What Happened After Mahabharata?

After winning the Mahabharata, the Pandavas had gained everything. Kingdom, honor, victory. But after a few years he left his kingdom. He gave up his crown and walked towards death. The question is what exactly happened? What event forced the victors of the Mahabharata to give up everything ? We find the answer to that question not in Hastinapur but in a divine city situated far away on the seashore. The name of that city was Dwarka. The city which was established by Shri Krishna himself. Golden palaces, countless warriors, rich splendor and celebrations all around. It seemed as if the splendor of this city would never end. But destiny had written something else because Dwapar Yuga had reached its last stage and time itself was about to end the play of God. One day some Yadava princes decided to play a prank on the Arshis. He dressed the snake as a woman and laughingly asked the Aarshis. Tell me a son will be born from her womb. Or daughter? The sages came to know everything through their divine vision. His face hardened with anger. Neither a son nor a daughter will be born. An iron pestle will emerge from its womb. And that will be the cause of destruction of the entire Yadav dynasty. No one took that curse seriously at the time. But the greatest catastrophes in history often begin with a small mistake. After some time the curse of the sages proved true. From the snake’s belly actually arose an iron pestle. The entire Dwarka became frightened. King Ugrasen ordered that the pestle be crushed and thrown into the sea. People thought the crisis was over but it was not over. He had simply changed his form. The powder from the pestle mixed with the sand on the beach. And a strange grass started growing at that very place. A simple looking grass which was going to be the death of the entire Yadav dynasty in future. Time passed but Shri Krishna knew everything. He knew that the Dwapara Yuga was coming to an end. He knew that his incarnation on Earth was also nearing its end. Sometimes he would sit alone on the beach, looking out at the horizon and fall silent. Because only he in the world knew that the final chapter of an era had begun. One day all the Yadavas gathered in Prabhas area. The festival was being celebrated. There was music, there was laughter. There was alcohol. But a controversy started in the middle of the same celebration. First there was a war of words. Then came the insult. Then anger and then thousands of Yadav warriors who once lived together attacked each other. Today they were shedding each other’s blood. Who was once the pride of Shri Krishna’s army. Today they had become enemies of each other. Swords were drawn, maces were raised, screams echoed, blood started flowing and then someone uprooted the same grass from the beach. That was not ordinary grass. The power of the cursed iron pestle had entered into him. As soon as it was used as a weapon, it transformed into an iron rod. And then the carnage began. Yadavs kept killing each other. Brother killed brother, friend killed friend, son killed father and within no time the great Yadav dynasty of Shri Krishna started to end with his own hands. Shri Krishna was watching all this. There was neither anger nor surprise in his eyes. Because all this was already decided. This was the plan of the time. This was a change of era. Within a few hours the Yadav dynasty was almost wiped out. Dead bodies were scattered on the ground. The seashore was red with blood and the air was filled with the smell of death. Shri Krishna slowly closed his eyes because he knew that now his leela was also about to end. A deathly silence had descended on the land of Prabhas region. Where the Yadav festival was going on till some time ago, now dead bodies were scattered everywhere. The waves of the ocean were carrying away the blood with them and Shri Krishna was standing silently amidst that destruction. His own Yadav dynasty had ended before his eyes. But there was no sadness on his face. Because this was not the end but the beginning of the next chapter of time. At the same time, Balarama was sitting under a huge tree on the seashore. He understood that his work was complete. The Mahabharata was over. Dharma had been established and the Dwapara Yuga was in its final moments. Slowly Balarama closed his eyes. There was amazing peace all around. Then divine light appeared from his body and in no time a huge white snake appeared. He himself was Anant Shesha. The same Shesh Nag on whom Lord Vishnu rests. The divine serpent moved towards the sea and disappeared into the water. Balarama’s incarnation on earth had ended. Shri Krishna was standing at a distance watching this scene. There was a slight smile on his face because he knew it was his turn now. He looked at the sky, the sea and the earth for the last time. The same earth for which he killed Kansa, lifted Govardhan and guided the Dharma in Mahabharata. Then he started walking alone towards the forest. Sitting under a huge Peepal tree inside the forest, he extended his right leg forward. Closed his eyes and became absorbed in meditation. At the same time, a hunter named Jara was searching