Bhagavad Gita story in English

Updated: Nov 28

The Bhagavad Gita is a very special book that teaches us how to live a good and happy life. It is like a guide from Bhagwan Shri Krishna, full of lessons about doing the right thing, being brave, and staying calm in tough times. Krishna shared these teachings with Arjuna during an important battle, and they can help us too! Let’s dive into this amazing story and discover what makes the Gita so special.

myNachiketa delightfully presents the story of the Bhagavad Gita for kids.

Thousands of years ago, in Hastinapur, there were two brothers named Pandu and Dhritarashtra. Dhritarashtra was the elder, and Pandu was the younger. Since Dhritarashtra was blind, Pandu became the king. Pandu had five sons—Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva—who were known as the Pandavas. On the other hand, Dhritarashtra had a hundred sons, known as the Kauravas.

Once Pandu got very ill and could not continue with his responsibilities as a king. Therefore, Dhritarashtra became the new king, although he was blind. After ruling for many years, Dhritarashtra grew old, and it became necessary for Hastinapur to have a new king.

Yudhishthira, the eldest among the Pandavas was to become king. However, Duryodhana, the eldest of the Kauravas, was envious of Yudhishthira. With cunning tactics, he exiled the Pandavas from the kingdom so that he could become king himself.

Pandavas demanded their rightful share in the kingdom, but Duryodhana refused to give even a penny. To follow their duty and uphold the truth, the Pandavas decided to fight the Kauravas. This is known as the Great War of Mahabharata which took place in Kurukshetra.

Bhagwan Shri Krishna became the saarthi (charioteer) of Arjuna to show him the right path. As the war was about to begin, Arjuna, feeling overwhelmed, laid down his bow and arrows. He was filled with doubt and refused to fight against his cousins, teachers, friends, and family on the opposite side. At that moment, Bhagwan Krishna gave Arjuna the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, guiding him on the right path, helping him understand the difference between right and wrong, and reminding him of his duty.

Arjuna had multiple questions in his mind, like why should I go on a war with my cousins, teachers, and family? Is the war necessary? What will happen to them, if I defeat them? Everybody will give a bad name to me as I am fighting my relatives.

Like this Arjuna had many questions and Shri Krishna answered all his questions, making his mind clear of any doubts and confusions. This knowledge that Shri Krishna gave to Arjuna is recorded in the Bhagavad Gita.

Krishna explained, that the body can be destroyed but the soul (Atman) is eternal. It cannot be destroyed, Atman neither dies nor takes birth, it cannot be burned, it cannot be made wet or dry. So, even if the body dies the Atamn remains forever, as it is eternal.

Krishna also told Arjuna, that he must fight as he is a warrior, it is his duty to establish righteousness and to stand up for truthfulness.

Shri Krishna also explained to Arjun about Nishkam Karm that everybody should do their work, and perform duties without any selfish desires. Bhagwan Krishna also advised Arjuna not to worry about the result of the war or the outcome of his actions. Instead, he should focus solely on performing his duty with dedication. Krishna taught that everyone should concentrate on doing their work honestly, without being attached to the results.

In this way, Arjuna asked Krishna many questions, and Krishna answered each one of them. Listening to Krishna's answers cleared all of Arjuna's doubts.

Arjuna immediately picked up his bow and arrow and prepared for battle. The Pandavas emerged victorious in the war, and Yudhishthira became the king.

So, children, just like Arjuna, we may have doubts. To clear our doubts, we can read the Bhagavad Gita or seek help from our teachers and parents. We should also ask many questions, the way Arjuna did to clear our confusion and seek clarity.