Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 32

English Translation

O son of Partha, happy are the Ksatriyas who come across this kind of a battle, which presents itself unsought for and which is an open gate to heaven.

Detailed Commentary

Explanation: 'यदृच्छया चोपपन्नं स्वर्गद्वारमपावृतम्' -- Upon losing the game of dice to the Pandavas, Duryodhana had laid down the condition that they would have to undergo twelve years of *Vanavasa* (exile in the forest) and one year of *Agyatavasa* (incognito living). After the thirteenth year, they would get their kingdom back. However, if they were discovered during *Agyatavasa*, they would have to endure another twelve years of *Vanavasa*. Having lost in the game of dice, the Pandavas endured the *Vanavasa* and *Agyatavasa* according to this condition. After this, when they asked for their kingdom, Duryodhana declared that he would not yield even a needle-point of land without a war. Despite Duryodhana's obstinate attitude, the Pandavas repeatedly offered proposals for reconciliation, but Duryodhana did not accept the *Sandhi* (peace treaty). Therefore, the Lord tells Arjuna that this war has come to him of its own accord. For a *Kshatriya* who fights valiantly in a righteous war (*Dharmamaya Yuddha*) and attains death, the gates of *Svarga* (heaven) are open. 'सुखिनः क्षत्रियाः पार्थ लभन्ते युद्धमीदृशम्' -- Those *Kshatriyas* who receive such a righteous war are truly fortunate. Here, *Sukhi* implies that the joy found in fulfilling one's duty is not present in worldly pleasures. Worldly pleasures are experienced even by animals and birds. Therefore, those who get an opportunity to fulfill their duty should be considered truly fortunate. Connection: The harm caused by not fighting the war is described in the next four verses.