Swargarohanaparwa: The Pandava Last Journey to Heaven
Yudhishthira and his brothers climbed Mount Mahameru. Only Yudhishthira, accompanied by Lord Dharma disguised as a dog, reached heaven. Refusing to enter without his brothers, Yudhishthira chose to stay in hell. His loyalty was tested, and eventually, all the Pandavas reached heaven.
Illustration of Yudistira Becoming the Ruler of Kuru Kingdom (Source: Personal Collection)
After the Pandava won the Kurukshetra war, Yudhishthira was crowned the ruler of the Kuru kingdom and ruled in Hastinapura for 36 years. Upon hearing of Krishna's death and the fall of the Wadawa dynasty, Yudhishthira and his four brothers, along with Drupadi, decided to renounce the affairs of the mortal world. The Pandava and Drupadi left behind their throne, treasure, and fame to embark on a spiritual journey, traveling across Bharatawarsa and eventually to Mahameru Peak in the Himalayas.
Illustration of Yudistira Finding a Dog at the Foot of the Himalayas (Source: Personal Collection)
At the foot of the Himalayan Mountains, Yudhishthira found a dog, and the animal became their traveling companion as they climbed Mahameru Peak. One by one, starting with Drupadi, then Sahadeva, Nakula, Arjuna, and Bhima, they were unable to continue the journey and died, each one brought down by their past mistakes and sins. Drupadi died because she was unfair to the Pandawa, favoring Arjuna too much. Sahadeva died due to his pride in his intelligence. Nakula died because of his arrogance about his good looks. Arjuna perished because he was proud of his agility and skill in archery. Meanwhile, Bhima died because of his arrogance over his strength. Due to the purity of his heart, only Yudhishthira, accompanied by his dog, managed to reach the Door of Heaven.
Illustration of God Indra Coming to Pick up Yudistira Using the Kencana Chariot (Source: Personal Collection)
Indra, the king of the gods, came to fetch Yudhishthira to take him up to heaven in a chariot. However, Lord Indra refused to bring Yudhishthira's dog, claiming the animal was impure and unworthy of heaven. Yudhishthira refused to enter heaven if it meant parting with his faithful dog. Lord Indra was astonished that Yudhishthira chose not to enter heaven for the sake of his loyal dog. Yudhishthira explained that the dog had faithfully accompanied him until the end of his journey. Witnessing Yudhishthira's determination and loyalty, the dog transformed into its true form Lord Dharma, Yudhishthira's father. Together, they ascended to heaven in Lord Indra's chariot.