for prey in the forest. Suddenly he saw something shining among the bushes. He thought there was a deer sitting there. He picked up the bow and shot the arrow and the arrow went straight and hit Shri Krishna’s foot. I reached there in a moment. But as soon as he saw who he had injured, he was shocked. He fell trembling at the feet of Shri Krishna. Lord, I have committed a terrible crime. Please forgive me. Don’t be afraid. Whatever has happened was bound to happen. You are just an instrument. In your previous birth you were the monkey king Bali and I had killed you in the form of Ram. Today that same work has been completed. I started crying after hearing this. But there was amazing peace on Krishna’s face because this was not death. This was the end of his incarnation. Gradually divine light started spreading around him. The sky turned golden. Gods, Arshis, Gandharvas and Apsaras began to appear in the sky. As if the entire universe had gathered to welcome its Lord. Shri Krishna looked towards the earth for the last time. The same earth where he spent his childhood. Where religion was established and the path was shown to humanity. The next moment his divine form began to dissolve into light. That light rose towards the sky and Shri Krishna departed from the earth. At that very moment the Dwapar Yuga ended and the Kali Yuga began. But the greatest impact of this event was yet to come as the Pandavas, sitting in Hastinapur, had not yet received the news that their dearest friend, their guide and the Lord himself was no longer on earth. The horrors of the war of Hastinapur, the great empire of Dharmaraja Yudhishthira, had now become history. But one day a messenger from Dwarka arrived in the royal court. His face was filled with fear. He said in a trembling voice, Maharaj, the Yadav dynasty has been destroyed. And Lord Shri Krishna has also left the earth. It was as if time stopped for a moment. Bhima, Nakula and Sahadeva remained silent. But Arjun was the most deeply hurt. Krishna was not just his friend. He was his charioteer, guide and the foundation of his life. As soon as he got the news, Arjun left for Dwarka. There was still hope in his mind that perhaps all this was false. But when he reached Dwarka after many days, he was heartbroken. The grand city was deserted. The palaces were empty. The streets were quiet and every corner reminded him of Krishna. There they found Krishna’s wives and the remaining people. But a new crisis was looming. The sea was slowly swallowing Dwarka. Arjuna decided to take all the women, children and survivors to Hastinapur. During the journey, some bandits attacked the convoy. Under normal circumstances, this war would not have lasted even for a moment because in front was Arjun who had defeated Bhishma and Karna, but today something had changed. He picked up Gandiva and remembered the divine weapons. Agni Astra, Varun Astra, Vayu Astra, Brahmastra but got no answer. It was as if I had forgotten the mantra. The divine powers had become silent. Arjun tried again and again but nothing happened. Then for the first time he realized that Krishna had really gone. His strength was not only due to his valour but also due to the grace of Krishna and now that grace had departed from the earth. The bandits continued to attack. Arjuna continued fighting. But now he was not the same as before. The speed of his arrows had slowed down. His divine powers had ended. Many women were kidnapped. A lot of wealth was looted and Arjuna could not stop them. After the war ended, Arjun sat down on his knees. There were tears in his eyes. This defeat was not due to any enemy but due to time. Time had shown that the age of heroes was over. When Arjuna returned to Hastinapur, his confidence was shattered along with him. He told everything to Yudhishthira. Krishna’s departure, destruction of the Yadavas, end of Dwarka and his own helplessness. A deep silence fell over the assembly. Then Yudhishthir said that the purpose for which we had come to earth has been fulfilled. Now we also have to go. At that very moment the Pandavas decided to renounce their kingdom and set out on their final journey. That night in Hastinapur, the biggest decision in history was being taken inside the palace. Yudhishthira was sitting alone remembering the journey of his life. This was the city where he was born. Where he suffered humiliation, went into exile and eventually became king. But now his mind was free from the throne. The next morning the royal court was called. Ministers, generals, Arshi scholars and thousands of citizens were present. Then the five Pandavas and Draupadi enter the assembly. Today there was no royal pride on their faces, only peace. Yudhishthira stopped in front of the throne. The same throne for which the Mahabharata took place. For which millions of warriors had sacrificed their lives. He slowly removed his crown and placed it on the head of his grandson Parikshit. The gathering was stunned. From today, Parikshit will be the new emperor of Hastinapur. People’s eyes became moist because they understood that today not just a king but an era was coming to an end. Our work is complete. Religion has been