|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 40 – The legend of Lord Krishna - Dhritharashtra and Devi Gandhari leaving the mortal coil

Vidura speaks to Dhritarashtra “Oh! Rajan, the body has to undergo ruin and death, the supreme soul resides as a soul in us has no birth and death. Your body will face ruin at any moment; therefore the time has arrived to leave this palace. Oh! Rajan, you have to get rid of worldly bondage and attachments and practice the mind and intellect to attain union with the Supreme Lord.” Dhritarashtra was immensely pleased with Vidura, thus they have decided to leave the palace of Hastinapura on the very next day before Pandava visit his chamber in the early hours of dawn, to prostrate before him.  Devi Gandhari followed Dhritharashtra, led by Vidura moved out the palace was witnessed by Sanjaya.  Dhritarashtra strictly ordered Sanyaja do not let Pandavas to know that he and Devi Gandhari left the palace forever. Sanjaya could not bear the grief, shed tears of utter distress.  Thus, Dhritarashtra hold the hand of Vidura and followed by Devi Gandhari left the palace of Hastinapura.

Vidura brought Dhritarashtra and Devi Gandhari on the riverbank of Ganga in Haridwar. Vidura taught him the highest of the spiritual knowledge, with the constant practice of meditation and contemplation upon supreme Lord, recitation of glorious myths and listening to his various pastimes, Dhritharshtra and Devi Gandhari got rid of all the impurities and sins.  Thus, Dhritharashthra got his sight of wisdom and supreme knowledge; he realized the presence of the supreme Lord in him, left his mortal coil.  Vidura performed the last rite of his elder brother; Devi Gandhari who has already attained the highest state of spirituality sacrificed her life in the funeral pyre of her husband. Vidura felt highly pleased for them and conducted his spiritual journey.

In the palace of Hastinapura, it was the daily practice of Pandavas to perform religious rites in the early hours and prostrate before Dhritharashtra and Devi Gandhari.  As usual, on that day Pandavas entered the chamber of Dhritarashtra and found it was empty. They conducted rigorous search all over the palace, but did not find them, they enquired Sanjaya who was in extreme grief, and shedding tears could not utter a word.  Dharmaputhra became grief-stricken, wept bitterly “Oh! Bhagavan, I have committed a grave sin towards my elderly parents-like King Dhritarashtra and Devi Gandhari, they have lost all their children in the war field, no one to look after them, they might have felt shame to live with us and consume the meal.  I have lost them due to my inefficiency; I have not taken care of them appropriately.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 39 – The legend of Lord Krishna - Vidura's stay in the palace of Hastinapura

Vidura had a pleasing conversion with Yudhishtira, he did not mention the departure of Supreme Lord Krishna to his abode or Vrishnis destruction, because he was well aware of the fact that Dharmaputhra could not receive the message in a more matured manner, he could not accept the fact with serenity, even though he was the ruler of great Kingdom, he was not spiritually elevated his soul to the supreme Lord.  Thus, Vidura lived in the palace of Hastinapura with his brother and Pandava for quite some time.

While living in the palace of Hastinapura, Vidura noticed that the Pandavas have a high reverence for Devi Gandhari and Dhritarashtra like their parents. One day, he watched Bheema affectionately feeding Dhritharashtra, it brought tears in the eyes of Vidura. After Bheema left the chamber of Dhritarashtra, he entered inside and closed the doors behind.  He took a seat near Dhritarashtra and speaks “Oh! Bhratha, it is a shameless act to receive  meals from the hands of Pandava, that too you have no right to receive a meal from Bheema after that devious act towards him. You have become shameless, you have lost children and grandchildren, you are approaching death, and the time has arrived to elevate your soul.”

It was after the great Kurukshetra battle, Krishna advises Pandavas to prostrate before Dhritarashtra who is equivalent to his father lost all his children in the battle, sunk in deep grief, fall at his feet and ask for forgiveness for all that happened on the battlefield.   Dharmaputhra, went to prostrate before him, fallen at his feet and shed tears and consoled him all that happened in the battlefield was at the will of ‘Time’, and embraced each other in tears.  Bheema prepared to meet Dhritharashtra was stopped by Krishna, and an idol of Bheema kept before Dhritharashtra was embraced by him, Alas! The idol in the embrace of Dhritarashtra crushed into several pieces.  The brutal death of Duryodhana and Dhusshasana in the hands of Bheema was accumulated anger in the heart of Dhritarashtra, made him do so. Later, Dhritarashtra cried out of guilt was pacified by Krishna.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 38 – The legend of Lord Krishna - The legend of Vidura 

