THE DEATH OF BHISHMA

In the morning, Yudhisthira and all other Pandavas came to Krishna and said many words to express their gratitude for all that he had done for him. Krishna said, now Bhishnma is calling me, we must all go to him, as he has a few days of his life left. They all went to Bhishma. Bhishma opened his eyes. Krishna asked about his condition in gentle tones. Bhishma was overcome with joy to see Krishna and others. At the request of Krishna, Bhishma told Yudhisthira about the duties of a king in great detail. Yudhisthira learnt these by heart. They saluted him and returned to Hastinapaura.

After some days when the sun changed its course to Uttarayana they went to him again. Krishna told him that he would be returning to the gods to take his place among Vasus. Krishna showed his divine universal form to him. Bhishma left his mortal body.

He was cremated and his bones were consigned to sacred Ganga. Ganga came to receive the bones of her beloved sons. She wept aloud and Krishna consoled her.

All were very sad at the demise of the greatest of men who had come to the earth. Dhritarastra, Yudhisthira, Krishna and all others returned to their capital Hastinapura with their hearts full of sorrow.

KRISHNA RETURNS TO DWARKA

Yudhisthira was now ruling his kingdom with wisdom and compassion. Arjuna and Krishna spent a few days together in Indraprastha. They recalled all the past events. Then Krishna wanted to go back to Dwarka. He took leave of Yudhisthira and all then went back to Dwaraka.