what we cling to and what unifies our internal and external actions. When dharma is related to governance, rulers, and officials concerning their realm and people, it is termed rajadharma. When related to relationships, it transforms into putra dharma, pati dharma, patni dharma, etc.

   Just before the Kurukshetra war, Arjuna encounters dharma sankata, or a moral conflict. He is attempting to prioritise family or fairness. While attempting to persuade Duryodhana and Dhritarashtra against their unfair treatment of the Pandavas, Bhishma assumed the role of a Kuru patriarch, urging Dhritarashtra to adhere to the rule of law or obey the king's commands as a devoted servant would.

  When Yudhishthira accepted the invitation to participate in the dice game, he confronted the choice of being a good son and warrior by following his uncle's commands, or risking his reputation by declining to play and safeguarding his own interests. Dhritarashtra constantly grappled with the choice between being a ruler and a parent. Kunti confronted it while abandoning Karna, and again when she disclosed the truth to him upon his return to her life.

  Just as it occurred in the Mahabharata, so it happens in our individual lives. We consistently encounter such conflicts. What actions should we take in specific scenarios? How do we establish priorities?

   Vidura suggests that the focus should be on the greater good. “Offer your son to save the village and offer the village to safeguard your nation, but to safeguard your own atma, be prepared to relinquish everything,” he states. An individual's conscience reigns supreme. An untroubled conscience is what fosters inner peace.

   Thus, in his counsel to Dhritarashtra, Vidura emphasises his point: act for the good of all and, above all, for your atma, guided by unclouded wisdom. There are no simple, context-independent solutions for addressing ethical dilemmas. However, it is intriguing that if we genuinely tune into our inner intuition, we will understand the right course of action for a particular circumstance.

   The next lesson I gathered from the Mahabharata is the wisdom of the widowed queen Kunti, who is Pandu's wife and the mother of the Pandavas. Kunti knew very well that Krishna was the Supreme Personality of Godhead, even though He was acting as her nephew. An enlightened individual could not err by paying respects to her nephew; hence, she referred to Him as the original Purusha, transcending the material universe.

   While every living being is transcendental, they are neither original nor flawless. Living beings are prone to being ensnared by material nature, but the Lord is never subjected to that. In the Vedas, He is thus depicted as the foremost among all beings: nityo nityānāṁ cetanaś cetanānām. He is referred to once more as Ishvara, meaning the controller. The living beings or the demigods such as Chandra and Surya are, to a certain degree, Ishvara, yet none of them is the Supreme Ishvara or the final authority. Krishna is the Supreme Soul, or the Parameshvara. He exists both inside and outside.

Even though He was before Kunti as her nephew, He was simultaneously within her and all individuals. In the Bhagavad Gita, the Lord states, "I reside in every heart, and it is solely because of Me that one remembers, forgets, and is aware. I am to be understood through all the Vedas, as I am the compiler of the Vedas and the instructor of the Vedanta."

   Queen Kunti affirms that the Lord, though present both inside and outside all creatures, remains unseen. The Lord is, in a sense, a conundrum for the average person. Queen Kunti felt firsthand that Lord Krishna was present with her, yet He penetrated Uttara's womb to protect her embryo from Ashvatthama's Brahmastra attack. Kunti was confused about whether Shri Krishna is omnipresent or confined to a specific place. Indeed, He embodies both, yet He maintains the prerogative to avoid being revealed to those who are not surrendered spirits. This curtain of scrutiny is referred to as maya, representing the energy of the Supreme Lord, and it regulates the restricted perception of the defiant soul.

“You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Protect dharma and dharma will protect you.” – Krishna, Bhagavad Gita (2.47)

1st Place winner -

Minakshi Jha

Essay

"The Mahabharata is not merely an epic; it is the mirror of human life." This timeless masterpiece, composed by the sage Ved Vyasa, transcends the boundaries of history and mythology. It is a profound exploration of human emotions, moral dilemmas, justice, ambition, and duty. The characters of the Mahabharata are not flawless heroes or absolute villains; they are deeply human, making choices that shape their destinies. This is what makes the epic eternally relevant. Every reading reveals a new lesson, encouraging us to reflect upon our own lives.