Udhdhava who is highly intellectual met Krishna in the city of Mathura, had excellent farsightedness as equivalent as Krishna.  Therefore Krishna had a lot of faith and respect for Udhdhava who has already surrendered his life to Krishna.  He did not marry; he used all those clothes worn by Krishna, consumed a leftover meal of Krishna, lived like a shadow of Krishna.  Vidura saw Udhdhava in saffron robes, matted hair locks, carrying the sandalwood Padhuka on his head; Vidura could not recognize him for a moment. Vidura asks Udhdhava about Krishna, his eyes overflow with tears, informed Krishna’s departure from the Earth, and the destruction of Vrishnis.  Vidura was traumatized, soon regained his confidence. Udhdhava informed his journey to Badarikshram at the instruction of Krishna after receiving the highest of the spiritual knowledge from him before leaving the Earth. Vidura requests Udhdhava to teach him the highest of the spiritual knowledge that was taught by Krishna.  Udhdhava conveyed the message of Krishna to Vidura to receive that great knowledge from Maharishi Maitreya. Once again, Vidura remembered the compassion of Lord Krishna and the turn of events to leave the palace of Hastinapura.

Vidura visited various sacred places and the hermitage of Rishis and sages learned scriptures and spiritual knowledge finally arrived in the hermitage of Rishi Maitreya attained that highest of the spiritual knowledge.  Thus, it was almost thirty-five years after glorious battle of Mahabharath, Vidura returned to the Kingdom of Hastinapura.  King Yudhishtira reverentially received Vidura whose face had a supreme radiance and he was serene, there was no grief or guilt on his face.  King Yudhishtira engaged in fruitful conversation with him, Vidura informed all those details of his spiritual journey except for the departure of Krishna to his abode and the destruction of Vrishnis.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 37 – The legend of Lord Krishna - Krishna's arrival to Dwaraka - Legend of Vidura

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Shaunakadhis, Krishna arrived in the city of Dwaraka was received with the people with great enthusiasm and cheers. Krishna greeted them with a pleasing and compassionate smile; people assembled were prostrated before him.  The Vrishnis considered Krishna as the supreme Lord who is the creator of the Universe and its living beings; they have considered him as Pitha, Matha, Suhrith, Pathi, Guru, Paramam and deity as well.  Thus, the majestic chariot of Krishna passed the marvelous pathways to the palace, pleasure gardens of several trees, shrubs, and creepers, attractive fortresses, palace gate, stunning architectural wonders, and flags, beautiful streams, flower gardens, ponds, etc.  Finally, Krishna stood before Vasudeva, Akroora, Ugrasena, Bala Rama, Pradhyumna, Charudheshna, and Samba, who were received with various auspicious things.  He met all the family members with the exchange of compassionate smiles, embraced, holding hands, and enquired about their welfare of the family members and even to the people of other Varnnas/chandala.  He reverentially greeted Vipra and preceptors, and finally returned to the inner side of the palace.”

Maharishi Vedavyasa conducted Puthrodhpadhanam at the instruction of Devi Sathyavathi, and provided three children to the Kuru clan, Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidura.  The three children have possessed the nature of their mothers at the time of physical relationship with Maharishi Vedavyasa, therefore Dhritharashtra became blind by birth due to his mother who was terrified at the sight of Maharishi Vedavyasa, Pandu born with increased interest in the amorous sport like his mother, and Vidura who was born to Dasi in the palace who reverentially received Maharishi Vedavyasa, therefore the child born to the Dasi became Bhagavathoththma.  Vidura, a member of the assembly of Kauravas, remained mentally strong watching all the atrocities of Kaurava and the pathetic state of Pandavas.  

Vidura made all efforts to stop Kauravas from their evil acts against Pandavas were fallen into deaf ears. Pandavas were trapped into the wax house and set to fire were protected by Vidura.  Lord Krishna went to Hastinapura as an emissary of Pandavas was treated disrespectfully, even though royal preparations were made by the Kauravas, but he refused to accept any of their treatment and went to stay with Vidura.

