A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1022

c5.1022

The old blind king Dhrita-rāshtra could not forget or forgive the loss of his sons, and mourned especially for Dur-yodhana. Bitter reproaches and taunts passed between him and Bhīma; at length he, with his wife Gāndhārī, with Kuntī, mother of the Pāndavas, and with some of his ministers, retired to a hermitage in the woods, where, after two years’ residence, they perished in a forest fire. Deep sorrow and remorse seized upon the Pāndavas, and after a while Yudhi-shthira abdicated his throne and departed with his brothers to the Himālayas, in order to reach the heaven of Indra on Mount Meru. A dog followed them from Hastinā-pura. The story of this journey is full of grandeur and tenderness, and has been most effectively rendered into English by Professor Goldstücker. Sins and moral defects now prove fatal to the pilgrims. First fell Draupadī: “too great was her love for Arjuna.” Next Saha-deva: “he esteemed none equal to himself.” Then Nakula: “ever was the thought in his heart, There is none equal in beauty to me.” Arjuna’s turn came next: “In one day I could destroy all my enemies.” “Such was Arjuna’s boast, and he falls, for he fulfilled it not.” When Bhīma fell he inquired the reason of his fall, and he was told, “When thou gazedst on thy foe, thou hast cursed him with thy breath; therefore thou fallest to-day.” Yudhi-shthira went on alone with the dog until he reached the gate of heaven. He was invited by Indra to enter, but he refused unless his brothers and Draupadī were also received. “Not even into thy heaven would I enter if they were not there.” He is assured that they are already there, and is again told to enter “wearing his body of flesh.” He again refuses unless, in the words of Pope, “admitted to that equal sky, his faithful dog shall bear him company.” Indra expostulates in vain. “Never, come weal or come woe, will I abandon yon faithful dog.” He is at length admitted, but to his dismay he finds there Dur-yodhana and his enemies, but not his brothers or Draupadī. He refuses to remain in heaven without them, and is conducted to the jaws of hell, where he beholds terrific sights and hears wailings of grief and anguish. He recoils, but well-known voices implore him to remain and assuage their sufferings. He triumphs in this crowning trial, and resolves to share the fate of his friends in hell rather than abide with their foes in heaven. Having endured this supreme test, the whole scene is shown to be the effect of māyā or illusion, and he and his brothers and friends dwell with Indra in full content of heart for ever.