Shloka 6
अर्जुनस्य अन्त्येष्टि, द्वारकाप्लावनम्, कलिप्रवेशः, कालोपदेशः
द्वारवत्या विनिष्क्रान्ताः कृष्णपत्न्यः सहस्रशः वज्रं जनं च कौन्तेयः पालयञ् छनकैर् ययौ
dvāravatyā viniṣkrāntāḥ kṛṣṇapatnyaḥ sahasraśaḥ vajraṃ janaṃ ca kaunteyaḥ pālayañ chanakair yayau
From Dvāravatī, the wives of Śrī Kṛṣṇa came forth by the thousand; and Kaunteya Arjuna, guarding Vajra and the people, went onward slowly and with care.
Sage Parāśara (narrating to Maitreya)
Avatara: Krishna
Purpose: Kṛṣṇa descended to lighten the earth’s burden by destroying oppressive forces and to establish dharma through divine līlā and instruction.
Leela: Loka-rakshana
Dharma Restored: Protection of the earth and re-establishment of righteous kingship and devotion
Concept: When Bhagavān’s manifest presence withdraws, dharma continues through compassionate protection and orderly conduct amid instability.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma
Application: In transitions (loss, institutional change), prioritize safety, dignity, and steady leadership for those dependent on you.
Vishishtadvaita: The Lord’s līlā may conclude outwardly, yet His order (niyati) persists through dharmic agents serving His community.
Vamsha: Chandra
Dharma Exemplar: Rakṣaṇa-dharma (guardianship of the helpless)
Key Kings: Arjuna, Vajra
Vishnu Form: Krishna
Bhakti Type: Madhurya
FAQs
This verse frames Vajra as a protected heir of the Yadavas; Arjuna’s guardianship preserves a remnant of the dynasty and signals continuity of social order even after Krishna’s earthly departure.
Parāśara narrates a careful, human-scale exodus—Krishna’s wives and the people leaving Dvārakā under Arjuna’s protection—highlighting that, under divine providence, worldly centers dissolve while dharma-driven responsibilities still operate.
Krishna’s presence anchors sovereignty and protection; once he withdraws, even mighty clans decline—underscoring Vishnu as the Supreme reality governing rise and fall, while devotees and dharma act within that larger order.