Choices and Dilemma: Yudhishtira and The Dog

After some time, Dhritharashtra and Vidura, Gandhari and Kunthi all retired to the forest for prayer and meditation.

Yudhishtira grew tired of ruling the kingdom and lost interest in worldly affairs. By this time, Krishna, Dhritharashtra and Vidura had all passed away. Yudhishtira gave Duryodhana's share of the kingdom to Yuyuthsu, son of Vidura, and his own share to Parikshith, son of Abhimanyu, and installed them on their thrones. Afterwards, he proceeded on the Great Journey, or 'Mahaprasthana' ' along with his brothers, to obtain spiritual peace. The Pandavas gave up all the worldly possessions, dressed themselves in fiber-cloth and bade farewell to the citizens. Though all the citizens returned, a dog followed them throughout their journey.

The Pandavas finally reached Mount Meru. As they climbed it, the dog faithfully followed them. On the way, all except Yudhishtira fell down and gave up their mortal bodies.

Though sorrowful and - alone, Yudhishtira went on with determination. The dog still followed him.

Devendra came in a heavenly chariot. He invited Yudhishtira to enter the chariot and go with him to Paradise.

Yudhishtira: My brothers lie dead here. I do not want Paradise without them.

Indira: Dharmaputhra, your brothers and Draupadi are not dead. They have given up their mortal bodies here. They have assumed divine bodies and are already there in Heaven. All the Kauravas and other heroes have reached Heaven. Do not be unhappy. Because you have earned very much more merit than all others, you have the privilege of entering Heaven just as you are, in your human body. Come now get into the chariot.

Yudhishtira: I cannot come. This dog you see has been following me from Hasthinavathi. And he has been so faithful to me. I do not want to leave him behind and come alone.

Indra: What are you saying? A dog's place in Hell, not Heaven.

Yudhishtira: Lord Devendra, I can never desert those who have trusted me and those who follow me. I do not want that Heaven which has no place for the dog that has trusted and followed me.

The dog was not other than Yamadharma himself, Yudhishtira's father. He appeared before Yudhishtira and said, "You are indeed a great man, a righteous man; your compassion for all living beings is exemplary. A dog has been as dear to you as your own brothers. Your conduct will remain a shining example to all men for all times. Now, you can mount the chariot without any hesitation."

Yudhishtira was now satisfied; he bowed down to Yamadharma and Indra, and mounted the chariot. He reached Heaven with Indra. He was glad to find his kith and kin in Heaven. He felt happy to join them in divine life.

Our Hindu Vedic Literature are complete guide to practical life. It provides "all that is needed to raise the consciousness of man to the highest possible level." Lets not forget them, let learn