(Other names: Pavanayadhi, Uddhava)
In the Dwapar Age, Uddhav was Yadavas’ minister. He had learnt the science of politics from Jupiter (Brihaspati).
Uddhav was a learned monotheist and he was a great devotee of incorporeal ubiquitous Brahma.
Uddhav was Krishna’s devotee and a dear friend. When Krishna came to Mathura from Gokul, then also he could not forget Nand-Yashoda and the Gopis.
Gopis love and yashoda’s affection were always in His memories.
Once, Krishna called Uddhav and asked him to go to Gokul and give knowledge to the Gopis who were upset with Krishna’s separation and at the same time console Nand and Yashoda.
The philosophy behind sending Uddhav to Gokul was to make him understand that true love is devotion.Though Uddhav was a learned and knowledgeable, he never had the idea of the extent of devotion.
He only came to know about this when he met the Gopis who were simple Cowherdesses, not learned but truly and in every sense devoted to Krishna. Uddhav reached Mathura.
He explained Gopis,” Krishna, with his soul is always with you.
He is away from you with his body because you can remember him with pure mind and attain him.” Uddhav explained Nand-Yashoda,
“Krishna has taken birth to destroy the demons and establish religion and for this he has to go to Mathura.
He has not forgotten you, though he is living away from you but to perform his duties, he has to stay away from you.” This way after preaching Gopis and consoling Nand-Yashoda, Uddhav came to Mathura.
When Krishna went to Dwarka, even Uddhav went with him. He had learnt with his knowledge that the time has come for the destruction of Yaduvanshi (Yadava family).
Then, he warned Krishna that due to the curse of Sage Kanva, Yadavas will fight amongst themselves. Sage’s curse can not go in vain.
But he should not be disturbed or upset with it. He must accept it as his destiny.
Shri Krishna remembered his devotee and learned dear friend Uddhav’s advice till the end.
After Krishna left for Vaikunth lok (heavenly abode), Uddhav remained upset for many days and wandered in Mathura on the banks of river Yamuna. There only in old age, he left for heavenly abode.
There is a statement written by Krishna for Uddhav,” After I leave this mortal world, Uddhav only will take care of the knowledge given by me because he is no less than me in virtue.”
