[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879) › c5.901 # A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.901 A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.901 - **Language:** English ### [c5.901](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.901) It further appears in different parts of the Mahā-bhārata that Krishna, prince of Dwārakā, was present at the swayam-vara of Draupadī, and gave his judgment that she had been fairly won by Arjuna. While the Pāndavas were reigning at Indra-prastha, he paid them a visit, and went out hunting with them in the Khāndava forest. There he and Arjuna allied themselves with Agni, who was desirous of burning the Khāndava forest, but was prevented by Indra. Agni having secured the help of Krishna and Arjuna, he gave the former the celebrated chakra (discus) Vajra-nābha, and the club Kaumodaki. Then Indra was defeated and Agni burnt the forest. Arjuna afterwards visited Krishna at Dwārakā, and was received with great demonstrations of joy. Arjuna, with the connivance of Krishna, eloped with Su-bhadrā, Krishna’s sister, much to the annoyance of Bala-rāma, her elder brother. When Yudhi-shthira was desirous of performing the Rāja-sūya sacrifice, Krishna told him that he must first conquer Jarā-sandha, king of Magadha. Jarā-sandha was attacked and slain, and Krishna was thus revenged upon the enemy who had forced him to leave Mathurā and emigrate to Dwārakā. Krishna attended the Rāja-sūya sacrifice performed by Yudhi-shthira, and there he met Sisu-pāla, whose betrothed wife he had carried off. Sisu-pāla reviled him and acted very violently, so Krishna cast his discus and cut off his enemy’s head. He was present at the gambling match between Yudhi-shthira and the Kauravas. When Draupadī had been staked and lost, she was dragged into the public hall by Duh-sāsana, who tore off her clothes, but Krishna pitied her, and renewed her clothes as fast as they were torn away. After the close of the exile of the Pāndavas, Krishna was present, and took part in the council which preceded the great war, and strongly advised a peaceful settlement. Then he returned to Dwārakā. Thither Arjuna and Dur-yodhana followed him with the object of enlisting his services in the coming war, but he refused to take any active part because he was related to both parties. He gave them the choice of his personal attendance or of the use of his army. Arjuna, who had arrived first, and therefore had the first choice, asked for Krishna himself, and Dur-yodhana joyfully accepted the army. Krishna then became the charioteer of Arjuna. After this, at the request of the Pāṇḍavas, he went in splendid state to Hastinā-pura as a mediator, but his efforts were unavailing, and he returned. Preparations for action were then made and the forces drawn out. On the eve of the battle, while acting as Arjuna’s charioteer, he is represented as relating to Arjuna the Bhagavad-gītā or divine song. He rendered valuable services to Arjuna throughout the battle, but on two occasions he suggested unfair dealing. He prompted the lie by which Yudhi-shṭhira broke down the prowess of Drona, and he suggested the foul blow by which Bhīma shattered the thigh of Dur-yodhana. He afterwards went to Hastinā-pura with the conquerors, and he also attended their Aswa-medha sacrifice. On returning to Dwārakā he issued a proclamation forbidding the use of wine. Portents and fearful signs appeared, and a general feeling of alarm spread among all in Dwārakā. Krishna gave directions that the inhabitants should go out to Prabhāsa on the sea-shore and endeavour to propitiate the deity. He gave permission also that wine might be drunk for one day. A drunken brawl followed, in which his son Pradyumna was killed in his presence, and nearly all the chiefs of the Yādavas were slain. Bala-rāma went out from the fray and died peacefully under a tree, and Krishna himself was killed unintentionally by a hunter named Jaras, who shot him with an arrow, mistaking him at a distance for a deer. Arjuna proceeded to Dwārakā and performed the obsequies of Krishna. A few days afterwards the city was swallowed up by the sea. Five of Krishna’s widows were subsequently burnt upon a funeral pile in the plain of Kuru-kshetra. - [Previous: c5.900](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.900) - [Next: c5.902](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.902) - [Up: c5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.901](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.901) · Pramāṇa