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Did Yudhishthir go to heaven?

In the last few chapters of Mahabharata, "Svargarohanika Parva" to be precise, Veda Vyasa introduces a nice little story. And as we understand that every story has a moral or a purpose.

After the Mahabharata war, Pandavas ruled their kingdom for 36 years. In the 36th year, the desire for giving up and moving to the heaven took on them. All the five brothers and their wife – Draupadi started to climb the mountain which was to take them to the heaven or "Swarg". On the way, all four brothers and Draupadi died leaving Yudhishthir alone on his journey.

Upon reaching the heaven, Yudhishthir saw his 100 Kaurava cousins in there but neither his Pandava brothers not his wife Draupadi. He felt anguish in him and charged the gods that they were being unfair by giving heaven to Kauravas and denying the same to his brothers and wife. This anguish shone on him like anger.

He charged the gods for being unfair and giving heaven to treacherous, murderous, unjust Kauravas.

The gods then asked him, what did he do to go to heaven?

Yudhishthir reminded them of the rightful, just life he led. He told them how he upheld the Dharma or the principles throughout his life. He told them of all the sacrifices he made during his journey to the heaven – his kingdom, personal riches, chariots even clothes. He told them that he never turned back even when his most beloved wife and his brothers passed away. He let go of everything that was dear to him.

"Everything" – The gods exclaimed, and asked the reason for his anguish and anger for the Kauravs?

Yudhishthir realized.

He had given up all his worldly possessions.

He had given up all his relations.

He had given up all his desires.

He hadn't given up his hatred for the Kauravas.

He hadn't forgiven the Kauravas.

He hadn't given up on his anger.

He hadn't 'let-go' of all that happened even after 36 years.

Once Yudhishthir understood this, he bowed to the gods and asked for forgiveness. He was told that the heaven image he saw was an illusion to make him realize.


 

But again the question is, did Yudhishthir really go to heaven? Did he stay there? Forever?

Update – I realized I missed writing my own interpretation on this.

To me the purpose of this story was "Forgive" and "Let Go". One does not only holds the worldly possessions and relations. But also the thoughts. We need to clear ourselves of the thoughts as well when cleansing ourselves. In my view this is what Yudhishthir missed.

There is one more story that showcases agony of the anger. I shall write that again later.

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Comments

  1. NirajPOctober 9, 2013 at 12:44 PM

    Yes he did. Because at that point he had nothing else on his mind but to achieve heaven, he would not care what happened to his brothers or wife behind him.Thus following dharma at that point.
    I read the message as" do what ever it takes at any point to achieve whatever is required "(do what you got to do). Enlighten if understanding is wrong,babaji. :))

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  2. Nitin RastogiOctober 9, 2013 at 3:47 PM

    Great point Niraj. I left the question intentionally. Do not forget that Yudhishthira was the son of Yama. And so were the rest of the Pandavas.
    The Hindu dharma believes in sanatana - one without an end. So what dies? the body. What is never destroyed - the soul. So what went to the Swarg - the body or the soul?

    I would lament upon Yudhishthira yet again later in view of empathy and compassion.

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