The burning of Khandavaprastha to create Indraprastha in the
Mahabharata has deep symbolism and hidden warning for human beings. Khandavaprastha
was a dense forest full of animals, birds, beasts, Nagas and Rakshasas. It was
destroyed (burned down) to create Indraprastha, a city for human beings. This probably reflects the actual burning of forests to clear land for agriculture.
Nature was destroyed to create a society only for human
beings. Human civilization and laws replaced pristine nature.
All modern cities were built by destroying large number of
animals and plants. Human civilization brought death and killing.
When should this death and killing end? Krishna had the answer
– at the point when needs have been met, before greed takes over. A society
based on Dharma ruled by a Dharmic king recognizes the fine line between need
and greed.
It is important to note that all this destruction creates a
cycle of revenge. Those that suffered wait for an opportunity to strike back.
Pandavas suffered throughout the Mahabharata – their descendants right up to
their great grandson Janamejaya had to suffer.
When Krishna asked Yudhisthira the first ruler of Indraprastha
to stop at the point when needs have been met, before greed takes over. It was
a warning for humanity.
Thoughtless human activity and consumerism based purely on
greed has ruined earth.
The cycle of revenge is still going on. Nature keeps
striking back at humans.
Nature has been always powerful than human beings.
Soon or later all cities (Indraprastha) will have to turn
back to forest (Khandavaprastha).