Submersion and Transition
“After Krishna's death, Dwaraka stands empty, its people gone, its purpose complete. Arjuna, hearing of his friend's departure, journeys to Dwaraka, only to find devastation and destruction. He discovers the few survivors—Krishna's widows and remaining kin—and takes it upon himself to escort them to safety. But as he does so, he discovers that his divine powers are waning, that the time of divine protection is ending. Then, as if nature itself recognizes the end of an era, the ocean rises, and Dwaraka is submerged—the great city, once prosperous and powerful, now claimed by the sea. Arjuna, witnessing the submersion, reflects on the end of an era, on the completion of Krishna's purpose, and on the transition that awaits—the Pandavas' own journey, their own departure, their own completion. This is the end of Mausala Parva and the beginning of Mahaprasthanika Parva—the great journey that awaits.”
Contains: death, destruction, mature themes, tragic content, submersion, end of era
Story Summary
After Krishna's death, Dwaraka stands empty, its people gone, its purpose complete. Arjuna, hearing of his friend's departure, journeys to Dwaraka, filled with grief and disbelief. When he arrives, he finds devastation and destruction—the Yadava clan destroyed, Krishna gone, Balarama departed, and only a few survivors remaining. He discovers Krishna's widows and remaining kin, and takes it upon himself to escort them to safety, honoring his friend's memory by protecting those who remain. But as he does so, he discovers that his divine powers are waning—his arrows miss their mark, his strength fades, his divine protection is ending. The time of divine assistance is over, and Arjuna must face the world without the powers that Krishna had granted him. Then, as if nature itself recognizes the end of an era, the ocean rises, and Dwaraka is submerged—the great city, once prosperous and powerful, now claimed by the sea, its golden towers disappearing beneath the waves. Arjuna, witnessing the submersion, reflects on the end of an era, on the completion of Krishna's purpose, and on the transition that awaits. The Pandavas' own journey approaches, their own departure, their own completion. This is the end of Mausala Parva and the beginning of Mahaprasthanika Parva—the great journey that awaits the Pandavas.