The Love of Bhismadeva

Chapter 9

Overwhelmed and traumatised by the massacre that had occurred at Kuruksetra, Maharaja Yuddhistira went to visit Bhismadeva, accompanied by Krishna and the Pandavas. Lying on the bed of arrows, Bhismadeva praised the Pandavas for patiently tolerating so many devious intrigues and grievous injustices. Despite their piety, knowledge, strength, righteousness, and having Krishna as their constant companion, the Pandavas were not exempt from difficulties. The divine plans of the Lord, Bhismadeva said, are practically impossible to decode.

With deep gratitude and appreciation, Bhismadeva beautifully glorified Krishna and expressed his incomparable fortune at having the Supreme Lord present during his final hours. The legendary grandsire imparted his concluding words of wisdom to Maharaja Yuddhistira, offering a variety of profound insights on the duties of human beings (dharma) in various contexts of life. Concentrating the entirety of his consciousness in Krishna, he offered his deep appreciation to the Lord and prayed for the ability to remember Him at death. Bhismadeva thus departed this mortal world in perfect consciousness. His spiritual purity transported him to the Lord’s abode.

With the historic departure of Bhismadeva, Maharaja Yuddhistira was duly enthroned as the next leader.