In just one stroke, in the course of one sequence of dramatic events, Sri Krishna saved the Pandavas from the wrath of Dhritarashtra, Gandhari and Balarama cleverly, soothingly and pacifyingly.

Parikshit preserved

Not only that, the Lord also saved the child in Abhimanyu's widow Uttara's womb. Aswatthama had sent the 'Apandavastra', missile to render the world Pandava-less: to kill all the progeny of the Pandavas, specially the grandson of Arjuna; the child was born as a charred piece. It was Sri Krishna who, using His divine powers, saved the child. That was why, the child was named 'Parikshit' - the one that was saved by divine grace.

The Miserable Chiranjeevi

This son of Abhimanyu, the grandson of Arjuna, was to rule the world for sixty years. Aswaththama was disgraced and made to roam the wide, wide world, forever hated by everyone - a loathsome 'Chiranjeevi'. He was also made to part with the precious crest-jewel he was wearing and which protected him against all weapons, disease and hunger. His humiliation was complete and total. The gem was given to Yudhisthira. If Sri Krishna had saved the Pandavas from many disastrous situations before the battle of Kurukshetra, he did so even after the war! The Pandavas could never thank him enough! They could never forget that what all they had won and acquired was only because of His Grace.

Kunti's prayer

That was why, Kunti, Krishna's aunt and the mother of the Pandavas prayed to Him emphatically: 'O Lord! Please ensure that we will always suffer, for it is only then that you will ever be with us and we can be sure of your abiding grace!' This is a significant prayer. Is it not true that we pray to God only when we are in deep trouble and forget him in happy circumstances?

Arjuna, the favourite

Arjuna was the special favourite of Sri Krishna. He was not only a cousin (his mother Kunti and Krishna's father Vasudeva were brother and sister) of Krishna but also His brother-in-law. He married Krishna's younger sister Subhadra, and that too only because of Krishna's clever assistance. The elder brother Balarama wanted to give Subhadra to Duryodhana in marriage. Duryodhana was his special favourite! Krishna's smart strategems enabled Arjuna win Subhadra for himself! 

Krishna's Grace

But for Krishna's assistance in depriving Karna of his gold armour and ear-rings (Kavacha Kundalas) through Indra, the celestial father of Arjuna, it would not have been possible for Arjuna to kill Karna in the battle! Again, it was Krishna, who saved Arjuna from the most potent, much-dreaded Nagastra, the serpent-missile! Sri Krishna had wangled a boon from Karna, through mother Kunti, that he (Karna) would not use the Nagastra more than once. Even so, on that solitary occasion when it was aimed by Karna at Arjuna's neck, and when it was speeding like lightning on its way, Sri Krishna pressed his foot on the chariot yoke which made the horses bend on their knees making the chariot also sink into the ground for a good half-foot.

Crown lost but life saved!

The Nagastra aimed for Arjuna's neck missed its target and could only take away the famed bejewelled crown of Arjuna, the crown Indra had given him and earned for him the name 'Kireeti'. Arjuna had escaped what looked a certain death! Once more Krishna had saved him!