Dhritrashtra was inconsolable after learning of the death of Duryodhana and Draupadi’s five sons. Grief-stricken he stated, “By killing Draupadi’s five sons Ashwatthama ended the lineage of Hastinapur.”
Then sage Vyasa told Dhritrashtra to treat the Pandavas as his sons and offer adoration to them. Just then all the Pandavas, Draupadi and Krishna reached there. Dhritrashtra embraced Yudhishthira without any love.
When he went over to Bhima to embrace him, Krishna placed an iron figure before him. Krishna knew that Dhritrashtra possessed great strength in his arms. Dhritrashtra embraced the iron figure smashing it to pieces, considering Bhima to be his son’s enemy.
Thereafter he began to weep. Krishna stated, “O King! That was a mere statue. Here is Bhima.” Then Bhima touched the feet of Dhritrashtra to seek his blessings. Dhritrashtra’s anger had subsided. Thus Krishna saved the life of Bhima. Thereafter the Pandavas went over to Gandhari.
Gandhari too was inconsolable. Though Duryodhana’s evil deed was responsible for his downfall, Gandhari was angry with the Pandavas. When Yudhishthira paid obeisance to her, she turned away lest her anger should burn the Pandava to ashes. She pocketed her anger and blessed the Pandavas. Thereafter, all the Pandavas met their mother Kunti who too was inconsolable. She embraced Draupadi and comforted her for the loss of her sons.
All the Pandavas went to the bank of river Ganga and offered libation to the souls of their kith and kin, who were killed in the battle. After returning they met their near and dear ones.
One day, sage Narada came to Yudhishthira to congratulate him on his victory and find out if he was happy. Yudhishthira agreed that they had the kingdom, but they had lost all sons, brothers and relatives. He had been forced to kill even his elder brother, Karna. So, the comfort and luxury he attained as a result was useless.
