After finishing their education
at Sage Sandipani's ashram, Rama and Krishna returned to Mathura. They began to
miss their loved ones in Ambadi, especially the cowherds who had raised
Krishna. So Krishna sent his trusted friend and minister, Uddhava, to deliver a
message and learn how everyone was doing.
Uddhava stayed in Ambadi for a
few months. The people—Yasoda, Nandagopa, and the Gopas—were overjoyed to hear
news about Krishna. They sent gifts and their love back to him through Uddhava,
who returned to Mathura with the presents.
Uddhava was a wise Yadava and a
disciple of Brihaspati. He played key roles in several events, including
attending Draupadi’s wedding and saving Dvaraka during King Salva’s attack.
Later, Krishna warned Uddhava
that the Yadava dynasty would soon come to an end. Saddened, Uddhava asked to
join Krishna in Vaikuntha. Krishna instead shared deep spiritual truths,
teaching Uddhava that the world is an illusion and explaining the path to
liberation.
Before Dvaraka was destroyed,
Uddhava left the city peacefully. He later went to the hermitage at Badarika,
where he devoted himself to meditation and spiritual practice.
Here are the primary sources from
Sanskrit literature that mention Uddhava and the events summarized in the story, along with the specific sections where they appear:
* Skandha-10,Canto-10, Chapters- 46–47: -This is the main source
for the story of Uddhava, especially his relationship with Krishna, his visit
to Ambadi (Vrindavan), and his spiritual teachings.
- Uddhava is sent by Krishna
to Gokula (Ambadi) with a message for the Gopas and Gopis.
- His interactions with
Yasoda, Nanda, and especially the Gopis are described in detail.
- The emotional outpouring of
love and longing from the Gopis is central to these chapters.
- Skandha 11 (Canto 11),
Chapters 6–29
- Known as the Uddhava
Gita, these chapters contain Krishna's final teachings to Uddhava.
- Uddhava asks 21 spiritual
questions, and Krishna teaches about Maya (illusion), Moksha
(liberation), and Bhakti (devotion).
- Krishna instructs Uddhava
to go to Badarikashrama.
- Adi Parva (Book 1)
- Chapter 186, Verse 18: Mentions Uddhava at
Draupadi's Swayamvara.
- Chapter 218, Verse 11: Uddhava is present at a
celebration in Raivata mountain.
- Chapter 220, Verse 30: He brings Subhadra's
dowry to Indraprastha when she marries Arjuna.
- Vana Parva (Book 3), Chapter
15, Verse 9
- Uddhava defends Dvaraka
from King Shalva's attack.
- Mausala Parva (Book 16),
Chapter 3
- Describes the destruction
of the Yadava dynasty.
- Uddhava leaves Dvaraka
before its fall, filled with divine knowledge.
3. Vishnu Purana and Harivamsa Purana
- These Puranas also recount
Krishna’s life, including Uddhava’s role, though with less detail than the
Bhagavata Purana.
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