The Aftermath of Kurukshetra: The Pandavas, Ashvamedha Yajna, and the End of an Era

Vasudev, Yuyudhana and the five Pandavs survived the battle at Kurukshetra Uttara, Abhimanyu’s wife, became mother to Parikshit. The foetus was afflicted by the Brahmastra, invoked by Drona’s son Ashvathamma. But was revived by Vasudev as promised, to carry on the Bharata dynasty.

Grandfather Vyasa asked Yudhisthira to perform the horse sacrifice.

The Pandavas, along with the head priest, got Maruttas riches since everything was lost during the battle.

HORSE SACRIFICE

Arjun with his celestial weapons was assigned the task of protecting the horse. The horse circumambulated the earth, followed by Partha on his white steed.

Arjuna returned to Hastinapur. Preparations were made for the horse sacrifice. All the kings were invited. Sacrificial spot, residences, palaces and roads were built with the help of architects for the visiting kings from different countries. The guests in turn brought jewels, women, horses and weapons.

Vasudev arrived with his brother Balram at the head followed by sons Pradyumna, Samba, Gada, Kritavarma, Nishanta. Dhritrashtra was honoured by Dharamraj.

Partha’s son Babruvahana, his wives Chitrangada and Ulipi were duly honoured by Kunti, Subhadara and Draupadi.

Grandfather Ved Vyasa advised Yudhisthira to perform the sacrifice with large quantities of dakshina. He would be absolved of his sins especially after killing of relations and warriors at Kurukshetra.

Following the recitation of sacred texts, the animals and birds were tied to their stakes, each earmarked for a specific God. Supreme among the rishis, Ved Vyasa was also present.

HORSE SACRIFICE

The horse was sacrificed after the due sacred texts and rites by the brahmins. The entrails were plucked and roasted. The Pandavs inhaled the smoke, cleansing all their sins. The remaining sixteen limbs were offered as oblations into the fire.

Yudhisthira offered the entire earth as dakshina to Ved Vyasa that Arjun had won. He wished to retire to the forest. Grandfather returned it back. The Kshatriyas, Brahmins, Vaishyas left accepting Dharamraj’s subjugation.

Yudhisthira was instated as the king, advised by Vidhura, Sanjaya and Yuyutsu. The Pandavs ruled for fifteen years. Dhritrashtra was placed at the head of the family and his advice sought. Vyasa too dwelt with Yudhisthira.

Dhritrashtra expressed his desire to retire to the forest along with his wife Gandhari. Some fifteen years had elapsed since the battle had taken place.

Vidhur and Kunti too sought permission to leave for the forest.

The people of Hastinapur had forgiven Duryodhan.

Before leaving, Dhritrashtra requested some riches to be given away at the funeral ceremony for the slain Kauravs along with Bhishma, Drona, Kripa and Jayadrath.

Dhritrastra resided by the banks of river Bhagirathi, lay on kush grass at night, purified in river Ganga performing ablutions and offering oblations to the fire.

Vidhura lost his senses. He roamed naked in the forest, all bones and no flesh. He failed to recognise Yudhisthira.

With the passage of time they perished.

Thirty six years had elapsed since Gandhari had cursed Vasudev. That his entire lineage would be wiped out just like the Bharatas, at his instigation.

The Vrishnis go on a pilgrimage to the shores of an ocean Prabhasa. The Yadavs and Vrishnis were fond of liquor. In highly intoxicated state all the brave ones killed each other. Vasudev joined his brother Rama in the forest. Rama lay dead in a desolate spot in the forest. It was the end of an era. A hunter Jara shot Vasudev in the foot mistaking it to be a deer.

Daruka left for Indraprastha to inform Arjun of the great destruction of the Yadavs.

Arjun was drained of all energy. He no longer wished to rule the earth. Shourie Vasudev too left for the supreme destination. His wives Devaki ( Krishna’s mother ), Bhadra (Balaram’s mother ), Rohini and Madira immolated themselves with their husband. Arjun performed the funeral rites of the cousins and uncle.

After seven days Partha traveled with thousands of Andhaka and Vrishni women, children and the old. The entourage was attacked by cowherds( abhiras, mlecchas). There were no men traveling along. Arjuna with great difficulty stringed his Gandhiva. He felt the strength of his arms diminishing. Many women were forcibly taken away, while some left on their own fearing the inevitable.

Partha became depressed and found no peace. Ved Vyasa explained thus, “ Strength, intelligence, energy and power diminished with adversity. The universe is in turn controlled by Time. Time gives and withdraws. Strong becomes weak, rich becomes poor and vice versa”.

The Pandavs decided that it was Time, they too gave up their kingdom and eventually Life, moving to the forest. It was decided that Parikshit, son of Abhimanyu would be the king of Hastinapur ( Meerut ), Vajra, great grandson of Krishna would be the king of Indraprastha ( Delhi) and Yuyutsu , Dhritrashtra’s son from the maid would be the overlord. Kripa shall be the preceptor.

Handing over the kingdom to Yuyutsu, the Pandavs along with Draupadi and a dog left casting away the sacrificial fire that burns in a household, into water and moved in the forest.

Arjun’s wives Ulipi entered the river Ganga and Chitrangada moved back to Manipur.

Heart broken and reluctant, the Pandav cast away his bow Gandhiva and the quivers into Varuna. The brothers encircled the earth practicing yoga, moving from north to east to west.

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