Krishna takes leave of the Pandavas and returns to Dvaraka
With all other guests gone, Krishna seeks Yudhishthira's permission to return to Dvaraka. He bids a personal farewell to Kunti, Subhadra, and Draupadi, and is seen off by the Pandavas. His departure leaves only Duryodhana and Shakuni in the celestial hall.
The lords among kings and the brahmanas had left. The sabha was quieter.
The powerful Vasudeva then spoke to Yudhishthira. "O son of the Kuru lineage! I seek your leave to go to Dvaraka. Through good fortune, you have achieved rajasuya, supreme among sacrifices."
Yudhishthira's reply was full of gratitude. "O Govinda! It is through your favour that I have achieved this supreme sacrifice. Through your grace, all the kshatriyas have come under my sway and have attended upon me, bringing rich tributes." He acknowledged the truth: "O brave one! Without you, we will find no pleasure." Then he granted the leave: "But of course you must go to the city of Dvaravati."
The greatly famous Hari, with Yudhishthira beside him, went to the inner quarters to see Pritha—Kunti, his father's sister. He spoke to her affectionately. "O father's sister! Your sons have now obtained sovereignty and have obtained success and great riches. You should be pleased. Please grant me leave so that I can return to Dvaraka."
Keshava then bade farewell to Subhadra, his sister, and to Draupadi. Accompanied by Yudhishthira, he came out. After bathing, praying, and receiving the blessings of the brahmanas, he went to his chariot. His charioteer Daruka had yoked the beautifully constructed chariot that looked like a cloud, with the great Garuda on its banner.
The great-souled Pundariksha circumambulated the chariot, ascended, and prepared to depart for Dvaravati. Dharmaraja Yudhishthira, accompanied by his brothers, followed the immensely strong Vasudeva on foot, a final mark of respect and affection.
Krishna stopped the supreme chariot for a moment and offered Yudhishthira a king's blessing. "O lord of the earth! Always remain steadfast in protecting your subjects, just as the god of rain protects all beings and a large tree protects all birds. May you be the refuge of your relatives, like the thousand-eyed one (Indra) is of the immortals."
After this conversation, Krishna and the Pandavas took each other's leave and went their separate ways.
When Krishna, supreme among the Satvatas, had left for Dvaravati, the celestial sabha was nearly empty. Only two guests remained: Duryodhana and Soubala Shakuni, bulls among men.