Into the Sea, Dwarka Sinks

Check the theme here: Pandava Mahaprasthana

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The shraddha for dead family members had put them in a melancholic mood. Arjuna could still see how the raging sea destroyed Dwarka. He visited the kingdom only four times in his lifetime, and the last time was when it was on the verge of disappearing into the waters.

It was Krishna, with and without his wives, who came to visit them in Indraprastha, Upaplavya, and Hastinapura. Sometimes, he came with Satyaki, another friend Arjuna made, thanks to Krishna. The trio often discussed the craft of weaponry.

Arjuna thought back to Krishna’s second trip to Indraprastha. He followed Arjuna and Subhadra with carts of gifts. Balarama, Satyaki, Kritavarman, and other Vrishni heroes came to seal the marital alliance between the two kingdoms.

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Arjuna heard voices as he walked through the passage across the terrace.

“Why, Krishna?” Draupadi asked.

He instinctively stopped, though he knew it was wrong to eavesdrop on a private conversation.

“You know, Panchali,” Krishna replied and added after a pause. “It solves many problems.”

Arjuna heard Draupadi’s sigh; it was a mix of frustration and exhaustion.

“I see that. But it doesn’t mean you get away with it.” She said at last.

“I apologize for hurting you, Panchali. You will need all the support you can get in the coming days. None of you can afford other distractions.”

“I don’t like the sound of it.”

“Neither do I, but some things are beyond our control. Be prepared. That’s all I’ll say.”

Arjuna thought Krishna’s statement sounded like a warning. What was going to happen?

“Can I borrow two of your husbands for a while?” Krishna asked Draupadi when Arjuna took a couple of steps.

She laughed. “Since when did you need my permission for it? But why?”

“Let’s go inside. We’ll discuss it with everyone.”

Arjuna turned to meet them as they walked towards the staircase.

“Ah, my friend is already here. Come, Arjuna. There’s an important matter to consider.” Krishna said, looping an arm around his shoulder.

Arjuna looked at Draupadi.

She shrugged. “I’ll bring the others.”

A few minutes later, they were sitting in Yudhistira’s private chamber. Krishna told them about Jarasandha, the king of Magada, who had imprisoned over ninety kings and princes to conduct a human sacrifice when he reached the count of a hundred. They had to stop him before that.

“I’m ready,” Bhima replied when Krishna said they needed to settle matters with Jarasandha face-to-face instead of attacking the kingdom.

When they returned with success after four months, Krishna made plans for them to conquer the kingdoms across Bharatavarsha so that Yudhistira would be the emperor. The brothers thought Yudhistira would stay back in Indraprastha while the other four would go in four directions simultaneously.

Krishna advised against it. “We don’t know what Jarasandha’s allies are planning. If four of you leave, you’ll take most of the army with you. What if anyone attacks? Go one by one. Try to expand your army by attracting efficient and loyal commanders from other kingdoms when you conquer them.”

Yudhistira agreed. “Krishna, you are right, as always.” Turning to Arjuna, he said. “Would you like to go first?”

Nakula intervened. “Sahadeva should go first, and I recommend the southern direction. The preparation will take a few months. Then, he will need another six months or more to return, depending on how much the kings resist. That way, he will arrive in time for his year with Draupadi.”

Arjuna saw Krishna give Nakula an appreciative nod before looking at him with a raised eyebrow. Arjuna nodded. “I’ll leave a month after Sahadeva returns. Let’s divide the army into four batches so that no one has to stay away from their families for a long time.”

“That’s good, Arjuna. This will give you time to settle down with Subhadra and let you be back for your year with Panchali. Why don’t you go northwards?” Krishna suggested.

“Yes, yes. Krishna, we’ll do as you say. Always guide us like this,” Yudhistira said with a satisfied smile.

“Anything for my Pandavas,” Krishna answered.

Arjuna knew he kept his word. Without Krishna, the Rajasuya yagna wouldn’t have been possible. When Sishupala created a ruckus before the yagna, Sahadeva and Bhima were more than ready to kill the king of Cedi. Krishna stopped them but finally used his chakra. He listed all of Sishupala’s crimes and took responsibility for his death, too. Though it happened in Yudhistira’s Rajasuya, Krishna deflected the blame towards himself.

At every step, Krishna was with them. After the exile and Abhimanyu’s wedding, Krishna left for Dwarka to arrange for his absence so that he could return to Upaplavya and help them plan the next strategies.

However, Yudhistira told Arjuna to go and formally ask Krishna for his alliance in the war. “Arjuna, I think it would be safer for us to send a messenger to Dwarka, asking them to be an ally. Who better than you for this job? We don’t want Duryodhana to trick Balarama or other Vrishni leaders into supporting the Kauravas.”

“I’ll start right away.”

Arjuna was on his way in less than an hour. It was his second trip to Dwarka. Unlike his first visit, he had no time or inclination to explore the place. Dust rose as the massive city gates opened for his chariot to pass through after the guards confirmed his identity. No one could enter the city from any side without permission. Above the gates on four sides, they suspended heavy weapons such as large circular saws. If anyone tried to trespass, even finding their body might be impossible!

Despite the stress, Arjuna couldn’t help but marvel at the square design, with intricate interconnected roads from the city center, as he went straight to Krishna’s palace. He remembered the layout prevented kids from getting lost. No matter which road they took, it would eventually lead them to the city center.

