|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 42 – The legend of Lord Krishna - The grief of Arjuna

Devi Uththara who is the wife of Abhimanyu was conceived with the child, prominent astrologers were received to the palace to predict the future of the infant.  The predictions were made to Yudhishtira that the child born would be highly intellectual, possessed with immense might, virtuous will have the sense of charity like King Ranthideva, and righteous like King Yayathi, but he will have death by serpent bite Thakshaka due to the curse of a Vipra, he will attain the supreme knowledge of ‘Athma’/soul from Shukha Bhramam, son of Maharishi Vedavyasa, ultimately he will attain the supreme abode of Lord.

Several years have passed Pareekshith got married to Devi Iravathi, and this couple had a son Janamejaya.  It was almost thirty-six years after the great battle of Kurukshetra, Arjuna decided to go to Dwaraka to meet his soul mate Krishna, thus he bade-farewell to Yudhishtira, Bheema, Nakula and Sahadeva and left Hastinapura.

Arjuna visited Dwaraka and got the news of Krishna’s departure from Daruka who was the charioteer of Krishna, he conveyed the final message of Krishna to take the elderly people, children, and Krishna’s parents from Dwaraka to Hastinapura, before the ocean swallows the entire Dwaraka.  Arjuna could not withstand the grief of departure of Krishna and the upcoming troubles of Dwaraka that submerges in water, he was already shattered and the responsibility to protect the people of Dwaraka seemed impossible for him, cannot ignore the command of his dearest companion and his last wish, so he gathered the remaining people in the Dwaraka and proceeded to Hastinapura. On the way, he was attacked by a few Mlecchas/Yavanas and harassed the young women.  Arjuna had faith in Gandiva that would protect the people from the attackers, Alas! He could not remember any of the usages of weapons, in a moment he realized that all his knowledge has lost, became helpless; eventually, he couldn’t help a single person from the clutches of Mlecchas. Finally, he had to run for his life, was chased by Yavanas and physically wounded.  Arjuna had to flee from the sight of Mlechasa, was stopped by Lord Varuna, and instructed him to give back the Gandiva that has lost all its divinity and prowess. Arjuna returned his powerful Gandiva, which raised his glory as an eminent archer, was always favorable with him had to return to Lord Varuna.  Arjuna was completely devastated at the grief of separation from his dearest companion Krishna, and the loss of his promising weapon Gandiva.

 It was almost six months,  Arjuna did not return to Hastinapura. Once Yudhishtira revealed his anxiousness about the safety of Arjuna, he explained his concerns to Bheema. Yudhishtira was witnessing too many bad omens, owl producing hoot and screeches, crows have no sleep in the night hours, repeated earthquake and tornado, the ocean water level is increasing causing the flash flood, all these were increased the restlessness in Yudhishtira.  He remembered the warning of Maharishi Narada about Krishna’s departure to his abode was nearing, the thought itself made his extremely unease, he instructed Bheema to go to Dwarak and check on Arjuna.  Suddenly there appeared Arjuna in ragged clothes, disheveled hairs, unshaven face, had lost all the brilliance on his face, Gandeeva was missing, and not adorned a crown.  Arjuna approached Yudhishtira with face hung down and tears overflowing, prostrated before him.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 41 – The legend of Lord Krishna - The grief of Yudhishtira

Maharishi Narada arrived in the palace of Hastinapura and found Yudhishtira in utter grief of separation form elderly parents like Dhritarashtra and Devi Gandhari.  Maharishi Narada advises Yudhishtira about the destructible nature of Sthoolashareera/body and the eternal Sookshmashareera/Purusha/soul, “Oh! Rajan,  Prakrithi is under constant clutches of ‘Time’, it is fastened with the rope of ‘Time’, all that under the influence of ‘Time’ has to undergo destruction, it is the law of Prakrithi no one has control over it, all that taken birth has to face death.  Oh! Rajan, you need not get anxious about King Dhritarashtra and Devi Gandhari, he is equivalent to your father, let him elevate his soul to supreme Purusha who symbolizes ‘Time’ and the provider of fruits of Karma. Oh! Rajan, they have gone with Vidura to Haridwar, they will reside there for some time, Dhritarashtra will learn the highest of knowledge of supreme Purusha who resides as a soul in living beings/Kshethrajja, contemplate upon the supreme Lord and attain union with him, like the air inside the mud pot diffuse with the air in the atmosphere, likewise when the body like mud pot undergo destruction, the Jeeva will take refuge in the supreme soul. Oh! Rajan, you should be happy for them, do not grieve for them and get relieved from distress.”  Thus, Yudhishtira regained his mental peace after listening to Maharishi Narada. Yudhishtira mentally offered salutations to Vidura, King Dhritarashtra, and Devi Gandhari, and once again, enthusiastically returned to the ruling of the country.

|| 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.