The vast and complex Mahabharata primarily explores the central theme of fulfilling one's sacred duty, referred to as dharma. All other themes within the epic are connected to either the observance or neglect of dharma. Characters who honor their dharma eventually receive rewards, while those who intentionally ignore it face certain consequences. According to Hindu law, individuals have specific roles within society and must act according to the rules of their designated caste. In the Mahabharata, key characters are part of the Kshatriya, or warrior caste. Characters like Yudhishthira, Arjuna, Bhima, and Duryodhana are expected to follow the dharma of warriors, which includes bravery, honor, and respect for their opponents. They must not exploit unfair advantages, such as attacking an unarmed or unsuspecting foe. For example, Duryodhana fights honorably against Bhima, who unjustly strikes him "below the belt" during their duel. Despite Duryodhana's frequent malicious actions, he is ultimately granted entry to heaven for consistently adhering to the warrior's code of dharma.

Yudhishthira, more than any other character in the Mahabharata, represents the ideal observance of dharma. This is illustrated at the epic's end when he refuses to abandon the loyal dog accompanying him on his final journey. It is revealed that this dog is the god Dharma in disguise, testing Yudhishthira's worthiness. Symbolically, Yudhishthira's refusal to forsake his dharma shows his merit to enter heaven upon his death. Throughout the poem, his actions consistently reflect a man devoted to righteous conduct as both a king and a warrior. However, when he fails to uphold these values—such as when he continues gambling until he loses his wealth, kingdom, wife, and the freedom of himself and his brothers—he suffers greatly and pays a heavy price.

In addition to illustrating dharma through individual characters, the Mahabharata includes sections that teach lessons on social and spiritual responsibility. Bhishma's teachings to Yudhishthira highlight the dharma of effective leadership and governance. Ultimately, the Mahabharata suggests that existence and happiness depend less on courage and fate and more on understanding and accepting the rules and duties of dharma.

The concepts of virtue and truth are closely connected to the idea of dharma. The Mahabharata recounts the story of an epic, era-defining conflict that leads to the creation of an empire. It often highlights the virtues of bravery, integrity, and nobility, which form the core of Kshatriya dharma, the ancient Indian warrior's code. Throughout the narrative, characters frequently violate various moral principles. For instance, Sakuni employs deceit to conquer his guests, violating the principles of hospitality and justice. This action indicates to the original audience that Sakuni and his kin are destined to be defeated in the forthcoming war.

Truth and honesty are also pivotal themes in the Mahabharata. Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, the deity of truth, conveys profound truths to the virtuous characters. Most famously, he delivers the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna prior to the epic battle, unveiling essential truths about the illusory nature of death and the cyclical nature of existence. The Bhagavad Gita is a sacred Hindu scripture in its own right; within the Mahabharata, it serves both spiritual and worldly purposes, equipping Arjuna with divine truth and the determination to fulfill his dharma. His fate is to fight for the Pandavas and defeat the Kauravas.

On a symbolic level, the Mahabharata narrates an ancient story of a mythic, primal conflict between the opposing forces of light and darkness. Pandu, the pale, and his sons, the Pandavas, embody order and virtue, standing against the blind Dhritarashtra, his son Duryodhana, and the Kauravas, who represent darkness and chaos. As an allegory, this...

One of the most profound spiritual themes in the Mahabharata is presented in the Bhagavad Gita, which embodies the fundamental teachings of Hinduism. This section of the epic explores ideas such as reincarnation and the possibility of ascending to heaven. In his conversation with Arjuna, Krishna clarifies that death does not mark the conclusion of life. Human souls are everlasting and participate in a cycle known as samsara, or transmigration. Moreover, the law of karma asserts that individuals who adhere to their dharma will be rewarded in future existences. The ultimate aim in this cycle is to attain nirvana, a state where both karma and samsara are surpassed. A soul that achieves nirvana transcends desire and personal consciousness, entering a state of pure enlightenment free from the cycle of rebirth. Embracing this ongoing cycle of purification shows that physical life and death are merely minor aspects of the larger journey of human existence.