Shree Krishna’s life on Earth, as depicted in the Shreemad Bhagavatam, is filled with divine episodes, each of which carries deep spiritual significance. His journey from a playful child in Vrindavan to the charioteer in the Mahabharat, and ultimately to his kingdom in Dwarka, is a testament to his divine wisdom and love for his devotees. However, the most poignant and powerful moments of Shree Krishna's life come towards the end of his avatar on Earth.
This blog delves into Shree Krishna’s final days, his reunion with the Brajwasis, the curse of the Yadus, and his departure from Earth. The blog further highlights the key lessons from the events, providing practical advice for living a life of purpose, humility, and devotion.
The Solar Eclipse and Shree Krishna’s Reunion with the Brajwasis
One of the key events marking the end of Shree Krishna’s earthly sojourn is his reunion with his childhood family in Braj, during the occurrence of a Surya Grahan (solar eclipse) in Kurukshetra. This event is still significant today in India, where people visit the Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra to purify themselves during a solar eclipse.
As the solar eclipse approached, Shree Krishna’s family members from Braj—Nanda Baba, Mother Yashoda, Radha Rani, and the Gopis—came to Kurukshetra after a long separation. Shree Krishna, after being away for over 100 years, reunited with them, and the emotional encounter between Mother Yashoda and Shree Krishna was nothing short of profound. She wept as she embraced him, overwhelmed by the love that had never diminished. Nanda Baba, too, was filled with joy. Meanwhile, Shree Krishna's queens met Radha Rani, who left them in awe due to her qualities and presence.
Lessons
- Reconnecting with loved ones, whether in person or in spirit, brings immense joy and fulfillment. Shree Krishna’s reunion with the Brajwasis teaches us the importance of love, connection, and devotion to those who matter most in our lives.
- Just as the people of Kurukshetra believed in the purification of the soul during the solar eclipse, today’s world can benefit from spiritual practices, such as meditation and prayer, to cleanse the mind and attain mental clarity.
The Yadus’ Downfall
After the reunion with the Brajwasis, Shree Krishna was visited by the Devatas (celestial gods), who informed him that his mission on Earth was complete. The Mahabharat had been fought, the forces of good had triumphed, and the time had come for Shree Krishna to depart. Shree Krishna acknowledged that his own family and descendants, were extremely powerful, and that from their power would arise pride, which could lead to destruction on the planet, and he resolved to address this before his departure.
The Yadus traveled to a place called Pindarakshetra, where they were having a picnic in the forest. Many great sages, including sage Durvasa and sage Atri, had gathered there. The Yadus, intoxicated by their pride, began to indulge in insolence, believing their divine lineage made them above reproach. To mock the sages, they dressed Shree Krishna's grandson, Samba, in a saree, placed a pillow on his stomach to resemble pregnancy, and took him before the sages, asking whether the "pregnant woman" would have a boy or a girl.
The sages, being omniscient, immediately understood their arrogance and pronounced a curse, stating that from the womb would emerge an iron rod, the cause of the destruction and death of the entire Yadu dynasty. Fearful of the curse, the Yadus returned to Dwarka and informed King Ugrasen of what had occurred. Upon examining the saree, King Ugrasen found the iron rod, confirming the sages' curse, and he ordered the rod to be ground into pieces and thrown into the ocean.
The Yadus followed King Ugrasen's instructions, grinding the iron rod into pieces and throwing it into the ocean. However, the ocean’s waves carried the iron filings back to land, where a powerful grass called Eraka grass began to grow, infused with those iron particles. Among the scattered filings, a small lump of iron remained, which was swallowed by a fish. This fish was later caught by a hunter named Jara. When Jara cut open the fish, he discovered the iron inside its stomach. He filed the iron and attached it to the tip of his arrow, unknowingly setting the stage for Shree Krishna's departure, as Shree Krishna had orchestrated these events as part of his divine plan.
Lessons
- The downfall of the Yadus is a stark reminder of the destructive power of pride. In today's world, unchecked arrogance and a sense of superiority can lead to personal and professional failure, as well as fractured relationships.
- The Yadus’ mocking of the sages led to their downfall, showing the importance of respecting ancient wisdom and spiritual teachings. In modern life, this reminds us to value the guidance of elders and the wisdom passed down through generations.
Shree Krishna's Teachings to Uddav
Uddhav learned from Shree Krishna that he was about to leave the earth and that the age of Kalyug would begin soon. Uddhav, worried about what would happen after Shree Krishna’s departure, asked him for guidance. Shree Krishna advised Uddhav to go to Badrikashram and practice spiritual sadhana. However, Uddhav, deeply attached to Shree Krishna, could not bear the thought of being separated from him and continued to stay by his side. In his compassion, Shree Krishna gave Uddhav important spiritual teachings, explaining that the mind becomes attached to whatever it focuses on. If one constantly thinks about worldly pleasures, they will become attached to them. But if one focuses on God and his happiness, the mind will naturally be drawn to the divine.
