Naradagamana Parva is the ninety-fifth Upa Parva included in the fifteenth Maha Parva, named as Ashramavasika Parva. Vaishampayana continued narration to Janamejaya in reply to his queries as follows.
When did Narada Maharshi finally visit Yudhishtira?
After two years had passed, Dritarashtra, Gandhari, Sanjaya and Kunti had gone for their old-age Vanavasa and penance, then Narada had visited Yudhishtira. It was the final visit of Narada Maharshi to Yudhishtira. Yudhishtira had enquired about the status of his mother Kunti, Gandhari and Dritarashtra, living in the forests.
What did Narada Maharshi tell Yudhishtira?
Narada Maharshi had told Yudhishtira about a forest fire and the final passage of Kunti, Gandhari and Dritarashtra to heaven. Yudhishtira was consoled by Narada, and the news was shared with the other Pandava brothers and their palace staff.
What did Dritarashtra request before going to heaven with Sanjaya?
गच्चसंजययत्राग्निर्नत्वांदहतिकर्हिचित्।
वयमत्राग्निनायुक्तागमिष्यामःपरांगतिं॥
‘O Sanjaya, go to a safe place where the fire would not burn your body. We have decided to be burnt here and go to heaven’.
Thus, Dritarashtra had advised Sanjaya. Dritarashtra, Gandhari and Kunti had done penance, and their physical body had weakened in the forests. They had sat in Yoga Samadhi after taking a bath in the River Ganga. The forest fire had engulfed their bodies, their souls had entered heaven, but Sanjaya had gone by walking further to the Himalayas.
What did Yudhishtira do for the final rituals of Kunti, his mother?
Yudhishtira, with the help and guidance of Dhaumya Rishi, had arranged for the final rituals of Kunti. All Pandava brothers were feeling very sorry for the death of their mother, Kunti. The priests were given donations, and they had blessed the Pandavas.
What did Yuyutsu do for the final rituals of his parents?
Yuyutsu, with the help and guidance of Dhaumya Rishi, had arranged for the final rituals of Dritarashtra and Gandhari. All Kaurava family members were feeling very sorry for the deaths of Dritarashtra and Gandhari. The priests were given donations, and they had blessed the Palace people. Later, Yuyutsu returned to Indraprastha.
What had Narada assured Yudhishtira?
Narada had assured Yudhishtira regarding Kunti, Gandhari and Dritarashtra that their souls had been at rest in peace in heaven. Sanjaya had also done his Yoga Samadhi on his way to the Himalaya. So Yudhishtira arranged for his final rituals.
Next post, Mahabharat: Mausala Parva would be more interesting.
Mahabharat: Mahaprasthanika Parva would be presented separately in another article.
What are the benefits of reading this story?
On reading this story, children would gain more memory power, great moral strength in their lives in future; creating a sense of self-reliance, leading to peace and progress.
It is humbly prayed for the blessings of God Krishna upon us.
Readers may share this story with children, friends and family.
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