2.32 Happy are the Kshatriyas, O Arjuna! who are called upon to fight in such a battle that comes of itself as an open door to heaven.

2.32 Yadrcchaya etc. A war of this nature, because it is conducive to the heaven, should not be avoided even by other such Ksatriyas who are full of desires How much less [it is to be avoided] in the case of one to whom the science of knowledge of this nature has been taught ? This is what is intended to be conveyed [here] And the verse does not at all end with [determining how to attain] the heaven. The very thing (i.e. sin), fearing which you withdraw from the battle, will befall you branching off hundredfold. This [the Lord] says-

**2.32.** "This war that has come to you of its own accord is also an open gateway to heaven. O son of Prithā, those Kshatriyas are most fortunate who obtain such a war." **Commentary:** The explanation—'Yadṛcchayā copapannaṁ svargadvāramapāvṛtam'—When gambling with the dice against the Pāṇḍavas, Duryodhana had set the condition that if they lost, they would have to undergo twelve years of exile in the forest and one year of incognito living. After the thirteenth year, they would get their kingdom back. However, if they were discovered during the year of incognito living, they would have to undergo another twelve years of exile in the forest. Having lost the gamble, the Pāṇḍavas, as per the condition, completed the twelve years of exile and one year of incognito living. After that, when they demanded their kingdom, Duryodhana said that he would not give them even land measuring the sharp point of a needle without a war. Even after Duryodhana said this, peace proposals were repeatedly offered from the side of the Pāṇḍavas, but Duryodhana did not accept peace with them. Therefore, the Lord tells Arjuna that this war has come to you of its own accord. For a Kshatriya hero who dies fighting valiantly in such a righteous war that has come of its own accord, the gateway to heaven remains open. 'Sukhinaḥ Kṣatriyāḥ Pārtha Labhante Yuddhamīdṛśam'—Those Kshatriyas who have obtained such a righteous war are most fortunate. Here, the meaning of calling them 'fortunate' is that the happiness which lies in performing one's duty is not found in enjoying worldly pleasures. Even animals and birds experience the happiness of worldly enjoyments. Therefore, those who have obtained the opportunity to perform their duty should be considered very blessed. **Connection:** In the next four verses, the consequences of not fighting are described.