The war between Kauravas and Pandavas were declared, Dhrutharashtra who was in extreme distress spent several sleepless nights, requested Vidura to calm his anxiety about the upcoming war. Dhritarashtra requests Vidura to pacify Pandavas and put an end to this war proposal otherwise his entire clan would get destroyed.  He was well aware of the arrogance and pride of his own children, not going to follow any of his words. Dhritarashtra has thoroughly known the fact that as long as Krishna with the Pandavas, no one could do any harm to Pandavas.  Vidura retorted about his wickedness to save his own children, and destroy the sons of Pandu.  Further, Vidura advise Dhritharashtra that if his son Duryodhana is not willing to follow his orders should be thrown out of the palace, in this way he can protect his own clan, Dharma and the subjects as well. He advises Dhritharashtra to exile Dhuryodhana form the Kingdom, and give the throne to Yudhishtra, that would save his clan from destruction. At that moment Duryodhana, Dhusshasana, and Karna entered the chamber of Dhritarashtra, came to know about the advice of Vidura.  Duryodhana showered verbal abuses on Vidura that wounded him deeply, but Dhritharashtra kept quiet did not show the courtesy to stop him. In a second Vidura regained his confidence and felt that it was the grace of supreme Lord Hari, not to witness the crucial war of Kurukshetra, the supreme Lord must have plans to elevate his soul by providing nearness to the ascetics and Sadhus.  He left the palace immediately and conducted a spiritual journey, on his way met Udhdhava who was in a wretched state.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 36 – The legend of Lord Krishna - Krishna's journey back to Dwaraka

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Shaunakadhis, Bhishmapithamaha united his mind and intellect upon the supreme Lord and took a final breath.  The illustrious Rishis, Sages, and Pandavas surrounded were remained silent and looked at him with great admiration.  Soon, they could hear the sounds of divine musical instruments and the celestials showered flowers upon the supreme Lord.”  Thus Krishna and Pandava returns to the palace of Hastinapura advised to rule the Kingdom wisely and left to Dwaraka.  Krishna bade-farewell to Pandava who were sunk in the grief of separation,  there were  Subhadhra,  Dhraupadhi Kunthi, Virataputhri, Gandhari, Dhritarashtra, Gauthama, Vrikodhara,  Dhaumya, assembled around Krishna, was preparing to leave on his chariot. Pandavas could not bear the separation from Devakisutha who was a constant companion of them, had a wonderful time laughing together and sharing meals together. 

The women assembled were become inconsolable, praised Krishna “Oh! Purusha, Oh! Purathana, we have understood your real nature as all-pervasive, Oh! Jagathathma, you are the protector of the soul in the three states of sleep, awaken, and dream.  Oh! Bhagavan you have created this Prakrithi with your Maya, you have no specific forms, even though you have endless names and assume various forms to elevate the Jeeva. Oh! Bhagavan, whoever practices control over senses and meditate upon you with intense devotion and faith would get relieved from the impurities of the mind.   Whoever sung in praise of your glorious myths, listening and reading to your various amusements, will not hurl into the cycles of rebirth.  Oh! Bhagavan, you are assuming various forms to elevate the souls in every yuga, whenever the Jeeva commits Adharma/forgetting your presence as a soul in them, due to its ignorance. Oh! Shriyapathi, your birth in the clan of Yadavas to elevate the Jeeva, your marvelous appearance, will be remembered the world and its people always.”   Thus the women who have intense faith and devotion upon Lord Krishna bade-farewell to him, eventually his chariot proceeded to Dwaraka.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 35 – The legend of Lord Krishna – Bhishma Sthuthi

Ithi Mathirupakalpitha  Vithrushna  Bhagavathi Sathvatha Pungave Vibhumni | SwaSukhamupagathe Kvachithdhviharthum  Prakrithimupeyushi Yadh Bhavapravaha: || Thribhuvana Kamanam Thamalavarnnam Ravikara Gauravarambaram Dhadhane | Vapuralaka Kulavrithananabjam Vijayasakhe  Rathirasthumeanavadhya ||

