In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna leaving for Dwaraka after a long stint at Hastinapura and Indraprastha along with the Paandava brothers. We had witnessed how Bhagawan Krishna ensured that the Paandavas are well settled at the new Indraprastha palace before He left. Unable and unwilling, the Paandavas gave a tearful send-off to Bhagawan Krishna, wherein Yudishtra himself volunteered to be the charioteer for Bhagawan Krishna for a short distance. If Yudishtra being an epitome of all “Dharma” is bowing down to Bhagawan Krishna, we can understand the unconditional surrender that the Paandavas had towards Him. It is for this reason that Bhagawan Krishna too was with them every minute and every second! Whenever the Paandavas had to undergo a tough ordeal, Bhagawan Krishna would immediately be by their side. In the further episodes we are going to witness how and where! So for now, we’ve to understand that Yudishtra and Co. are settled in their magnificently built palace – Courtesy Mayan.
Moving on thus, Sage Vyaasa explains a beautiful point here as Bhagawan Krishna leaves Indraprastha. We’ve seen Yudishtra being His charioteer. Along with Yudishtra, Bheemasena was holding an umbrella for Bhagawan Krishna by standing adjacent to Him. Arjuna was fanning a “Shaamaram” (A type of an ancient fan) and making Bhagawan Krishna comfortable. Nakula and Sahadeva were standing behind Bhagawan Krishna in the chariot, with their eyes fixed upon Him. As the chariot moves along the streets of Indraprastha, even the people residing there were in tears. They were extremely sad that Bhagawan Krishna is leaving them! However, they made up their mind by consoling themselves that He too has a kingdom to take care. As the chariot moves to a certain distance outside the city of Indraprastha, Bhagawan Krishna stops it and tells Yudishtra thus, “Oh Yudishtra! For how long are you going to come and give me a send-off? You have your duties to discharge as a king, isn’t it? So I feel that all of you should return back to Indraprastha now and I shall continue my journey from here on!”
As Bhagawan Krishna says thus, Yudishtra and Arjuna were in tears. They did not have the heart to leave Bhagawan and go back. Arjuna replies to Bhagawan Krishna thus, “Oh Krishna! Why are you saying such harsh words to us? I cannot even imagine living without you even for a minute. How can we spend our time at Indraprastha without you for countless days, months and years? We do not know when you will come back and see us again! Shall I accompany you to Dwaraka for a few days and then come back again to Indraprastha?” As Arjuna asks thus, he breaks down into tears and falls on Bhagawan Krishna’s feet. Upon seeing this, Bhagawan too was in tears for His ardent devotee. He lifts Arjuna, hugs him and explains an important point thus, “Oh Arjuna! Please do not worry! Oh Yudishtra! Please do not think that I’m leaving you completely. I’m only leaving you for a temporary period and that too physically. I’m always with you in your hearts. I will always protect you in reciprocal to your true Bhakti that you show towards me! Whenever you have a problem, or whenever you would like to see me, just think about me for a few minutes. I would appear in front of you immediately! I give my word to you on this!”
As Bhagawan Krishna assures thus, Draupati was also by His side and these words impinged into Draupati strongly. Draupati clearly understood that Bhagawan Krishna is her only savior and from this day onwards, she was steadfast in her devotion towards Him. At a later stage we’re going to witness during the gambling episodes as to how Draupati remembered these words meticulously and called out for Bhagawan Krishna at a time when she was in that dire situation!Thus, as Bhagawan Krishna assures the Paandavas and Draupati, all of them reluctantly returned back to Indraprastha with sadness written all over their faces. However, as Bhagawan Krishna mentioned, Yudishtra’s “Raaja Dharma” is of paramount importance and he has to discharge his duties correctly towards the welfare of his people. With this in mind, Yudishtra took Bhagawan Krishna’s advice and returned back to his administrative duties. Days and months passed by and now, there’s going to be another important visitor to Indraprastha. Who is this important visitor and why did he make a visit to Indraprastha? Let us understand this in our next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 