established. Now we have to free ourselves from the worldly attachments. That day Hastinapur cried because today the hero himself was leaving the city. That night the Pandavas gave up their crowns, ornaments and royal robes and wore simple clothes. Now he was no longer the king. He was a traveler of liberation. Draupadi also got lost in the memories of her life. Insult at the Swayamvara Sabha, exile, Kurukshetra, death of his sons and finally victory. But that victory could never become true happiness. He wiped away his tears and decided to move on. The next morning the entire city of Hastinapur was gathered. Every eye was moist. Every face is sad. Slowly the doors of the palace opened. Yudhishthira was in the front, then Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva and finally Draupadi. People fell at his feet crying. Many citizens started insisting on going with him. But Yudhishthira stopped him and said, we will have to undertake this journey alone. Gradually the Pandavas moved out of the boundaries of Hastinapur. He looked back one last time. The palace, the kingdom and the people were all left behind. Then a simple dog started following them. No one chased him away. He silently joined them. But no one knew that this same dog would later become the biggest test for Yudhishthira. The Pandavas continued moving forward. The plains, rivers and forests were left behind and the white peaks of the Himalayas became visible in the distance. The same Himalayas where his final test awaited him. Where the greatest heroes of history will fall one by one and where only one Pandava will reach the end. Days passed. The Pandavas continued moving forward. Now he had no kingdom, no army, no wealth behind him. Now they had only each other and the endless Himalayas in front of them. As they moved forward, the earth was changing. The lush green forests had disappeared. The rivers were left behind. The air was getting thinner and colder. Each step was more difficult than the one before. But no one stayed because they knew there was no point in returning now. This trip was just to move forward. After several days they reached the heights of the Himalayas. There was only white snow all around. As if the whole world had become silent. Strong winds were blowing snowflakes on their faces. Yudhishthira was walking in the front. Behind them were Bhima, Arjun, Nakul, Sahadev and at the back were Draupadi. Years of hardship had now worn out his body. This journey to the Himalayas was taking away his last strength. One day, while they were passing through a high snowy path, Draupadi suddenly started faltering. He tried to control himself. But her body gave way and the next moment she fell on the snow. Everyone stopped. Bhima immediately turned back. Arjuna knelt down beside him. Nakul and Sahadev stood stunned. But Draupadi could not get up. His breathing was becoming slower. He slowly looked up. White sky, blowing snow and the faces of your loved ones. He felt as if his entire life was replaying before his eyes. Swayamvar Indraprastha, destruction of his five sons Kurukshetra and finally Krishna, the same Krishna who had supported him in every difficult time. Tears flowed from his eyes. But this time there is no pain in them. There was only peace. Gradually his breathing stopped. Queen Draupadi’s journey ended on that snowy land of the Himalayas. No one said anything for a few moments. Only the sound of the wind was echoing. Brother, Draupadi suffered throughout her life. He never left his religion. Then why did they fall? Yudhishthira remained silent for a few moments. There was pain in his eyes too. But his mind could not turn away from the truth. He said softly, Draupadi was great. She was religious. She was courageous but had a bias in her heart. She married five husbands. But he had special love for Arjun in his heart. She could not look at everyone with equal eyes. And because of this subtle flaw she fell here. Bhima became silent. This was hard to hear. But in this journey no lie, no attachment, no excuse could work. This was the last journey of the soul. Where every person had to bear the burden of his own actions. After some time, Yudhishthir started moving forward again. Bhima was stunned. Mother, will we leave Draupadi here? Yudhishthira did not look back. He only said that the body will remain here. But the soul will continue its journey. And then they moved on. One by one everyone started following him. Draupadi was left behind forever in the white snow of the Himalayas. Now the journey had become even more difficult because for the first time the Pandavas had lost a member of their group. But little did they know that this was only the beginning very soon. The second Pandava was also about to fall. After Draupadi, the journey of the Pandavas became more difficult. The icy winds of the Himalayas were constantly testing them. Now even the light conversation between them like before had ended. Everyone was silent. Only the sound of footsteps and the drop of wind could be heard. Yudhishthira was walking in the front. Behind them were Bhima and Arjun and at the back were Nakul and Sahadev. Now the group had become