Bhishma Pithamaha eulogizes “Oh! Bhagavan, I have already surrendered my mind and intellect upon the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in me, therefore the people whose mind and intellect have abandoned the material welfare would get relieved from miseries and sorrows of worldly existence and attain the supreme bliss.   The mind and intellect which is far from you, wrapped in taking pleasures in the worldly matters would go through the endless sufferings. Oh! Parththasarathe/Vijayasakhe, who has a marvelous appearance that entices the three worlds, attractive dark color complexion, attired in yellow silk garment, beautiful lustrous face and compassionate eyes, dark curly hair locks decorated in feathers of the peacock, I am taking extreme pleasure in that marvelous appearance of you.  Oh! Bhagavan, I could clearly witness that beautiful face drenched in the perspiration and dust raised from the hove of the horses from the battlefield, and the body armor rip opened by the shot of arrows, let my mind always take pleasure in that marvelous form of you. Oh! Parththasakha, you have driven the chariot at the request of Partha, and stood in the middle of the army of Pandavas and Kauravas, showered a majestic look around the armies, thus instantly you have killed the entire army with that look, let my mind take great pleasure in that glorious form of you. Oh! Bhagavan, when Arjuna lost his confidence watching the greatest warriors in the army, besieged with intense grief, expressed his mental confusion to you, he was expected to hear something he was desired from you, but you have raised his confidence with the Athmavidhya/supreme knowledge of the soul and in this way you have removed his ignorance, Let my mind take great pleasure in that supreme Lord. Oh! Bhagavan, your ocean like compassion touched my heart, you did not stick on to your promise to please your devotee in the battlefield, jumped out of the chariot and rushed to attack your opponent/me, holding the powerful disc in one hand and while chasing your upper clothe slipped out of your shoulder, that marvelous form I cannot forget.  Oh! Mukunda, I still remember that your glorious form as the charioteer of Arjuna, entering into the battlefield, let my mind take great pleasure in that marvelous appearance.  Oh! Bhagavan, the Vrajeshwari’s are truly fortunate ones, who discarded worldly affairs and took surrender at your lotus feet, they took great pleasure in that marvelous appearance and compassionate glances.  Oh! Bhagavan, Your marvelous appearance adorned in the magnificent crown, seated on the gem decorated throne on the occasion of Rajasuya Yagna conducted by Yudhishtara was participated by several thousand of rulers, Rishis, Sages, and Kings. Let my intellect take great pleasure in that most stunning appearance of you.  Oh! Bhagavan, let me get rid of the illusion of duality, let my mind and intellect merge with the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in me.” Thus, Bhishma Pithamaha took last breathe.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 34 – The legend of Lord Krishna – Bhishma Sthuthi

Yesha Vai Bhagavan Sakshath Adhya Narayana: Puman | Mohayan Mayaya Lokam Goodashcharathi Vrishnishu||

Bhishma Pithamaha continues “ Oh! Children, Krishna is Bhagavan, he is supreme Lord who is primordial, Narayana/Nara+Ayanam/resides in water = resides in the human body/creator, preserver, and destroyer/.  He has assumed the form of one of the Vrishni’s with his own Maya, to elevate the souls from miseries of the worldly existence, remove the darkness of ignorance and impurities in the souls and elevate the Jeeva to the state of bliss. Oh! Children, you have not realized him as a soul in you or never considered him as your preceptor. You have considered him as your Mathuleya/uncle’s son, Priyamithram/dearest companion, Dhootha/emissary, and Sarathi/charioteer, you have not realized him as a supreme soul in you and didn’t realize his impartial nature, and have no duality.  He has no one as beloved or enemy in this whole Universe, he is impartial and independent.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Shaunakadhis, Bhishmapithamaha imparted knowledge in Varna Ashrama Dharma, Dhana Dharma, Raja Dharma, Moksha Dharma, Sthree Dharma, Bhagavth Dharma, and the Purusharththa, Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha, and Ithihasa, thus Bhishma Pithamaha while waiting for the arrival of Uththarayana, lying on the bed of arrows taught the highest of philosophies to the Pandavas.  The time has arrived, Bhishma Pithamaha meditated upon Adipurusha, who is attired in marvelous yellow silk garment, dark cloud complexioned, four hands holding Shankha, Chakra, Gadha, Padma, and sung in praise of the supreme Lord Krisha.”

Bhishma Pithamaha while lying in the bed of arrows, he was not grieved or mentally shaken, had nothing to offer other than the supreme knowledge to the world.  He had no grievances or anxiousness, Yudhishtira who stood before Pithamaha was completely drenched in utter grief of past incidents took place in the battle of Kurukshetra. Bhishma Pithamaha describes the glorious thousands and one names of supreme Lord Vishnu who has all-pervasive nature as a soul in living beings, and various Dharmas to Yudhishtira.

Rishi Charaka pronounced  ‘Poorva Janmakritham Papam Vyadhiroopena Dhrishyathe’ most of the illnesses are related to the Karma of the previous births of Jeeva, he invented the Ayurveda Shastra which could cure almost all the physical illnesses of the living beings, still the afflictions related to mind and intellect remained incurable, later the Rishi  understood that the  practice of meditation and contemplation upon Supreme Lord is the possible way to get relieved from  all the redundant thoughts in the human mind.