The Moral Turmoil: Memories and Resolve
॥Hari Om॥
With trembling voice and sorrow-laden heart, Arjuna said to King Yudhishthira: "Just as life departs from the body when the vital force is gone, so too has my splendor and valor deserted me in the absence of Bhagvan Sri Krishna. Even the very earth recoils from me, estranged after His departure. Once, at Draupadi’s swayamvara, I triumphed as she placed the jayamala upon me, outshining mighty kings—Jarasandha, Duryodhana, Karna. Yet I know it was not my strength, but His grace that crowned me. Whatever glory I bore was but the reflection of my friend Sri Krishna’s blessings. Without Him, I am emptied, a bow without its string, a warrior bereft of his soul."
Arjuna’s voice faltered as he recalled the Khandava Vana episode. "Brother, I remember the Khandava-daha, when Agni sought to consume the forest and Indra opposed him, sending torrents of rain to quench the flames. With Krishna at my side, I stood unyielding, my arrows forming a canopy against the deluge, defeating even the celestial monarch. How strange it was—for I am born of Indra himself, yet it was not my lineage, nor my strength, but Krishna’s grace that crowned the victory. My bow blazed with divine sanction only because He willed it so."
"Now, bereft of His presence, that glory feels stripped away, leaving me adrift in a sea of desolation. Despite triumphs won and divine interventions bestowed, my heart is consumed by betrayal, for the very source of my strength and valor has departed. In this abyss of despair, I turn to you, my elder brother, seeking solace amidst the tumult of shattered faith and the heavy silence of Krishna’s absence."
In a somber tone, Arjuna addressed King Yudhishthira, casting his mind on the past events that shaped their kingdom's destiny. "I recall the thwarted desire to perform the Rajasuya Yagna, hindered by the menacing presence of Jarasandha, a tyrant who held 21,000 kings captive, destined for a gruesome sacrifice in the Bhairava Yagna. Bhagvan Sri Krishna, in His infinite wisdom and boundless compassion, led me and Bhimasena into battle against the formidable Jarasandha. Having the strength of ten thousand elephants, Bhimasena vanquished the tyrant, liberating the imprisoned kings and securing their allegiance to you, King Yudhishthira."
"Brother, these same kings, now free from bondage, willingly offered their wealth and treasures at your feet during the Rajasuya Yagna. It was a testament to our valor and benevolence under the divine intervention of Bhagvan Sri Krishna, who guided us through every trial and triumph," recounted Arjuna.
Arjuna's heart was heavy with the absence of their beloved Sri Krishna, who once stood beside them in times of need. Despite their past victories and divine blessings, the emptiness left by Sri Krishna's departure weighed heavily upon Arjuna's soul, casting a shadow over their once-glorious kingdom.
"Brother, those who are small and weak also find immense power and strength by taking refuge in the lotus feet of Bhagvan Sri Krishna. During the Rajasuya Yagna, Draupadi's hair was drenched by the miraculous water of the Kalasha, but the wicked ones seized her by the hair and dragged her into the royal assembly. We were banished and denied entry into any kingdom. Poor Draupadi wept and sought solace at the lotus feet of Bhagvan Sri Krishna."
"During our exile, on the day Sri Krishna came to check on our safety and well-being, Draupadi ran to Him upon seeing Him, grasping His feet and weeping profusely. In her anguish, she remembered the most humiliating incident of her life, and it was only the lotus feet of Bhagvan Sri Krishna that came to her rescue. At that time, Sri Krishna vowed that Bhimasena would kill those who had degraded her and driven us into exile." In this way, Arjuna recollected the moment when Sri Krishna promised justice.
“Therefore, my brother, you sit on the throne, and we Pandavas are reinstated. Subsequently, the time came when Bhagvan Sri Krishna, the bhaktavatsala—more affectionate to His devotee than to Himself—fulfilled His promise. With utmost tenderness He held Draupadi’s hands and led her through the sea of dead bodies, showing her the wives of the fallen, their hair disheveled, clutching the lifeless forms of their husbands. The Lord of compassion moved across the battlefield, pointing to the scattered limbs, trunks, and heads, revealing how the wicked had perished under the mighty blows of Bhimasena.”
"He pointed towards the body of Durmukha, then towards Dussalan, Jalagandha, Sama, Saha, Vindha, Anuvindha, Chitrasena, Durdarsha, Durmarsha, Dussaha, Durmada, Vikarna, Dushkarna, Vivinsati, Durvishaha, Durvimochana, Durpradharsha, Durjaya, Jaitra, Bhurivala, Ravi, Jayatsena, Siyata, Shratavan, Shrutanta, Jayat, Chitra, Upachitra, Charuchithra, Chitraksha, Sarasana, Chitrayudha, Chotravarman, Suvarma, and Sudarshan."
