Mahabharata – Chapter 9: Consequences and Krishna's Departure

The Aftermath and Krishna's Departure

The blood-soaked land of Kurukshetra was now quiet, as if bearing the weight of ages. The Pandavas had achieved victory, but the cost of this victory was deeply etched in their hearts. A atmosphere of grief and lamentation pervaded the surroundings. Arjuna's Gandiva bow was also silent, as if it too mourned this great destruction.

Yudhishthira's Coronation and Establishment of Peace

A new dawn broke in Hastinapur. Yudhishthira was formally declared king. His heart was filled with sorrow, yet he ascended the throne for the welfare of his subjects. He vowed to walk the path of truth and righteousness, so that future generations could live with peace and justice. Tireless efforts were made to restore prosperity and well-being to the kingdom.

Yudhishthira said to his brothers, "This is not a victory, but a heavy responsibility. We must bring peace to the souls of all those who sacrificed their lives in this war. We must rule with love and compassion, so that this earth never witnesses such horrific scenes again." Bhima and Arjuna also agreed, they too were shaken to their core by this destruction. Nakula and Sahadeva pledged to obey their elder brother's command.

Gandhari's Curse

Dhritarashtra and Gandhari were immersed in the grief of their sons. Gandhari's anger erupted like a volcano. She looked at Keshava (Krishna), who was present at Yudhishthira's coronation ceremony at that time. Gandhari slightly opened the bandage over her eyes, her angry gaze burning with fire.

Gandhari cursed Krishna, "O Krishna, you allowed this war to happen, knowing everything. My lineage has been destroyed, my hundred sons have been killed. Just as my lineage has been destroyed, so too will your Yadava clan be destroyed. Thirty-six years from today, your clan will also perish fighting amongst themselves!" Krishna accepted Gandhari's curse with a calm demeanor. He knew it was destiny and could not be averted. Krishna said, "Mother, your curse will come true. This is the decree of destiny."

Krishna's Departure from the Body and the Submergence of Dwarka

Time passed. Yudhishthira ruled righteously. One day, Krishna told Arjuna that the time had come for his departure from the body. He was resting under a tree in the Prabhasa region when Jara, a hunter, mistaking him for a deer, shot him with an arrow. Krishna, in his divine play, shed his mortal form and departed to his supreme abode. As soon as he left, the city of Dwarka submerged in the ocean, as if Krishna had taken his land of play with him. In the absence of Krishna, the Yadava clan perished fighting amongst themselves, fulfilling Gandhari's curse.

Krishna's influence lasted for ages. He imparted the knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna, which continues to guide humanity even today. He incarnated to establish Dharma and showed the world the path of truth. The stream of his love, compassion, and knowledge will flow forever. Krishna's divine play is infinite, and remembering him ferries one across the ocean of existence. Krishna's life is an open book, which will continue to inspire humanity in every age.