Story Summary
Discover The Pandavas' Final Journey from the Mahabharata. Follow Yudhisthira's ascent to the Himalayas and his ultimate test of loyalty and dharma at the gates.
After many years of righteous rule, the Pandavas realized their time on Earth was ending. Following the departure of Lord Krishna, Yudhisthira crowned Parikshit as king and set out with his four brothers and Draupadi toward the Himalayas on their final journey, the Mahaprasthanika Parva. As they climbed the steep peaks of Mount Meru, a stray dog joined them. One by one, the travelers began to fall, unable to reach the summit in their mortal bodies. Draupadi fell first due to her partiality for Arjuna; then Sahadeva for his pride in wisdom; Nakula for his vanity; Arjuna for his pride in archery; and finally Bhima for his gluttony. Only Yudhisthira, the eldest and most righteous, continued the ascent, followed closely by the loyal dog. At the summit, Lord Indra appeared in a celestial chariot to take Yudhisthira to heaven. However, Indra insisted the dog could not enter. Yudhisthira flatly refused, stating he would not abandon a loyal companion who had sought his protection. At that moment, the dog transformed into Lord Dharma, Yudhisthira's father, revealing it was a final test. Having passed, Yudhisthira was welcomed into the celestial realms with full honors.
The Moral
True righteousness is defined by compassion for all living beings and the refusal to abandon those who depend on us, even for personal salvation.
“I cannot abandon this dog; he is devoted to me. To abandon the devoted is an inexpiable sin.”
Fun Fact
The Mahaprasthanika Parva is the shortest book in the entire Mahabharata, consisting of only three chapters, yet it delivers the epic's final philosophical resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Pandavas' Final Journey?
The story teaches that dharma, or righteousness, is incomplete without compassion. Yudhisthira's refusal to abandon a loyal dog even for heaven shows that integrity must come before personal gain.
Why did the Pandavas fall during their final journey?
Except for Yudhisthira, each fell because of a specific personal flaw or attachment. Draupadi fell for her partiality, Sahadeva for his pride, Nakula for vanity, Arjuna for ego, and Bhima for his gluttony.
Who was the dog in the Pandavas' final journey?
The dog was actually Lord Dharma, the god of righteousness and Yudhisthira's father, in disguise. He followed the group to test Yudhisthira's commitment to his principles one last time.
Which Pandava reached heaven first?
Yudhisthira was the only one to reach the gateway of heaven in his physical human form. The others had to shed their mortal bodies and imperfections before they could eventually find peace.
What is the Mahaprasthanika Parva?
It is the seventeenth of eighteen books in the Mahabharata. It details the Pandavas' renunciation of the throne and their final pilgrimage through India to the Himalayan mountains.
Why did Yudhisthira refuse to enter heaven initially?
He refused because Lord Indra told him he could not bring the stray dog with him. Yudhisthira believed that abandoning a devoted companion would be a great sin, regardless of the reward.
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