smaller and every step was becoming heavier. Days passed. The snow grew deeper and deeper. The wind became more and more intense. Even breathing became difficult. But they kept going because it was no longer possible to stop. One day suddenly Sahadev’s steps faltered. He tried to control himself. But his body gave out and he fell on his knees on the snow. Bhima immediately ran towards them. Arjun also came out. But Sahadev had understood that his journey was about to end. There was a strange peace in his eyes. He started remembering his childhood. The boy who was said to be the most intelligent and could foresee future events. But still could not change the destiny. Everything began to calm down before his eyes, and slowly his breathing stopped. Sahadeva’s journey ended on the snows of the Himalayas. Bhima asked in a heavy voice, Mother, why did Sahadev fall? Sahadev was great and knowledgeable. But deep in his heart he had a subtle pride in his intelligence. He considered himself more intelligent than others. Good. And that was his fault. Bhima did not say anything because in this journey every truth was harsh and every truth was final. The Pandavas then moved forward. Now only four people were left. Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna and Nakula. But the Himalayas had not yet calmed down. After a few days, Nakul’s pace started slowing down. His body was tired. His feet were no longer supporting him. While climbing a steep hill, he suddenly lost his balance and fell on the snow. Bhima immediately ran towards him but Nakul had understood. There was peace in his eyes. He started remembering his life. The prince whose beauty was talked about all over Aryavarta. Whose beauty and charm were admired by everyone. But today the same Nakul was lying calm in front of death. He looked at his brothers one last time and slowly his eyes closed. Nakul’s journey also ended. Bhima’s eyes filled with tears. He asked why Nakul fell? Nakul was a religious man. But she was subtly proud of her beauty. He considered himself the most handsome. And that was his fault. Bhima became silent. Now his heart was becoming heavy because everyone was leaving one by one. Now only three Pandavas were left. Yudhishthira, Bhima and Arjuna and behind them was the same mysterious dog. The Himalayas had now become even harsher. Snow storms had begun to arise and every step had become a new test. But the biggest test was yet to come. Because now Arjun was about to fall. The same Arjun who once defeated the greatest warriors of the world. Now the Himalayas had become more severe than before. There was only snow all around. White, calm and ruthless. Now only three Pandavas were left. Yudhishthira, Bhima and Arjuna. And the same mysterious dog was following them. Now there was no conversation between anyone. Only steps were moving forward and each step was becoming heavier. Draupadi had gone. Sahadeva and Nakul were also left behind. Now there were only three brothers. But now the silence within him was increasing. As he walked, memories started flooding Arjun’s mind. The roaring sound of the conch shell, Gandiva, Bhishma, Drona, Karna and the moment when he single-handedly changed the course of the war, he started remembering Krishna, the same Krishna who was his charioteer, guide and the basis of his life. A slight pain appeared on Arjuna’s face as if some invisible weight was breaking him from within and then his steps faltered, he tried to stop but his body could no longer support him and the very next moment he fell on his knees on the snow. Bhima immediately ran towards them. Yudhishthira also came near. But Arjun had already understood. His journey is about to end. There was no fear in his eyes now. There were only memories. The smiling face of Krishna, the dust of Kurukshetra and the glory that once belonged to him. Arjun slowly looked towards the sky. As if he was seeing Krishna somewhere far away. The same compassion, the same peace, the same love. Madhav, I am coming. And the next moment his breathing stopped. Arjuna’s journey ended on the snows of the Himalayas. No one spoke for a few moments. Only the sound of the wind kept echoing. Bhima’s eyes turned red. He looked towards Yudhishthira. His voice was trembling. Why did Radha Arjun fall? Arjuna was great but he was subtly proud of his prowess. He believed that no warrior could stand before him. And that was his fault. Bhima did not say anything because now he had run out of words. Only the truth remained and the truth was harsh. Now only two brothers were left. Yudhishthira and Bhima and the same dog were walking behind them. The Himalayas had become even more terrifying. The snowstorms had intensified and the wind seemed to tear at the soul. But the final exam was still pending. Because now Bheem was about to fall. The same Bhima who once broke Duryodhana’s thigh. Whose roar would make the army tremble and when Bhima would fall, Yudhishthira would be left truly alone. Now the Himalayas were at their harshest. There was only snow all around and a silence that created fear. Now only two Pandavas were left. Yudhishthira and Bhima and the same dog were walking behind them. There