Thursday, November 12, 2009

Yudhishtira's Final Journey - Part 1

Mahabharata the greatest epic has a befitting end.

After the war, the Pandavas rule the land for many years.When kaliyuga set in, Krishna went back to his abode in the high heavens. Seeing this the Pandavas crowned Parikshit as the king and went to on their final journey.

On their way, the Pandavas passed many a plains and mountains. During this time a dog joined them. They had just crossed the Himalayas and were proceeding towards Mount Meru. Just then Draupadi fell to the ground. Bhima asked Yudishtira why Draupadi, inspite for of following dharma throughout her life, fell dead. Yudishtira replied that Draupadi was greatly partial to Arjuna and that was her one sin that caused her to die.

Next to fall down dead was Sahadeva. Yudishtira said that Sahadeva thought that there was no one as wise as him. When Nakula fell,Yudishtira said that Nakula thought he was the most handsome man and that brought about his fall.

Then the greatest hero Arjuna fell. Yudishtira said that Arjuna had boasted before the war that he would single handedly kill each and everyone of his enemies. This Arjuna did not accomplish and had to die.

A dieing Bhima asked Yudishtira his fault. Yudishtira replied that Bhima ate too much, was proud of his strength and hated his enemies and these were the reasons he had to die.

Now only Yudishtira and the dog remained. They continued their journey up the mountain. Suddenly, the mountain was lit up by an uneartly glow.Indra, the king of Gods, had come with his chariot to take Yudishtira to the heaven. Indra told Yudishtira that the Gods were pleased with his honesty and adherence to Dharma and were letting him come to heaven in his mortal body. The dog that came this far with Yudishtira, follwed him into Indra's chariot. Indra would not allow the dog to go heaven. But Yudishtira was firm and insisted that unless the dog was allowed to go with him he would not come. Indra was pleased with Yudishtira and allowed the dog. Immediately Lord Dharma, who was in the form of the dog till then, appeared before Yudishtira. He was very happy with his son, Yudishtira who even in this situation refused to give up his dharma. Then they all ascended to the heavens above....

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

so what?