Before and After the Uddhava-Gita

The events preceeding the Uddhava-gita and the subsequent history involving Maitreya and Vidura, are described in several sections of the Srimad-Bhagavatam.

After the demigods profusely thanked Krishna for fulfilling His mission on earth, they invited Him to depart. First, Krishna arranged for the Yadu dynasty to be cursed, knowing that only by His arrangement could they be removed from the world. When Uddhava, Krishna’s cousin and dear associate, understood these plans, he requested to depart the world with his Lord. Krishna, however, encouraged Uddhava to prepare for sannyasa, and instructed him in transcendental knowledge (Uddhava-gita), the longest philosophical section in the entire Srimad-Bhagavatam.

During His 125 years on Earth, Krishna visited Vrindavana, Mathura, Dwaraka, Hastinapura, other planetary systems, and even Maha Vaikunthaloka. The Lord had not, however, visited Badarikasrama where Nara-Narayana Rishis and the sages were eagerly waiting for Him. Thus, after imparting the knowledge, Krishna instructed Uddhava to travel to Badarikasrama and share the wisdom with them. Uddhava honoured Krishna’s wish and travelled to the North.

While Uddhava was en route to Badarikasrama he heard about the Lord’s journey to Prabhasa. Turning back and following Lord Krishna from behind, he saw the Lord alone just after the withdrawal of the Yadu dynasty. The Lord then revealed further knowledge of Himself. It was at this time that Maitreya was present and heard those conversations. [] After enlightening Uddhava, Krishna requested them both to leave; Uddhava to Badarikasrama and Maitreya to Haridwar.

On his way to Badarikasrama, Uddhava halted in Vrindavana and on the banks of the Yamuna he met Vidura. Their conversation (Canto Three, Chapters 1-4) revolved around many of Krishna’s pastimes. Vidura was hungry to know more about Krishna’s final instructions, and Uddhava thus directed him to meet Maitreya in Haridwar, since the Rishi had heard the very same instructions. Uddhava then continued to Badarikasrama, while Vidura and Maitreya met in Haridwar and had an enlightening conversation (Canto Three, Chapter 5 onwards).