was almost no communication between the two brothers now. There was only silence and the sound of footsteps. Every step was becoming heavier. Every breath was becoming harder. Bhima’s huge body was still strong. But the harshness of the Himalayas was also breaking his body. His pace began to slow down, and fatigue was visible on his face for the first time. While walking, Bhima started remembering his life. Hastinapur, Mother Kunti, enmity with Duryodhana, Lakshagriha, exile and the battle of Mahabharata, he remembered his strength, when he broke Duryodhana’s thigh, when he killed Keechaka, when his roar made the enemies tremble, Bhima smiled slightly, but that smile did not last long, because the very next moment his steps faltered, he tried to control himself. But the body had now given up and then he fell on the snow. The peace of the Himalayas was broken. Yudhishthira stopped immediately. He kept looking at Bhima and slowly came closer. There was no surprise in Bhima’s eyes but acceptance. Brother, has my time come now? Yudhishthira remained silent for a few moments. His eyes were moist but his face was calm. Then he said softly, Bhima, you were a great warrior. One Two, your strength was extraordinary. But you never completely gave up your pride about your strength. You often took pride in your bravery. Young and this was your last bond. Bhima slowly started shaking his head. As if they are accepting the truth. There were tears in his eyes but there was no fear. He looked at Yudhishthira for the last time and said with a slight smile, Mother, you have always been superior to us because you conquered yourself. Yudhishthira’s eyes also filled with tears but he did not say anything. Bhima’s breathing started slowing down. His huge body now started to calm down. One moment, then another, and then everything was quiet. Mahabali Bhima had completed his final journey on the snows of the Himalayas. Now only one Pandava was left. Dharmaraja Yudhishthira. Yudhishthira kept looking at Bhima for some time. Then he extended his gaze forward. Now the only person with him was the dog who had been walking with him without stopping till now. The Himalayas now looked even more vast and frightening. But Yudhishthir’s steps did not stop. He continued moving forward alone. Completely alone. And then a divine light appeared among the distant clouds. A golden glow that pierced the sky and rose up. Yudhishthira stopped. His final exam was now ahead. The gates of heaven were near. But the biggest question before him was. Will they be able to reach the end of this journey ? And that dog that was walking with them was now going to be a part of this final decision. Now only one passenger was left. Dharmaraj Yudhishthir and that dog with him, neither brother, nor friend, nor kingdom. Everything that belonged to him throughout his life was left behind. Now there was only the Himalayas and beyond them heaven. Yudhishthira continued moving forward slowly. There was no attachment left in him and then suddenly the sky started changing. The dark clouds moved away. Golden light spread all around. Flowers started raining from the sky and a divine chariot appeared among the clouds. Made of gold, shining with gems. Devraj Indra was seated on that chariot. Dharmaraja Yudhishthira. You have completed your work on earth. Now heaven is waiting for you. Sit in the chariot. Yudhishthira looked towards heaven. Then towards the dog standing near you. He was with him till the last moment. Yudhishthir said in a calm voice, he will also come with me. Dogs are not allowed into heaven. Leave it here. There was silence for a few moments. Then Yudhishthir said, who supported me till the end. How do I leave him? It is just an animal. Don’t give up heaven for this. But Yudhishthira did not budge. There was determination in his eyes. If I have to leave my partner to attain heaven, then I do not accept such a heaven. I won’t go to a place where I have to give up religion to get there. The entire sky became silent and then the dog started shining. His body turned into light and the next moment Dharmadev himself was standing there. Yudhishthira was stunned. Dharmadev smiled. Son, this was your last exam. You have proved that for you religion is greater than any heaven. Yudhishthira’s eyes became moist. Now he understood that his entire journey had been for this moment. That’s when the gates of heaven opened wide. Divine light spread all around. The gods started showering flowers. Indra extended his hand. Come Dharmaraj. Now you have a place in heaven. Yudhishthira got on the chariot. And slowly the divine chariot started rising towards the sky. The Himalayas were receding below and there was infinite light ahead. It is said that Yudhishthira was the only man who reached heaven with his body because he did not just win the war. He had conquered himself. He defeated ego, defeated attachment and this is the greatest victory of man. The Pandavas conquered the world in Kurukshetra. But in his final journey to the Himalayas, Yudhishthira conquered his soul and perhaps this was the real end of the Mahabharata. Neither war nor throne but religion, truth and sacrifice.