Krishna's Confusing Words At The Death Ceremony of the Pandavas : Episode 41

Recap of the Previous Episode :

Krishna withdraws from battle with Jarasandha, revealing that the king holds a boon preventing any Yadava from killing him. News arrives that the Pandavas and Kunti have died, but Krishna senses the truth is otherwise. Meanwhile, Bhima kills Hidimba to save Hidimbi, who continues to care for the Pandavas from afar despite their refusal to stay or consider her love.

Hidimbi’s Claim and Vyasa’s Arrival

The Pandavas return to the cottage to find it cleaned and organised. Hidimbi appears, saying she prepared it out of love for Bhima and a sincere wish to help them. Bhima accuses her of deception, but she pleads for trust, claiming she is not a rakshasi by birth but from the Salakadangadi lineage, a divine order associated with Devi. She adds that Sage Vyasa himself will soon confirm her truth.

Moments later, Sage Vyasa arrives and speaks in her favor, praising her lineage and intentions. When Bhima asks how he can marry before his elder brother, Vyasa explains that such rules apply only when parents arrange marriages under traditional customs. He outlines the eight forms of marriage and states that Bhima and Hidimbi may unite under Gandharva marriage, sanctioned by consent and mutual love.

He further warns that their union carries a divine purpose that will unfold in time and should not be questioned prematurely.

Drupada Seeks Answers in the Mountains

Meanwhile, Drupada leaves the palace with Draupadi and Dhrishtadyumna, forbidding anyone to follow. He travels into the snowy mountains where Sage Yaja worships a Shivalinga. Drupada laments that he sought children only to avenge his humiliation through alliance with Arjuna—but now that the Pandavas are presumed dead, the sacrifice has lost meaning. He demands that the sage reclaim the lives he helped create.

With hands over sacred fire, Sage Yaja declares that he will never speak untruth. The prophecy of their purpose still stands, he says, and the three of them will bear the consequences of doubting divine intent.

Krishna at Hastinapura: Truth and Illusion

Krishna and Balarama arrive at Hastinapura and choose to stay at Vidura’s residence, subtly unsettling Dhritarashtra.

When questioned about the supposed death of the Pandavas, Krishna neither confirms nor denies. He cryptically recalls Vidura’s earlier warning — that creatures who burrow or escape are spared by fire — hinting at survival, though only the wise understand. Some begin to doubt; others believe the Pandavas have perished.

To Bhishma, Krishna remarks that death is merely illusion. To Karna, he declares that fire is powerful enough to evaporate the entire sea. To Shakuni, he speaks sharply: we remember great warriors in love, admiration, or hatred; thus they live in memory. But when pressed further, he appeals to external evidence and says that belief may vary, but proof is universal —leaving everyone unsettled.

Privately, Shakuni remains suspicious and resolves to confirm their deaths only after witnessing the final rites himself.

During the sacrificial ritual the next day, Krishna chants the names of Pandavas as though invoking their souls. But when he reaches Kunti’s name, he adds "Kuntidevi pati Pandu tarpayami" — offering rites to Pandu rather than Kunti. Only Vidura notices the subtle signal, relieved at the hidden message of survival. The rest of the court grieves, convinced the Pandavas have died.

Bhima and Hidimbi’s Union

Bhima and Hidimbi exchange garlands in the presence of Vyasa, Kunti and the remaining Pandavas. Kunti blesses the marriage with contentment.

Yudhishtra lays conditions: Hidimbi may roam the forests with Bhima, but he must return each night to the family. She must also take a gentle human form while among them. Vyasa adds one final condition—the Pandavas will remain in one place only until she bears a son, after which they must resume their wandering. Hidimbi agrees and soon travels with Bhima through forests and skies.

Short Note on Hidimbi

Traditions in regions like Nepal and Himachal revere Hidimbi as a manifestation of Durga. Temples dedicated to her exist even today, viewing her not as a rakshasi but as a divine guardian spirit closely linked with Bhima and their son Ghatotkacha.