Hearts Heavy: Hastinapur’s Farewell to Lord Krishna

Yudhishtira had no interest in material pleasures. After the Kurukshetra war, how did he rule his kingdom?

Like bamboos catching fire by rubbing against each other, the Kuru dynasty had almost destroyed itself. All the sons of the Pandavas were killed. But the Lord, who created the world, saved Uttara's womb by protecting it. Thus, there was a successor for the Pandavas—Parikshit, the grandson of Arjuna.

With Bhagavan's guidance, Yudhishthira became king. After listening to the teachings of Bhishma Pitamaha and Lord Krishna, Yudhishthira's confusion was cleared, and he became peaceful. Under Bhagavan's protection, he ruled over the entire Earth. Bhimasena and his brothers fully dedicated themselves to helping him. Yudhishthira ruled very well. His subjects did not face hardships, and he had no enemies.

Lord Krishna stayed in Hastinapur for many months, but then he wished to return to Dwaraka. Bhagavan had come from Dwaraka to help the Pandavas during the Kurukshetra war. Yudhishthira agreed. The Lord mounted his chariot. Some people embraced him, while others bowed to him. At that time, Kripacharya, Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, Kunti, Draupadi, Subhadra, Uttara, and others were all saddened by his departure. It was very hard for them to bear separation from Lord Krishna. Their hearts had fully surrendered to him through his sight and touch. 

The Pandavas, without blinking, kept looking at the Lord. They were all very affectionate towards him. Hastinapur gave him a grand farewell. As the Lord departed, many musical instruments began to play. Women climbed to their balconies and showered flowers on the Lord with love. Arjuna held Lord Krishna's white umbrella. Uddhava and Satyaki waved beautiful fans. Everywhere, Brahmins were loudly blessing him with Veda Mantras.

The noble women of Hastinapur said, 'Friends, he is that eternal Supreme Being. He remains in his unique form even during pralaya. When everything ceases to exist, all souls merge back into the Supreme Bhagavan. He created everything, including the Vedas and scriptures. He alone creates and controls all, yet he remains unattached to it. When rulers become evil, he takes avataras to protect dharma. He upholds truth, compassion, and righteousness and works for the welfare of the world.'

'Oh! How praiseworthy is the Yadu dynasty, because Lord Krishna was born in it. The city of Mathura is also greatly blessed because the Lord adorned it with his divine leelas. Dwaraka is blessed because people there can keep looking at their Lord Krishna. Friends, the women who married him are truly blessed. Surely, they must have performed great penance to have him. He defeated kings like Shishupala in the Swayamvara and won them. Their sons, Pradyumna, Samba, and others, are truly fortunate. Lord Krishna killed Narakasura and freed many women. Those women’s lives became pure and bright. They are blessed because their Lord is Krishna.'

The women of Hastinapur spoke like this. Lord Krishna bid them farewell with a gentle smile and loving glance. The Pandavas went a long distance with the Lord. They were deeply distressed by the separation from Krishna. The Lord bade them farewell, and then he proceeded to Dwaraka with Satyaki and other friends. The people of every place he passed through honored the Lord. In the evening, the Lord would descend from his chariot and rest, and then continue his journey the next morning.

Learnings-

1. The people of Hastinapur had deep love and devotion for Lord Krishna. They saw him as the Supreme Being who protected the world and upheld dharma. His presence brought them great joy, and his departure filled their hearts with sadness. The women of Hastinapur praised Krishna, recognizing his divine nature and his role in creating and maintaining the universe. They admired his righteous deeds, like defeating evil kings and saving people. They considered those close to him, like the Yadu dynasty and his wives, truly blessed. Their hearts fully surrendered to him, and they honored him with love and respect.
2. Even when he was on earth, people knew Lord Krishna was the Supreme Lord. They believed he created and sustained the universe. He upheld dharma and stayed detached from worldly things. They saw his divine deeds and praised him. They knew he was eternal, present during both creation and destruction.
3. Yudhishthira, after the war, felt sad and confused. He listened to wise words from Bhishma and Krishna. This made him feel calm inside. He ruled with a mind focused on duty and faith in God. People who are close to God feel peace, like Yudhishthira did.
4. Yudhishthira had to heal after the war. He was sad and unsure. With help from Krishna, he found peace. This shows how guidance from wise people and inner faith can help someone overcome hard feelings and lead with confidence.
5. The women in Hastinapur saw Krishna’s power and admired him. They recognized the important role of women connected to Krishna, like his wives, and felt they were blessed. The women had strong voices in showing their love and faith in Krishna.

Knowledge Bank

What is Ganesh the God of?

Ganesha removes obstacles and gives success. He also gives intelligence and discretion. Mudgala Purana depicts Ganesha as Paramatma.

Ashwini Nakshatra meaning

Ashwini Nakshatra is named after its ruling deities Ashwini Kumaras. They are the sons of Surya and his wife Samjna in the form of a horse.