End of Eklavya

          Eklavya- The Prince of Nishadha was the son of Prince Devashrava who was the brother of Kunti and Vasudev. Eklavya was the cousin of Lord Krishna, the Pandavas and to Sisubala. Eklavya, when he was young was lost in the forest and he was found by Vyatraj Hiranyadhanush, King of Nishadha and was adopted by him. Nishadha was a coalition of jungle tribes that was in the outcasts of Kingdom Magadha.  Eklavya grew as the Prince of Nishadha. Vyatraj Hiranyadhanush was the army commander of Magadha. Even after being turned down by Dronacharya in tutoring archery and giving his right thumb as Gurudhakshana to Dronacharya, Eklavya grew up as a notable and powerful archer and charioteer.

Gurudhakshana!

          After years, Eklavya grew to be a messenger in the court of Magadha and as the chief charioteer of King Jarasandha. Eklavya was the messenger between Sisubala and Rukmani’s father, King Bhishmaka and her brother Rukmi on the request of his King Jarasandha, at the time of Rukmani’s Swayamwara. He even helped Jarasandha and Sisubala to attack Krishna and Balram while Rukmani was eloping with Krishna. Also, Eklavya’s army skills and knowledge in archery helped Jarasandha to attack Mathura and Dwaraka.

          During Yudhistra’s Rajasuya Yaga, Jarasandha was killed by Bhīma with the support of Lord Krishna. Agitated on the death of his friend and King, Eklavya coveted to take avenge by killing Krishna and every single Yadava in Dwaraka. So, along with the army of Magadha he attacked Dwaraka. Eklavya, along with Paundrika attacked Dwaraka while Krishna was away. But they were not able to get past Krishna’s Narayani Sena and Lord Balram’s war tactics. He attacks Dwaraka again with a massive army while Krishna was in Dwaraka. Krishna kills Paundrika and battles with Eklavya fiercely. Eklavya falls for Krishna’s arrow and in his death bed, he comes to know about his birth’s secret from Krishna.

          Without any hatred towards Krishna, Eklavya speaks with the pain, “Krishna, I’m not worried about my death for I know, death will claim everyone one day for sure. I’m worried that my mother, Queen of Nishadha will be saddened a lot that after my death, she won’t be having anyone or even anything to love or care or even live for.”

          Krishna gently holds Eklavya and speaks, “Eklavya, Your mother should be blessed then because of loving you so much. When she leaves the earth, she won’t be having anything to love and care for and so she will have no reason to be born again in this world. She will be with the Paramathma.”

          Intrigued on Krishna’s words, Eklavya places his doubt in front of Krishna, “Are you saying that if anyone loves something in this world and dies with the same love still in their heart, then they will be born once again?”

   

       “Yes, Eklavya! That’s the reason for rebirth. Nothing will bring happiness forever in this world which itself is destined to perish. This world will not be there forever and so is everything related to this world. To understand that, is what life is for. Love for the Paramathma is the only love that will bring happiness forever. And that love will help you in understanding life, dharma, love, truth and will in turn lead to the path of no rebirth.”

    

      Understanding the truth in Krishna’s words, Eklavya asks for forgiveness for his revenge, requests Krishna to take care of his mother and dies peacefully in the hands of Krishna.