Hindu Religious Studies 71
A number of funeral pyres were made ready for cremation. The
dead bodies were cremated. Then all came to the bank of the
Ganges. They bathed in the water of the Ganges. They offered water
in the memory of the dead. Gandhari became almost mad at the loss
of her sons. Krishna consoled her much.
(12) Shanti-parva:
All came back from the battle field of Kurukshmetra, but they did
not enter Hastinapura.
Now Yudhishthira was supposed to be the king, but he refused.
There were much bloodshed and loss of life for the sake of the
kingdom. So, he lost interest in the kingdom. He decided to go to
the forest and meditate there. Krishna advised him to have patience.
Then Yudhishthira entered Hastinapura with his brothers. Others
also followed him. He became the king of Hastinapura. Then he
went to Vishma and touched his feet to seek his blessings. Vishma
gave him much advice.(13) Anusasana-parva:
Yudhishthira was much benefited from Vishma's advice. He came to
know about religion, peace and other things from him. Yudhishthira
said to Vishma that he was pained at heart to see him wounded on
the bed of arrows. Vishma then said to Yudhishthira that it was the
duty of a Kshmatriya to fight and that he had done that duty. He
further said that there was nothing to be ashamed of. And there is
no reason to consider one to be a sinner. Vishma then advised him
about the benefit of hospitality, fate and self-power, the greatness of
Shiva, the greatness of Ganga, respect towards gurus and the duty of
a disciple, benefit of vows and gifts, good conduct etc.