Shree Krishna also taught Uddhav that the path of devotion (Bhakti) is the highest and most important way to connect with God. He emphasized that the Acharya (spiritual teacher) should be seen as a true reflection of the divine, not just as an ordinary person. Only by seeing the divine in the Acharya and surrendering with a pure heart can one truly progress on the spiritual path.
Lessons
- Shree Krishna's emphasis on Bhakti shows that devotion to the divine is the highest path to spiritual liberation. In today’s world, a focus on spiritual practice and devotion can provide clarity, peace, and purpose amidst the chaos of modern life.
- Shree Krishna’s guidance to Uddhav about redirecting attachment from material desires to the divine is a powerful reminder that true peace and contentment come from connecting with the higher self and divine principles.
The Final Departure of Shree Krishna
After the Yadus ventured into the forest and reached Prabhas Kshetra, they became intoxicated from drinking. In their drunken state, a fierce fight broke out among them, despite being the descendants of Shree Krishna. The situation escalated, and they began to use the Eraka grass, which contained iron filings, as weapons. This caused a deadly battle where the Yadus killed each other, fulfilling the curse. Only a handful of Yadus survived.
Meanwhile, having imparted his teachings to Uddhav, Shree Krishna instructed him to leave. Soon after, the hunter Jara arrived and, mistaking Shree Krishna’s foot for a deer's tongue, shot an arrow into it. When he realized his mistake, Jara sought forgiveness. Shree Krishna, ever compassionate, told him that it was part of his divine plan, explaining that in his previous incarnation as Shree Ram, He had wounded Jara, who was actually Bali. Shree Krishna repaid his "debt," and, in kindness, ensured Jara’s safe departure to the divine realm.
As Shree Krishna’s time on earth came to an end, he revealed to Arjun that Dwarka would soon be submerged in the ocean. He advised Arjun to evacuate the remaining Vrishni clan members to Hastinapur for their safety. Shree Krishna sent His charioteer, Dharuk, to convey messages to King Ugrasen and the people of Dwarka. As Arjun began his journey, the ocean started to flood the city, and Shree Krishna, in his final moments, left his body. The celestial gods, along with the great sages, witnessed His departure. With Shree Krishna’s exit, the city of Dwarka gradually sank beneath the waves, marking the end of Shree Krishna’s divine Leela on earth.
Lessons
- Even in tragic circumstances, every event unfolds according to divine will, as seen in Shree Krishna's departure and the fate of Dwarka.
- Shree Krishna’s actions in repaying Jara’s karmic debt highlight the importance of resolving past actions and relationships, even across lifetimes.
- Shree Krishna’s guidance to Arjun and Uddhav emphasizes the importance of surrendering to divine will and following his instructions in times of crisis.
Conclusion
The story of Shree Krishna’s final days, his teachings, and the downfall of the Yadus offer timeless lessons that are highly relevant in today's world. The Yadus' self-destruction due to pride, ego, substance abuse, and internal conflict serve as powerful reminders of the dangers of arrogance and the consequences of neglecting spiritual values. Shree Krishna’s teachings, particularly his emphasis on Bhakti and detachment from material desires, provide a guiding light in an era dominated by materialism and spiritual distraction. Practical advice from Shree Krishna’s life includes cultivating humility, focusing on devotion to the divine, valuing meaningful relationships over material pursuits, and practicing detachment from the transient world to avoid suffering. By applying these principles, we can navigate life with a sense of peace, purpose, and spiritual fulfillment.
Call to Action
- Immerse yourself in the divine pastimes of Shree Krishna and transform your spiritual journey by listening to Swami Mukundananda's Srimad Bhagavatam sessions on YouTube.
- Start the new year with spiritual growth and devotion at the Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas. Join us on Dec 31st, 2025 and Jan 1st, 2026 in welcoming 2026 with heartwarming celebrations, prayer, and community events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why did Shree Krishna leave Earth?
Shree Krishna left Earth when his mission was complete. The Devatas informed him that there was no longer a need for his presence, and it was time for him to depart. - What caused the Yadus' downfall?
The Yadus' downfall was caused by their arrogance and pride. They mocked the sages, which led to a curse, and their own self-destruction followed due to their violent and intoxicated behavior. - How did Shree Krishna’s teachings help Uddhav?
Shree Krishna taught Uddhav to focus on devotion to the divine and to detach from material desires. He instructed Uddhav to see his guru as the divine manifestation and to surrender to the divine will. - What happened to Dwarka after Shree Krishna left?
Dwarka was submerged beneath the ocean after Shree Krishna’s departure, symbolizing the end of the Yadu dynasty and the beginning of Kalyug. - How can we apply Shree Krishna’s teachings today?
Shree Krishna’s teachings on humility, devotion, and detachment can be applied in modern life to cultivate inner peace, spiritual growth, and strong, meaningful relationships.
