After Kurukshetra – Section 7: The Pandavas' Final Journey
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The Weariness of Kingship
After Krishna's passing and the destruction of the Yadavas, the Pandavas no longer found meaning in ruling Hastinapura. For years they had carried the burdens of Dharma, but now, with their dearest friend gone, the world felt empty.
Arjuna, once the peerless archer, discovered that his bow Gandiva had lost its power. His arms, which had held off entire armies, now trembled when he tried to string it. The divine weapons he once wielded no longer obeyed him.
He told Yudhishthira:
> "Brother, without Krishna, I am but an ordinary man. My arrows have no fire, my strength is gone. Truly, Madhava was the root of my valor. Without him, I am a tree without roots."
Hearing this, Yudhishthira realized what his heart already knew: the time had come for them to leave worldly life behind.
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The Crowning of Parikshit
Before departing, they needed to ensure the kingdom would be in safe hands. The Pandavas chose Parikshit, the grandson of Arjuna and the son of Abhimanyu and Uttara, to be king.
Parikshit had survived the womb only because Krishna had protected him from Ashwatthama's Brahmashira weapon during the war. Now grown, he was wise, noble, and strong, worthy of ruling the Kuru throne.
Yudhishthira blessed him:
> "Rule with justice, my child. Let your reign be guided by Dharma. Remember always that power is a trust, not a possession."
The elders and people accepted him gladly, for they saw in him a continuation of the Pandava spirit.
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The Decision to Depart
With Parikshit installed as king, the Pandavas shed their royal garments and donned simple robes. Draupadi, too, renounced her queenly ornaments and joined them in their final journey.
They left Hastinapura without pomp—no army, no treasure, no procession. Only the five brothers, Draupadi, and a faithful dog who began to follow them.
Their destination was the Himalayas, the abode of the gods, and beyond that, heaven itself. They undertook the Mahaprasthana—the great departure—symbolizing the renunciation of all worldly ties.
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The Journey Begins
The Pandavas walked northward, their steps slow but steady. The people of Hastinapura wept to see them go, but Yudhishthira said:
> "Do not grieve, for this is the way of all mortals. We have ruled, we have fought, we have suffered, and we have rejoiced. Now we walk to where all must go. Serve Parikshit faithfully, and Dharma will protect you."
As they left behind the plains and forests, they entered the snowy regions, where the peaks touched the skies. The air grew thin, the path harsh, but their resolve unwavering.
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The Fall of Draupadi
Draupadi was the first to stumble and fall upon the icy ground. The brothers stopped, grief-stricken, but Yudhishthira, with calm voice, said:
> "Draupadi has fallen because, though she loved us all, in her heart she held greater affection for Arjuna."
The truth was bitter, but Yudhishthira spoke without anger, for this was not a time for concealment. Draupadi's soul rose toward heaven, leaving behind the body that had endured so much suffering and glory.
The brothers pressed on, with the faithful dog still at their side.
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The Fall of Sahadeva
Next, Sahadeva, the youngest, collapsed upon the path. His brothers mourned, but Yudhishthira said:
> "Sahadeva was wise and noble, but he was proud of his wisdom, believing none equaled him in knowledge. For this pride, he has fallen."
Thus Sahadeva's journey ended, his spirit freed of the pride that had bound him.
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The Fall of Nakula
Not long after, Nakula, graceful and handsome, stumbled and breathed his last upon the snow.
Yudhishthira explained:
> "Nakula was unmatched in beauty and always took pride in it. Vanity is a chain, and so he has fallen."
The others moved on, though their hearts grew heavy, leaving their beloved brother behind.
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The Fall of Arjuna
Then came Arjuna's turn. The great warrior, once invincible, fell to the ground, unable to rise.
Yudhishthira said:
> "Arjuna was the mightiest of archers, yet he often boasted of his skill, thinking none could defeat him. For his pride in his valor, he has fallen."
Thus the hero who had carried Gandiva through Kurukshetra lay upon the snow, his spirit leaving to join those who had gone before.
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The Fall of Bhima
Only Bhima and Yudhishthira remained now, with the dog still following. Soon, Bhima too stumbled. Struggling with his last breath, he said:
> "Brother, I cannot move further. Why must I fall?"
Yudhishthira replied with sorrow:
> "Bhima, you were mighty, but you were also gluttonous. Your love of food and boasting of strength weighed you down. That is why you fall now."
With a heavy heart, Yudhishthira moved onward alone, for his path was not yet complete.
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The Faithful Dog
Now only Yudhishthira and the dog walked together toward the summit. The dog never left his side, through snow and storm, hunger and exhaustion.
At last, as they neared the gates of heaven, the god Indra appeared in his chariot, shining with celestial light. He called to Yudhishthira:
> "O king, you are the sole mortal worthy to enter heaven in this body. Climb into my chariot and be immortal among the gods."
Yudhishthira bowed, but said:
> "This dog has followed me faithfully. I cannot abandon him now. Let him enter with me."
Indra replied:
> "In heaven, there is no place for dogs. Leave him behind, and you may enter."
Yudhishthira stood firm:
> "Never. To abandon one who is loyal is the greatest sin. If the dog cannot enter, I too shall stay behind."
At this, the dog transformed into Dharma, the god of righteousness, Yudhishthira's divine father. Dharma blessed him, saying:
> "O son, your compassion and loyalty have been tested, and you have triumphed. You alone among mortals shall enter heaven in this body."
Thus, Yudhishthira ascended into Indra's chariot, bound for the final realm.
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