THE DIVINE DEPARTURE: WHAT HAPPENED TO KRISHNA'S BODY AFTER HIS DEATH?

The world stood still on that fateful day, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. The forest trees reflected the brilliant, blazing hues, yet an unnatural silence pervaded the air. No bird sang, no butterfly fluttered, and even the wind seemed to have abandoned its usual course. This eerie stillness was a sign that something monumental was about to occur—a transition between eras, a moment when time itself paused to bear witness.

This was the hour when Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, chose to leave his earthly form. This event, which occurred nearly five thousand years ago, marked the end of the Dwapara Yuga and the beginning of a new epoch. But what happened to Krishna's body after his death? What followed this profound moment in history?

The Aftermath of Krishna’s Departure

The death of Krishna signaled the end of an era, but it also foreshadowed the end of the glorious city of Dwaraka. Arjuna, Krishna's closest friend and confidant, was acutely aware of the impending doom. He knew that the city, which had been the center of the Yadava kingdom, was fated to be submerged by the ocean. Acting on this knowledge, Arjuna urged the citizens of Dwaraka to abandon their beloved city within seven nights.

With a heavy heart, Arjuna informed the people that Vajra, Krishna’s grandson and a young warrior of great promise, would lead them as their new ruler. As the citizens began to evacuate, Arjuna took it upon himself to perform the final rites for Krishna, his brother Balarama, and the other departed souls. The rituals were conducted at Prabhasa, the sacred site where Krishna had departed from his mortal coil.

Seven nights later, with the funeral ceremonies completed, Arjuna began his journey back to Hastinapura. He was accompanied by a large retinue of women, children, and as much wealth as he could carry. The once-mighty city of Dwaraka was left behind, its fate sealed as the ocean gradually claimed it, just as the scriptures had foretold in the Srimad Bhagavatam (Canto 11, Chapter 31).

The Robbery and Arjuna's Powerlessness

As Arjuna's group made their way back to Hastinapura, tragedy struck. A band of robbers attacked them, seizing the wealth and abducting several women. Arjuna, who had once been the greatest warrior of his time, found himself unable to summon his divine weapons. The celestial power that had been his ally during the great war of Kurukshetra had left him. Despite his best efforts, Arjuna could not repel the attackers.

This moment was not just a test of physical strength but also a spiritual trial. Arjuna realized that the power he had once wielded was never truly his own—it had been bestowed upon him by divine will for the fulfillment of a greater purpose. Now that the purpose was complete, the power had been withdrawn.

The surviving Yadavas were eventually brought to Kurukshetra, where Arjuna crowned Vajra as the new ruler of Indraprastha. This act was Arjuna's final duty to the Yadava dynasty, ensuring that Krishna's lineage would continue even after the fall of Dwaraka.

The Grief of Krishna's Wives

The death of Krishna brought immense sorrow not only to his people but also to his wives. Rukmini, Krishna's foremost queen and beloved consort, could not bear the grief of living without him. In an act of profound devotion, she chose to commit sati, sacrificing herself by stepping into a funeral pyre.

Satyabhama, another of Krishna’s cherished wives, took a different path. Overwhelmed by sorrow, she retreated to the mountains to live a life of penance and devotion. Her withdrawal from the world was a testament to her deep love and the immeasurable loss she felt after Krishna’s departure.

Arjuna’s Visit to Vyasa and the Sage's Counsel

In the midst of his grief and confusion, Arjuna sought solace from the sage Vyasa. At Vyasa’s ashram, Arjuna poured out his heart, expressing his sorrow over the loss of his strength and the tragic events that had followed Krishna’s death. The wise sage listened patiently and then offered Arjuna words of comfort and wisdom.

Vyasa explained that everything that had occurred was part of a divine plan. Arjuna's loss of strength was not a failure but a necessary consequence of the completion of his divine mission. The Yadavas and Kshatriyas had fulfilled their roles in the cosmic order, and their fates were predestined. Vyasa reassured Arjuna that he had fulfilled all that was expected of him and that it was now time to let go of worldly attachments.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Lord Krishna

The story of Krishna’s departure from this world is a tale of profound sorrow, yet it is also a reminder of the impermanence of life and the eternal nature of the soul. Krishna, the embodiment of divine love and wisdom, left a legacy that continues to inspire millions of devotees.

As Janmashtami approaches, devotees worldwide prepare to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna, the same divine figure whose departure marked the end of an era. Many choose to express their devotion by wearing Krishna t-shirts or Lord Krishna t-shirts, symbolizing their connection to the divine. To buy a variety of hindu t shirts like shivji t shirt, hanuman t shirt, ganesh t shirt, Krishna t shirt, ram t shirt, bajrang bali t shirt etc. click here! Whether it’s a Hanuman t-shirt, Ganesh t-shirt, Anjaneya t-shirt, or any other Hindu t-shirt, these garments are more than just clothing—they are a declaration of faith and a tribute to the rich spiritual heritage that Krishna represents.

In wearing a t-shirt Krishna, you honor not just the life of Krishna but the timeless values he embodied—love, duty, compassion, and the pursuit of truth. As you don these symbols of devotion, you carry with you the essence of Krishna’s teachings, a reminder of the divine presence that continues to guide and protect those who walk the path of dharma.

[The images used in this blog post are not owned by Anime Devta, they are just for entertainment purposes]

~Mimansa Sharma