Section 63 - The Journey of Krishna to Hastinapura and Gandhari's Wrath
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section 63 including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
Yudhishthira sent Krishna to Gandhari in order to pacify her wrath after the death of her sons and grandsons in battle. Gandhari, consumed with grief and anger, had the power to destroy the Pandavas with her ascetic merit. Krishna, understanding the gravity of the situation, went to Hastinapura to comfort Gandhari and Dhritarashtra. He reminded them of their past actions that led to the destruction of their own race and urged them to let go of their malice towards the Pandavas.
Krishna, in his conversation with Dhritarashtra and Gandhari, reminded them of Gandhari's past words about righteousness and victory being linked. He encouraged them to set aside their sorrow and not seek the destruction of the Pandavas. Gandhari, upon reflection, found her heart steadied by Krishna's words and was comforted. However, Krishna also sensed the evil intentions of Drona's son, Aswatthama, towards the Pandavas.
Realizing the danger that the Pandavas were in, Krishna hastily departed to protect them from Aswatthama's evil plan. Dhritarashtra and Gandhari bid him a quick farewell and requested his swift return. Krishna, with his unfading glory, went to the Pandavas' camp to warn them of the impending danger. He shared his mission success with the Pandavas and sat down with them to discuss the situation.
Vyasa, the revered sage, stayed behind to comfort Dhritarashtra after Krishna's departure. The Pandavas, upon hearing of the threat from Aswatthama, prepared themselves for defense under Krishna's guidance. Krishna's swift action and intervention saved the Pandavas from further harm and ensured their protection from enemies. The narrative highlights the pivotal role that Krishna played in pacifying Gandhari, warning the Pandavas, and safeguarding their lives in the face of danger.
The story showcases Krishna's unwavering devotion to protect and support the Pandavas, even in the midst of turmoil and danger. His wisdom, compassion, and quick action were instrumental in averting a potential disaster for the Pandavas. Gandhari's grief and anger, fueled by the loss of her sons, were assuaged by Krishna's comforting words and presence. Ultimately, Krishna's intervention and timely warning proved crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of the Pandavas in the face of looming threats.
Full English translation:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated. If you are looking for authentic sources such as the Sanskrit text or the Full English translation of Mahabharata Section 63 - The Journey of Krishna to Hastinapura and Gandhari's Wrath, have a look at the following articles:
Section 63, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section 63:
Why did Yudhishthira send Vasudeva to Gandhari?
Yudhishthira feared Gandhari's wrath after Duryodhana's unfair death. Vasudeva pacified her grief.
What was the cause for Krishna's mission to Hastinapura?
Krishna went to comfort Gandhari and prevent Drona's son's evil plan.
How did Krishna attempt to pacify Gandhari?
Krishna reminded Gandhari of her righteous words and comforted her grief.
What happened after Krishna's successful mission to Hastinapura?
Krishna returned to the Pandavas camp and narrated his mission to them.
Daily life: The Journey of Krishna to Hastinapura and Gandhari's Wrath:
The story drawn from the Mahabharata, where Krishna seeks to pacify Gandhari and Dhritarashtra after the devastating war, embodies the essence of empathy, understanding, and reconciliation in the face of discord. It demonstrates the power of sincere communication and the importance of addressing grievances to foster healing and peace. Krishna's approach to soothing the anguished hearts of Gandhari and Dhritarashtra, by acknowledging their pain, offering comforting wisdom, and gently guiding them towards forgiveness and understanding, serves as a profound lesson in handling conflicts with grace.
In daily life, conflicts, both personal and professional, are inevitable. The narrative teaches us to approach disagreements not with the intent to overpower or dismiss the other's emotions, but with the aim to understand and validate their feelings. Just as Krishna did, one can strive to be a mediator who listens actively, empathizes with the opposing viewpoints, and seeks a solution that acknowledges the hurt and resolves the root issue. This story underscores the importance of compassion and patience in healing wounds and restoring harmony.
Krishna's actions illustrate that resolving conflicts requires us to sometimes set aside our own grievances to acknowledge the pain of others, allowing for a space where healing can commence. By adopting a stance of humility and understanding, much like Krishna, we can help bridge divides and foster an environment where peace prevails. Such wisdom, when implemented in daily interactions, can transform relationships, mitigate conflicts, and lead to a more compassionate and understanding society.