He didn’t even realize that he felt calmer with the cool salty sea breeze blowing at him. The abundance of trees and flowering plants filled the city with a pleasant fragrance. Soft music played throughout the city, with an occasional ringing of the bells or peals of laughter as people went about their work.

“Where is Krishna?” Arjuna asked Satyaki, who greeted him outside the palace.

“Inside. But hurry. Duryodhana has just arrived.” He replied, grabbing Arjuna’s hand and striding through the curved archways decorated with fresh flower garlands and mango leaves.

“We were afraid of this,” Arjuna murmured.

Satyaki took him through another route as they spied Duryodhana a few steps ahead. He was being welcomed by young girls with flowers and dances.

“Krishna is in his bedchamber. He said he’d rest for a while. I’m sure he predicted this would happen. He will give you what you ask. Take a right there and then turn left.” Satyaki said. “I’ll go back and try to delay that fellow.”

Satyaki’s plan didn’t work, since both Arjuna and Duryodhana reached Krishna’s private chamber at the same time.

“Go inside, Rajas,” Satyaki said as he reappeared.

Duryodhana went to sit on a luxurious chair near the headboard while choosing to stand at the foot of Krishna’s bed. He looked around in appreciation at the finesse of the decorations. The room was airy, with pale blue curtains fluttering. The bed was in gold and ivory, stuffed with fluffy pillows in blue. Everything had a similar color scheme, reflecting Krishna’s skin tone and personality.

“Arjuna! When have you arrived, my friend?” Krishna asked, stretching his arms above his head. He had a sleepy smile, but his eyes were alert.

“Just now, Krishna. Hope I didn’t disturb your sleep.”

“Never. Tell me what it is. And sit down!” Krishna folded his legs and patted the bed.

Duryodhana cleared his throat twice, his anger apparent at being ignored.

Krishna turned to him with a surprised expression. “O Duryodhana! I didn’t notice you. What brings you here?”

“I think you know.” He replied in a gruff voice, glaring at Arjuna.

Krishna sighed. “Ah, allies. Here’s the thing. I will offer one of you my army. The other one will get me, but I won’t fight. I won’t pick up a weapon in this war.” Turning to Arjuna, he added. “Since I saw you first, take your pick — me or my army?”

It was a simple choice for Arjuna. “You, Krishna. We want nothing else.”

He saw Duryodhana grin before he tried to control his features. Of course, he would want the army. But Arjuna knew no army could equal Krishna. His best friend was all the Pandavas needed.

Krishna turned to Duryodhana. “Is that acceptable to you?”

“Yes, Krishna. I will take the army.” Duryodhana said and left.

Arjuna and Krishna spoke for a while. Then, Krishna insisted on another tour of Dwarka before he let Arjuna return to Upaplavya.

Later, after the war ended, the rishis advised Yudhistira to conduct the Ashwamedha yagna. Arjuna volunteered to follow the sacrificial horse as it ran through the kingdoms. His dear friends Krishna and Satyaki welcomed him into Dwarka.

Balarama was still angry as he felt that his favorite student, Duryodhana’s, defeat was unfair since Bhima smashed his thighs. It was against the rules of combat. However, Balarama didn’t say much when Duryodhana broke the rules time and again.

Krishna told Arjuna to ignore his older brother. “Balarama will come around. Don’t fret. Now, I want you to remember everything I showed you today, Arjuna. It could make a difference when the time comes.”

“What do you mean, Krishna?” Arjuna asked, not liking the ominous tone.

“Nothing for you to worry about. See those two trees? There’s a secret passage from here. Come, I’ll show you where it leads.” Krishna replied.

It wasn’t until thirty-six years later, when Daruka, Krishna’s trusted charioteer, came to Hastinapura that Arjuna realized the reason. Dwarka was in danger, and Krishna trusted his best friend to save the women and children.

Arjuna and Daruka rushed to the city at breakneck speed, stopping only when the horses needed rest. Yet, it was too late. Krishna left the world by the time Arjuna stepped into a flooding Dwarka. The once lush gardens dripped with mud and sand, and the stony paths were submerged. The once-colorful houses had broken windows or wide cracks.

“O Deva!” Arjuna gasped, unable to control his anguish. What happened to the city that shone with gold and gemstones? Even ordinary houses had gold-coated panels. Now, everything was on the brink of ruin.

Recalling Krishna’s words from his last visit, Arjuna took the women and children outside. He had great help from Rukmini, Satyabhama, Jambhavati, and Mitravinda, who knew the place like the back of their hands. Without them, Arjuna would have found it almost impossible to get the citizens away from the sinking city.

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Arjuna regretted that his last view of Dwarka was that of the flood and lifeless bodies. “Why did Dwarka go into the sea, Krishna? Why did you have to die so soon?” He murmured into his hands.

When a hand touched his shoulder, Arjuna looked up to see Draupadi beside him. He hadn’t noticed her arrive and thought he was alone at the riverbank.

She gave him a gentle smile. “Dwarka wouldn’t be what it is without him. He created it, and the city disappeared when he left. It was a part of him.”

Arjuna nodded. Dwarka was indeed a part of Krishna. And now, both were gone from the earth.

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