The End of the Yadava Dynasty: A Bedtime Story from Srimad Bhagavatam
A Time of Great Joy and Sorrow
In the beautiful city of Dwaraka, on the shores of the sparkling ocean, lived Lord Krishna and his beloved Yadava family. For many years, Dwaraka was a land of happiness and strength. The Yadavas were brave, wise, and filled with Krishna’s blessings. But even the greatest families, when proud, must remember that everything in this world is temporary.
The Sage’s Curse
One day, young Yadava princes played a mischievous trick on a group of wise sages visiting Dwaraka. They dressed Samba, Krishna’s son, as a woman and jokingly asked the sages if “she” would have a son or a daughter. The sages saw through the prank and became upset. They declared, “This boy will give birth to a terrible iron pestle that will destroy your entire dynasty!”
The Yadavas became worried. Soon, Samba did indeed give birth to an iron pestle, just as the sages said. Afraid of the curse, the Yadavas ground the pestle into fine powder and threw it into the sea, hoping to prevent disaster.
But fate had its way. The waves carried the powder to the shore, where it grew into tall, sharp grass. The remaining piece of the pestle was swallowed by a fish and later used to make a sharp arrowhead.
Signs of the End
Years passed. The Yadavas, once gentle and loving, started arguing and quarreling. Even the wisest elders found it hard to bring peace. Lord Krishna, who is all-knowing, understood that the time for his pastimes on Earth was coming to an end. He knew the prophecy must be fulfilled, for nothing can escape the will of destiny.
Krishna called the Yadavas and suggested they go to Prabhasa, a holy place, for a great festival and purification ceremony. The Yadavas agreed, hoping to find joy together once more.
The Tragic Quarrel
At Prabhasa, the Yadavas celebrated with singing, dancing, and feasting. But pride and anger grew among them. Some began to boast about their strength, while others recalled old rivalries. Suddenly, a quarrel broke out.
In their fury, the Yadavas pulled up the tall grass growing by the seashore—the very grass that had sprouted from the cursed powder. When they struck one another with these blades, the grass turned as hard as iron. Terrible fighting erupted. Brothers, friends, and fathers could not recognize each other in their anger. One by one, the mighty warriors fell.
Krishna and Balarama tried to stop them, but the curse was too strong. Soon, the entire Yadava dynasty was gone, and silence fell upon the holy land.
Balarama and Krishna’s Departure
After the Yadavas had destroyed themselves, Lord Balarama, Krishna’s beloved elder brother, sat down under a great tree. Closing his eyes, Balarama left his earthly form, returning to his eternal spiritual abode.
Lord Krishna, now alone in the forest, knew that his time on Earth was ending. He sat beneath a peaceful tree, resting his foot on his knee. A humble hunter named Jara, seeing Krishna’s shining foot from a distance, mistook it for a deer and shot an arrow—the same arrowhead made from the cursed pestle. Realizing his mistake, the hunter fell at Krishna’s feet in sorrow. Krishna, ever gentle and forgiving, blessed him and forgave him.
Krishna’s divine form shone with heavenly light. He left his earthly body and returned to his eternal home, Goloka, where his pastimes never end.
The City of Dwaraka Sinks
Soon after, the city of Dwaraka, once so full of life and laughter, was swallowed by the ocean. Only a few survived to tell the tale. The great story of Krishna’s pastimes came to an end, but his teachings and love remain in the hearts of devotees forever.
Moral of the Story for Young Vaishnavs
Everything in this world—even the mightiest kingdoms—comes and goes. Pride and anger can lead to ruin, but forgiveness and devotion lead us to God. Krishna’s love and teachings always guide us, no matter what happens. Stay humble, do good, and keep Krishna in your heart always.
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The End of the Yadava Dynasty: Krishna’s Final Pastimes in Dwaraka – A Bedtime Story for Kids
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A gentle bedtime story about the end of the Yadava dynasty and Krishna’s departure, teaching spiritual values to Hindu children and families.
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