Swargarohanaparwa: The Pandava Last Journey to 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.

Illustration of the Heavenly Dwellers Welcoming Yudistira's Arrival with Joy (Source: Personal Collection)

In no time, the chariot arrived in heaven. The inhabitants of heaven welcomed Yudhishthira with joy. However, he did not find any of his brothers or relatives there. What Yudhishthira saw instead was Duryodhana, who had lived a life of rage, enjoying heaven with his younger siblings. Lord Indra explained that Yudhishthira's brothers and relatives were in hell, undergoing punishment. Saddened, Yudhishthira declared that he was willing to go to hell to accompany them.

Yudhishthira was then escorted to hell, where he heard the voices of his siblings calling out his name. Yudhishthira decided to stay in hell, accompanying his brothers and relatives as they endured torment and suffering together.

Illustration of Lord Dharma Appearing with Lord Indra (Source: Personal Collection)

Moments after Yudhishthira experienced the flames of hell, the scene suddenly transformed into something beautiful. Hell instantly turned into heaven, and vice versa. Lord Dharma then appeared with Lord Indra and explained that even Yudhishthira had to taste the fires of hell, because, although he was the son of Dharma, he too had sinned. Lord Indra then said, “The person with the most bad deeds will reach heaven first. After their time in heaven is over, they will be sent to hell. But for the one who has done more good deeds, they will experience hell first, then ascend to heaven. Your sins are very few, O Son of Dharma, while your brothers have been in hell longer, according to the weight of their sins."

Thus, the Pandawa finally became the inhabitants of heaven, while the Kauravas will undergo the torment of hellfire.