 The lesson that resonates with me most is that dharma, or righteousness, must always guide our actions. Throughout the epic, the Pandavas endure betrayal, exile, humiliation, and suffering. Despite these hardships, they strive to uphold justice and integrity. Their journey reminds us that the path of righteousness is rarely easy, yet it is the only path that leads to lasting honour. In today's world, where shortcuts and dishonesty often appear tempting, the Mahabharata inspires me to remain truthful even when the truth demands sacrifice.

Another profound lesson is beautifully expressed in the Bhagavad Gita, where Lord Krishna tells Arjuna, "You have the right to perform your duty, but not to the fruits of your actions." This teaching has transformed my understanding of success. Instead of being consumed by anxiety about results, I have learnt to focus on sincere effort. Whether preparing for an examination or pursuing a dream, dedication and perseverance matter far more than immediate rewards. Success earned through honest labour is both meaningful and enduring.

The Mahabharata also teaches that knowledge without wisdom is incomplete. Many characters possess extraordinary abilities, yet wisdom distinguishes the truly great from the merely powerful. Arjuna becomes victorious not solely because of his skill with the bow but because he seeks guidance from Lord Krishna. This reminds me that intelligence alone cannot solve every problem. Humility, openness to learning, and the willingness to seek advice from parents, teachers, and mentors are equally essential.

Perhaps the most tragic lesson emerges through the downfall of Duryodhana. His jealousy of the Pandavas consumes him until it destroys his peace, his family, and ultimately his kingdom. His story illustrates that envy is a poison that harms the one who harbours it more than the one at whom it is directed. Instead of comparing myself with others, I should strive to improve my own abilities and celebrate the achievements of those around me.

The epic also compels us to think deeply about loyalty and moral responsibility. Karna is admired for his generosity, courage, and unwavering loyalty to Duryodhana. Yet his loyalty binds him to an unjust cause. This paradox teaches me that loyalty is a noble virtue only when it serves truth and justice. Supporting a friend should never mean supporting wrongdoing. True friendship encourages honesty, correction, and moral courage.

Another lesson that leaves a lasting impression is the importance of self-control. The disastrous game of dice demonstrates how a single moment of weakness can alter the course of history. Pride, anger, greed, and impulsive decisions often produce consequences far beyond our imagination. This reminds me to cultivate patience, think carefully before acting, and never allow emotions to overpower reason.

What fascinates me most about the Mahabharata is that it does not present life in simple shades of black and white. Even noble characters make mistakes, while flawed characters possess admirable qualities. Yudhishthira's love for truth is accompanied by moments of poor judgment. Bhishma's unwavering commitment to his vows sometimes prevents him from opposing injustice. Such complexities teach me that moral choices are often difficult, requiring wisdom, compassion, and careful reflection rather than hasty judgment.

Above all, the Mahabharata teaches that every action carries consequences. Our destiny is shaped not merely by fate but by the decisions we make each day. Honesty builds trust, kindness nurtures relationships, and perseverance leads to growth, while greed, hatred, and arrogance inevitably bring suffering. These timeless truths remain as relevant in the twenty-first century as they were thousands of years ago.

In conclusion, the Mahabharata is not simply the story of an ancient war; it is a guidebook for ethical living. It encourages us to uphold righteousness, perform our duties with sincerity, seek wisdom over pride, and choose compassion over hatred. The lessons of the epic illuminate every stage of life, reminding us that true victory lies not in defeating others but in conquering our own weaknesses. By embracing these teachings, we become not only successful individuals but also responsible citizens and compassionate human beings. That, to me, is the greatest lesson the Mahabharata has to offer.