Krishna Departs and Dwarka Sinks

Krishna knew that his time to leave had come and that Gandhari's words had to come true. He lay down in yoga beneath a tree in the forest, drawing his mind inward. One foot rested on the other, with the sole slightly raised.

Just then a hunter named Jara came by. From a distance the sole looked to him like the face of a deer. He shot an arrow, which struck Krishna's sole. Coming closer, he saw the four-armed Lord lying there in yellow silk. Trembling, he fell at his feet.

Krishna comforted him and did not blame him. Then, lighting up earth and sky with his radiance, he left his body and returned to his supreme abode. The gods sang his praises.

Hearing the news from Daruka, Arjuna reached Dwarka. Seeing the empty city and the weeping women, he broke down. Krishna's father Vasudeva also died of grief. Arjuna performed the last rites for all and set out for Indraprastha with the survivors. As soon as they left, the sea rose and swallowed Dwarka.

On the way, robbers attacked the caravan. Arjuna lifted the Gandiva, but could barely string it; he could not remember the mantras of his divine weapons, and his never-empty quiver ran dry. The Arjuna who once defeated whole armies was now helpless. Vyasa explained, 'Arjuna, everything is in the hands of Time. Your work is done. Now it is time for you, too, to go.'