How Did Lord Shri Krishna Leave His Abode?

The departure of Lord Shri Krishna from his earthly abode is described in Hindu scriptures, particularly in the Mahabharata and the Bhagavata Purana. According to these texts, Krishna's departure marked the transition from the Dvapara Yuga to the Kali Yuga, signifying the end of an era of divine intervention and wisdom.

The Curse of Gandhari

After the Kurukshetra War, Gandhari, the mother of the Kauravas, cursed Krishna for not preventing the war and the ensuing destruction. She declared that as her sons were killed, the same fate would befall Krishna's clan.

The End of the Yadava Clan

Following Gandhari's curse, the Yadava clan faced internal strife and destruction. A quarrel among the Yadavas led to their mutual killing, fulfilling the curse. This tragic sequence of events set the stage for Krishna's final moments.

Krishna's Final Moments

After the demise of his clan, Krishna retreated to the forest of Prabhas. While resting under a tree, a hunter named Jara mistook him for a deer and shot him with an arrow. This event was a divine plan, symbolizing the end of Krishna's earthly incarnation.

Return to His Abode

Upon leaving his physical body, Krishna is said to have ascended to his divine abode, Vaikuntha, where he resides eternally. His departure signifies the conclusion of his earthly leelas (pastimes) and the beginning of the Kali Yuga, emphasizing the transient nature of life and the inevitability of change.

A Simple Explanation

The story of Krishna's departure is often simplified, with some arguing that Jara, the name of the hunter, also means 'old age' (Vyadhi). Therefore, it is proposed that in his old age, due to some illness, Krishna left this world. Reading between the lines, this interpretation suggests a deeper understanding of the meanings behind many Puranic stories.

However, according to scriptural accounts, Krishna's body is not material. He is a spiritual entity, and his form is eternal. The Bhagavata Purana provides clarity on this point. During his final moments, when Jara shot an arrow at Krishna's feet, it is said that Jara realized he was in the presence of the divine. There is no description of Jara treating Krishna's wound, indicating that Krishna's body remains invulnerable except at his feet due to a boon granted by Durvasa.

Shri Krishna's Divine Afterlife

Shri Krishna's departure is a complex and multifaceted event in Hindu mythology. After Krishna laid down in the forest and entered into meditation, he left his body peacefully. Balarama, his brother, also left this world, with his soul leaving his body, as described in the Bhagavata Purana. Adisesha, the serpent under Vishnu's feet, had completed his mission and returned to the celestial realm. Thus, Krishna's ultimate destination was Vaikuntha, his divine abode where he resides eternally.

Bhalka Tirtha Pilgrimage

Bhalka Tirtha, a pilgrimage site located in Veraval in Saurashtra, on the western coast of Gujarat, India, is the place where Lord Krishna was hit by an arrow shot by a hunter named Jara. This site is significant for devotees and pilgrims who come to pay homage and seek blessings at this sacred location.

The Bhalka Tirtha Bhalka Pilgrimage Hindi is a place of deep spiritual significance, offering a serene retreat for those seeking to understand and appreciate the divine journey of Lord Krishna.

The story of Lord Krishna's departure is not merely a historical event but a profound metaphor for the transient nature of life and the ultimate journey towards the divine. It invites us to reflect on the essence of our existence and the importance of spiritual wisdom.