Some reflections on the significance of the role of Dhritarashtra

Dhritarashtra was the indirect cause of the battle of Kurukshetra. By not performing his duty as the acting monarch to uphold righteousness the entire unraveling of the culture was the outcome. The dynamic that plays out all throughout Krishna's Pastimes... personal attachment versus dharma (duty).

Dhritarashtra's blinding attachment to his son Duryodhana clouded his judgments. It was that strong. Even Vedavyasa, his father, could not sway him from the path of irreligion. Other demons; Ravana, Hiranyakashipu, Kamsa... are obvious by their outright attacks. But Dhritarashtra is a little different. He had the same disregard for the Personality of Godhead and the same attachment to achieving his goal of power (through his son) but he was more insidious. It was by his "not doing" what needed to be done rather than doing something that should not be done. Dhritarashtra is held responsible for the turning of age and the events of Kurukshetra.

In a similar way we see a little further on the cursing of Maharaja Pariksit by the brahmana's son as more indications of the breaking down of human culture. The misuse of power by the brahman's son Shringi. The Kshatriya class had been all but destroyed at Kurukshetra with only Maharaj Pariksit surviving to rule. Then his demise came by the weakening brahminical class in the form of Shringi's curse.

These events ushered in the Age of Kali.