Kurukshetra War Story – Chapter 9: Results and Lessons

Results and Lessons

With the end of the final war, the land of Kurukshetra became peaceful. The Pandavas had achieved victory, but how heavy this victory was, was etched deep in their hearts. The blood of millions of warriors had flowed on that land, and now the burden of victory rested on the shoulders of the Pandavas. Doubt still lingered in Yudhishthira's mind, could he rule this vast empire justly?

Yudhishthira's Coronation

After the horrors of the war, a new dawn broke. Preparations were made to enthrone Yudhishthira on the throne of Hastinapur. The entire city was filled with mixed emotions of sorrow and joy. The signs of destruction were evident everywhere – broken homes, orphaned children, widowed mothers – this was the terrible consequence of the war. Yudhishthira, as he sat on the royal throne, wrestled with the questions and responsibilities that arose in his mind. He remembered the teachings of Bhishma Pitamah, the resolve to walk the path of dharma and justice.

Yudhishthira said to himself, "O Lord, give me the strength to be a support for these suffering people. May I not make any mistakes, and may I not deviate from the path of dharma. Grant me the ability to administer justice, so that every suffering person may find peace. May all my actions be for the welfare of the subjects."

Gandhari's Curse

After the coronation, Yudhishthira went to meet Gandhari. Gandhari was grief-stricken by the destruction of her hundred sons. A volcano of anger and pain raged in her eyes. Yudhishthira fell at her feet and begged for forgiveness, but Gandhari's heart did not melt. The pain of that mother, who had lost her entire lineage, was unbearable. Gandhari looked at Yudhishthira, and flames of fire shot from her eyes.

Gandhari said angrily, "Just as my lineage has been destroyed, so shall your lineage be destroyed! After thirty-six years, the Yaduvansha will also be destroyed!" Krishna, who was present, tried to pacify Gandhari's anger, but the curse was irrevocable. Krishna knew that this was the decree of destiny, and it could not be averted.

Restoration of Dharma

Yudhishthira ruled Hastinapur with dharma and justice. He made every possible effort to alleviate the suffering of his subjects. He built shelters for widows and orphans, and gave alms to the poor. The Pandavas together established an ideal kingdom, where all were happy and prosperous. Yudhishthira ruled with the advice of his brothers and always followed the path of dharma. By the grace of Krishna, peace and prosperity returned to Hastinapur. However, Gandhari's curse continued to prick the minds of the Pandavas like a thorn. They knew that this curse would surely bear fruit in the future.