The new king

The coronation

Soon, all the arrangements were made for the coronation of Yudhishthira as the new king of the Kurus. The consent of Dhritarashtra was taken in advance for the ritual. A golden throne was placed in the hall where such ceremonies are held. Yudhishthira and Draupadi were made to sit on that throne facing east. Krishna and Satyaki sat facing the Pandava. Bhima and Arjuna took the seats to either side of Yudhishthira. All the others sat around them in the order of priority.

Dhaumya who accompanied the Pandavas throughout their days in exile was the priest in charge. He, then, performed the rituals, sanctifying the water for the anointing ceremony. Krishna was given a gold decorated conch shell to pour the holy water on the head of the senior Pandava and his queen.

At that time drums and other auspicious musical instruments were played by the court musicians heralding the ceremony. The Brahmins chanted Vedic texts and pronounced blessings for the new king and his queen. Yudhishthira made generous gifts to all those who performed the ritual.

Assigning duties

Then Yudhishthira made his first announcement by in the hall as the new king. “I have accepted this throne only to perform my duties as per the guidance by my father (uncle), Dhritarashtra. His choices and decisions are mine, too. I request to all the citizens of this country and especially all the office bearers to pay special regards to him as the true king of the land”.

Yudhishthira, then, declared the special duties assigned to his brothers and other important persons. Bhima was made the prince apparent (yuvaraja). Arjuna was reputed for his sense of fairness and justice and he was made responsible for ensuring justice for the citizens in the country. Nakulla was a skilled warrior and an expert on horses. He was installed as the commander in chief of the Kaurava army.

Yudhishshira needed someone at his side, always ready to act on the situations that may arise. Sahadeva was made minister without portfolio, to remain with the king at all times.

Vidura was made the chief minister. Yushishthira announced. “My uncle, Vidura, shall be in charge of the six departments of the king (shadguNa), namely, that of making peace (sandhi), destroying the enemy by making war, etc. (vigraha), making tactical moves and manoevres (yana), waiting for the right opportunity to strike (Asana), playing duplicity (dwaidha) when the occasion arises and remaining subordinate to an enemy when he is stronger (Asraya)”.

Sanjaya was given the overall management of the palace. Dhaumya was made the chief priest. Kripa was given the post of the teacher of the Kurus, to instruct the young princes on all areas of warfare. Yuyulsu was given the responsibility to look after Dhritarashtra at all times.

The last rites

Dhritarashtra, then, performed the last rites of his sons. Yudhishthira conducted the necessary rituals for all the other relations killed in the war. He made generous gifts in the name of each of the princes and kings killed. He did that specifically mentioning the name of those killed on behalf their wives and mothers to make the ladies happy.

Yudhishthira also ordered rest houses to be built and ponds and wells dug in the names of the deceased. That was a noble way to commemorate the warriors who gave up their lives.

The allocation of palaces

The king, then, consulted his uncle, Dhritarashtra, and allocated the houses for his brothers. He gave the palace of Duryodhana to Bhima and that of Dussasana to Arjuna. Nakula got the palace of Durmarshana and Sahadeva, that of Durmukha. Suitable places were earmarked for others also in the palace complex of Hastinapura.

After giving suitable houses to all, Yudhishthira said. “You all have suffered long years on my account. Now, enjoy life peacefully in our ancestral land.”

In the company of Krishna

Krishna and Satyaki spent the night at Arjuna’s place. Yudhishthira met him next morning. By then, all had enjoyed the much needed rest after the long days of war. The king addressed Krishna and spoke. “Did you not sleep well at night? We have won all that we have today only with your help”. But, Krishna kept quiet and appeared to be lost in thought.

Surprised, Yudhishthira spoke again. “You appear to be meditating. Is there anything wrong?”

Then, Krishna replied.

“Bhishma who is resting on a bed of arrows and who is like fire with its flame about to die down is thinking of me. To him I went with my mind”

“He, whose bow string let out such a terrible sound like thunder that even Indra found it unbearable, to him I went with my mind”

“He, who defeated all kings and won the hands of the three princesses (of Kasi), to him I went with my mind”

“He, who fought with Parasurama for twenty three days and still remained unbeaten, to him I went with my mind”

Krishna reminisced in this way all the valiant deeds of Bhishma in the past. Yudhishthira said. “Krishna, what all you said about my grand father is entirely true. We want now to go and meet him. Please lead us from the front”.

Accordingly, Krishna proceeded to meet Bhishma in the battle field accompanied by the Pandavas.

(To be continued)