Story Summary
Discover the poignant tale of The Departure of Krishna, marking the end of the Dvapara Yuga and the beginning of the Kali Yuga through destiny and divine grace.
After the Great War of Kurukshetra, the Gandhari, mother of the fallen Kauravas, cursed Krishna, foretelling that his own clan, the Yadavas, would perish through internal strife and he would die a lonely death in the wilderness. Years later, the curse bore fruit. A trivial argument among the Yadavas escalated into a fratricidal massacre, leaving the once-mighty clan in ruins. Witnessing the destruction of his lineage and the departure of his brother Balarama, Krishna understood that his earthly mission was complete. He retired to the deep forests of Prabhas Kshetra to meditate. As he rested under a tree with his foot tucked up, a hunter named Jara mistook Krishna’s lotus-like heel for the ear of a deer and loosed a poisoned arrow. Upon realizing his mistake, the hunter wept in agony, but Krishna comforted him, explaining that this was a fated debt from a previous life. With grace and serenity, Krishna cast off his mortal coil, ascending to his eternal abode of Vaikuntha, marking the end of the Dvapara Yuga and the beginning of the Kali Yuga.
The Moral
Everything that takes birth must eventually perish according to the laws of Karma and Time; even the Divine respects the cycle of life.
“Do not grieve, Jara, for you were but an instrument of time and destiny.”
Fun Fact
The location where Krishna is believed to have been struck by the arrow is known as Bhalka Tirtha, a major pilgrimage site in Gujarat, India.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Departure of Krishna?
The story teaches that no one is exempt from the laws of Karma and the passage of time. It emphasizes that physical death is merely a transition for the soul back to its divine source.
Who was responsible for Krishna's death?
A hunter named Jara accidentally shot Krishna with an arrow. This was the result of a karmic debt from a previous life when Krishna, as Rama, had killed Vali from behind a tree.
Why did the Yadava clan perish?
The Yadavas were destroyed by a curse from Gandhari and a group of sages. This led to a drunken brawl where they killed one another with blades of grass that turned into iron rods.
What era began after Krishna left the Earth?
The departure of Krishna marks the official end of the Dvapara Yuga. His exit ushered in the current age of spiritual decline known as the Kali Yuga.
How did Krishna react to the hunter Jara?
Krishna showed no anger but instead offered Jara comfort and forgiveness. He explained that the event was pre-ordained and allowed Jara to attain a higher spiritual realm.
Where did Krishna go after his departure?
According to Hindu scripture, Krishna returned to his eternal spiritual abode, Vaikuntha. He resumed his four-armed form as Lord Vishnu to maintain the cosmic order.