“He reached the body of Duhshasana, notorious for his wicked governance. Bhagvan Sri Krishna said, ‘Was it not this wicked one who dragged you by your hair into the assembly? Behold his chest—Bhimasena has torn open the rib cage, leaving it for birds and beasts to eat his flesh.’ Then He led her to Duryodhana, where Bhima had shattered his thighs. In this way, the bhaktavatsala, Sri Krishna revealed the fallen, listing all one hundred sons of blind Dhritarashtra and the blindfolded Gandhari. Draupadi beheld their wives with scattered hair, the symbols of marriage cast aside, beating their breasts and crying in anguish.”
Remembering the incident, Arjuna said to King Yudhishthira, “Brother, when Draupadi’s tears touched the lotus feet of the Bhagvan, and when she took refuge there, justice was served. Such a Bhagvan Sri Krishna, the Satyasaṅkalpa—true to His word—who fulfilled His promise and always stood on the side of righteousness, is no longer to be seen on this earth.”
Arjuna, with profound admiration for the Bhagvan's steadfast commitment to justice, reflects on the absence of his divine presence on earth. The memory of Draupadi's tears, the Bhagvan's comforting embrace, and the ultimate deliverance of justice stand as a testament to the righteousness and integrity of Bhagvan Sri Krishna, who now dwells beyond mortal sight.
In the realm of metaphysics, the era of Bhagvan Sri Krishna's earthly manifestation is marked by the remembrance and chanting of His divine name—a practice known as namasankeertana. This sacred invocation bestows upon its devotees success, prosperity, and peace, as exemplified by the Pandavas during Krishna's reign.
Bhagvan Sri Krishna's absence in the world beyond the physical represents our detachment from divine memory—our failure to call upon Him in sacrificial chants, our disregard for acts of devotion, and our abandonment of the road leading to enlightenment. This carelessness sets us on a perilous course and cultivates evil and malice inside us.
The aftermath is a reflection of Arjuna's situation after the Bhagvan left, an emptiness filled with hardship, decay, and loss. However, becoming closer to God and taking refuge in the Bhagvan's Lotus Feet results in an abundance of blessings, victories, and a resurrection of righteousness. Prosperity and righteousness rule supremely when Bhagvan Sri Krishna and His divine blessings are present. Arjuna's testimony to King Yudhishthira confirms this fundamental reality.
Arjuna continued, his voice heavy with sorrow, "Brother, our kingdom flourished under the divine guidance of Bhagvan Sri Krishna. His presence was a beacon of hope and righteousness. Now, with his departure, I fear that the shadows of Kali Yuga will only grow darker, threatening to engulf us all. Our people, once steadfast in their virtues, now waver, succumbing to greed, deceit, and violence."
King Yudhishthira, deeply moved by Arjuna's words, responded, "Arjuna, I share your grief and concerns. The void left by Krishna's departure is tangible, and the signs of impending doom weigh heavily upon us. Yet, we must remember his teachings and uphold the principles of dharma, even in these trying times. We owe it to our people and to Krishna's memory to continue the path of righteousness."
Arjuna nodded, wiping away his tears. "You are right, brother. We must remain strong and steadfast in our commitment to dharma. Krishna's teachings must guide us through this dark age. We must protect our kingdom and our people from the encroaching darkness of Kali Yuga."
King Yudhishthira, with newfound resolve, addressed his brothers, "Bhimasena, Nakula, Sahadeva, and Arjuna, we must unite in our efforts to preserve the values and principles that Krishna upheld. We must ensure that our people do not lose sight of righteousness and that our kingdom remains a bastion of virtue in these tumultuous times."
The Pandavas, inspired by Yudhishthira's words, pledged their unwavering commitment to uphold dharma and protect their kingdom from the malevolent influences of Kali Yuga.
In the days that followed, the Pandavas worked tirelessly to restore order and righteousness in their kingdom. They reinforced the importance of moral values, encouraged acts of devotion, and promoted justice and fairness in all their dealings. Their efforts began to bear fruit as the people, inspired by the Pandavas' example, slowly returned to the path of virtue.
Despite the challenges posed by Kali Yuga, the Pandavas' unwavering faith in Bhagvan Sri Krishna and their commitment to dharma helped them navigate through the darkness. They found solace in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the memories of Krishna's divine presence, which continued to guide and inspire them.
As time passed, the kingdom of Hastinapura regained its former glory, standing as a beacon of righteousness and virtue amidst the encroaching darkness of Kali Yuga. The Pandavas' efforts to uphold dharma and protect their people from the malevolent forces of the age ensured that the legacy of Bhagvan Sri Krishna lived on in their hearts and actions.
In the face of adversity, the Pandavas demonstrated that the true essence of Krishna's teachings lay not in his physical presence but in the principles he embodied and imparted. By adhering to these principles, they ensured that the light of righteousness continued to shine brightly, even in the darkest of times.
Thus, the story of the Pandavas and their unwavering devotion to dharma serves as a testament to the enduring power of faith, virtue, and the teachings of Bhagvan Sri Krishna, guiding humanity through the moral turmoil of Kali Yuga.
॥ Hari Om ॥
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