Battlefield where the Mahabharata war was fought between Pandavas and Kauravas. See Mahabharata. (Glossary for the Vahinis)
The field on which the battle was fought was called Dharmakshetra, for historically it was a sacred place where sacrifices and other sacred and auspicious acts had been performed. (DBG, p. 100)
Dharmakshetra and Kurukshetra (field of virtue and of action) are not to be looked for near Delhi or Hasthinaapur, on the map or on the ground. Nor are the Pandavas and Kauravas merely princely clans figuring in the tale. The human body is named Kshetra, and so Dharmakshetra is in every one. When the owner of the body discards all desires, all passions, all impulses and all propulsions, then the body becomes Dharmakshetra!
A child has in its heart only Dharmakshetra, for, it has not yet developed sensual desire. It accepts whatever is offered. Its ego is not yet ramified into the objective world of multiplicity.
But, later, when it grows branches and foliage, the Dharmakshetra takes the shape of Kurukshetra-the battlefield where the mind struggles between hope and despair, and is compelled to consume the diverse fruits, sweet and bitter, of one’s acts. (SSS Vol.17, p. 147)
The field on which the battle was fought was called Dharmakshetra, for historically it was a sacred place where the wicked off springs of Kuru, the dynastic family of the Kauravas had lived; therefore, it was also called Kurukshetra. When a body is born it is pure and unblemished... A body not affected by any of the Gunas is Dharmakshetra. As the body grows, it goes on collecting different types of bad qualities like jealousy, hatred, attachment and so on. When all these things develop in the body, it becomes Kurukshetra. Therefore, the same body is both Dharmakshetra and Kurukshetra. Good and bad are both encased in your heart... The war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas did not last for a long time, but the war between the forces of good and evil continues throughout your life; it has no end. This battle is fought on the field of Dharma. Entering the field of Dharmakshetra, there should be a transformation in your nature; that is the significance of this battle.(ML, p. 6)
It was the thirteenth day (Thrayodasi) of the dark fortnight (bhaula paksha) in the month of Kartika. The Kaurava army consisting of 11 Divisions was arrayed in the battlefield of Kurukshetra, also called as Dharmakshetra. In front of the army stood a white chariot with white horses harnessed to it. Bhishma the elderly Commander-in-chief of the army wearing white dress white turban was seated in the chariot, like a ferocious lion ready to pounce upon its prey. On opposite side was lined up the army of the Pandavas consisting of 7 Divisions. The mighty Bhima was the Commander-in –chief of the Pandava army. On seeing the great warrior Bhishma who performed 300AshvamedhaYagasleading the kaurva army, the Pandavas were struck with great fear. On one side, the horses were neighing and elephants were roaring signifying their impatience to jump into war. The flags on all the chariotson both sides were fluttering indicating their readiness to march into the opposite side. The swords in the hands of the solidiers were glittering . amidst the war-surcharged atmosphere came a chariot was seated a person looking weak and in a mood of despondency while another person driving the chariot was teaching something and trying to instill courage and confidence in him. They were Arjuna, the noblest among the humans and Krishna, the AvatarPurusha.
Krishna came down to the level of an ordinary human being and made the Gitapadesa (teaching BhagavadGita) to Arjuna to enable him to regain his courage and self confidence so that he can discharge his duty as an ideal human being. After a few minutes, Krishna came down to the chariot of Dharmaraja, briskly. No one knew what transpired between them. But, Dharmaraja took out his shield, removed his footwear and put down his crown. He started walking towardsthe Kaurava army with folded hands. The people who witnessed this scene cried loud, in surprise. They thought Dharmaraja was coming to surrender before the Kauravas. But, Arjuna and Bhima experienced untold suffering on seeing Dharmaraja in that mood. They were unable to realise the inner meaning in Dharmaraja’s actions. Krishna then came to Bhima and Arjuna and signalled them to follow their brother. They immediately followed Krishna’s command. Thus, Dharmaraja along with his brothers Bhima and Arjuna went to near Bhishma in the Kaurava army. Bhishma the noblest among the Kaurava warriors could understand the inner meaning of their visit and felt very happy at the nole qualities of Dharmaraja. Dharmaja then fell at the feet of Bhishma and prayed, ‘Oh! Grandfather! We could attain this present position only on account of your loving care and fostering. We lost our father at a very young age and you took us into your fold and nourished and nurtured us. We owe our present status and position to you. Unfortunately, we are involved in a situation where we had to fight a war against you. In this critical situation, we need your permission and blessings to engage in this war. Kindly therefore bless us.’ The grand sire was very pleased. His heart melted on seeing Pandavas trying to adhere to dharma and duty even in such a critical moment. He embraced Dharmaraja and blessed him saying, ‘Dear Son! May you be victorious in this war! You stuck to your duty towards the elders in this terrifying battlefield. The same dharma which you protected will protect you also.’Bhima, Arjuna Nakula and Sahadeva also prostrated before Bhishma and obtained blessings. Thereafter, the Pandava brothers went to their Guru Dronacharya and sought his blessings. Dharmaja told him, ‘You are our Guru. We are your disciples. Unfortunately, a war has ensued between the Guru and his disciples. We consider it a great sin to fight against you, ‘Dronacharya was deeply moved by the prayers of Dharmaja and blessed him saying, ‘Your dharma alone will ensure victory to you in this war.’ Thus, Krishna taught such ideals to the Pandavas. The omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient Lord Krishna underwent several ordeals. Why? For his Glory? No; not at all! There was not even an iota of selfishness in the actions of Krishna. Whatever He did was only for the sake of those who have taken refuge in Him. Out of love for His devotees and for protecting them, God went through several ordeals and led an ideal life.(Beacons of Divine Wisdom Part 2, pp. 39-41)