The Final Journey: Lord Krishna’s Departure in Hindu Lore

Lord Krishna, the Avatar destined to guide and uplift humanity, had a unique departure that is deeply rooted in the spiritual teachings of Hinduism. Unlike typical mortal beings, Krishna's journey into the spiritual realm is a profound and otherworldly event that reflects the eternal nature of the Divine.

The Mysterious End of Lord Krishna

According to ancient scriptures, Lord Krishna did not have a traditional funeral after his death. The story goes that on a fateful day, a hunter, mistaking Krishna for a bird, shot an arrow that ended his life. The hunter later realized his mistake and, moved by remorse, buried Krishna’s body himself. This narrative finds its roots in the epic poem The Mahabharata, where the details of the event are briefly mentioned:

There was no official funeral after Krishna's death. When the hunter mistakenly took Krishna to be a bird and shot an arrow, Krishna died. The hunter later realized and regretted his sin, taking Krishna's body and burning it in a forest.

The Curious Tale of Krishna's Death by Jara

Another account of Krishna's death refers to Jara’s involvement, who, under the curse of Gandhari, accidentally killed him. The scriptures again provide no mention of a funeral:

He was killed by Jara because of Gandhari’s curse. There is no mention of funeral anywhere but people must have mourned his death in their own ways.

The Doctrine of Krishna’s Immortality

Despite the physical departure, Krishna’s true nature as an Avatar and the supreme Bhagwan (God) transcends mortality. In Hindu philosophy, bodiless beings such as Avatars do not need a physical body. They simply exhibit themselves as needed and do not die in the conventional sense. They periodically leave the human realm to take on new roles and responsibilities.

According to the Srimad Bhagwatam, Krishna’s final departure into the spiritual world is described with deep spiritual significance:

Shloka 5, Canto 11.31 - The Absorption of Lord Krishna

Seeing before Him Brahmā, the grandfather of the universe, along with other powerful expansions of the Lord, the Almighty closed His lotus eyes, fixing His mind within Himself.

Without employing the mystic āgneyī meditation, Lord Krishna entered into His own abode, without burning up His transcendental body, which is the all-attractive resting place of all the worlds and the object of all contemplation and meditation.

Most of the demigods and other higher beings, led by Brahmā, could not see Lord Krishna as He was entering His own abode since He did not reveal His movements. But some of them did catch sight of Him and they were extremely amazed.

These verses emphasize the spiritual essence of Krishna’s departure, highlighting the profound shift from the material to the spiritual realm. Krishna’s body, being composed of material elements, was left behind, but his soul transcended physicality to merge with the ultimate reality.

Conclusion

The journey of Lord Krishna's departure is a powerful reminder of the eternal nature of spiritual beings and the transcendent truth that lies beyond the physical world. His final moments, marked by mystery and reverence, underscore the profound teachings of Hindu philosophy and the deep spiritual longing for truth and understanding.

Further Reading

Srimad Bhagwatam Canto 11.31 Srimad Bhagwatam - Chapter 11.31 Hinduism Today - The Departure of Lord Krishna

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