Asvatthama was stripped of the wealth and dignity he had inherited from
his family, and was exiled forever from the kingdom. While Krishna was
preparing to leave, however, the wretched Asvatthama returned to attack
the Pandavas, this time aiming a brahmastra against Parikshit, the last
descendent of the Pandavas, who was still in his mother's womb. Krishna
intervened timely to protect the child, saving him from death, to the great
joy of the Pandavas and their mother Kunti, who offered beautiful prayers
of gratitude to the Lord.
After the funeral rites for the deceased heroes, King Yudhisthira was
overcome by despair, thinking about all those who had perished in the
battle. He felt responsible for the war and its terrible results, and he wanted
to visit the battlefield. There lay the old warrior Bhishma, reclining on a bed
of arrows, already close to death, and offered his respect, in the presence of
many rishis and great personalities.
In spite of his many wounds and uncomfortable position, Bhishma was
anxious to comfort Yudhisthira and patiently answered all his questions on
Dharma, social organization and the duties of the various categories of
persons, and especially on the duties of the King and the protection of the
kingdom, for which Yudhisthira and the Pandavas had become responsible.
Finally, when the auspicious moment arrived, Bhishma offered his respects
and prayers to Lord Krishna, who was present in front of him, and
surrendered to death.
Then Lord Krishna accompanied the Pandavas to their capital Hastinapura
and stayed with them for a few months before returning to Dvaraka. At the
time of his departure he was affectionately met by his sister Subhadra, who
had married Arjuna, and by the other ladies of the family - Draupadi, Kunti,
Uttara, Satyavati and Gandhari. All the Pandavas were present, and also
Dhritarastra, Kripacharya, Dhaumya and Yuyutsu, the son of Dhritarastra
who had allied with the Pandavas in the war. After traveling through
various provinces, Krishna happily arrived at Dvaraka and was triumphantly
welcomed by his parents and by all the inhabitants of the city."
After listening carefully to the narration of these events, Saunaka Rishi
presented more questions to Suta, asking him to tell more about the
emperor Parikshit, who was a great devotee, and about the circumstances of
his death.
