King Yudhishthira goes to Heaven

King Yudhishthira had fought for many years to defeat his wicked cousin and win back the land for himself. And when Yudhishthira became king he ruled the land fairly and there was peace once more. But there came a time when the King and his faithful brothers wanted to discover the truth about life, and to understand the mystery of God. They gave away their jewels and their beautiful clothes, and they gave away all their riches. And, wearing only the clothes of holy men King Yudhishthira set off with his wife Draupadi, and his brothers, Bhima and Arjuna, and the twins Nakula and Sadeva.

The people of the city came with them to the edge of the forest and begged them to stay, but, with a last wave, they set off on their journey of truth. Tagging along with them was their little brown dog.

Across rivers and deserts they went, over hills and through forests, until they started to climb the lower hills of the mighty Himalaya mountains. Up and up they went, the King, his wife, the brothers and the small brown dog. And one by one they began to fall.

First the King's wife collapsed and died. The travelling had been too hard. But the party carried on. Then Sadeva and sometime later his twin, who could not go on without him collapsed. And Bhima fell. Yudhishthira tired and thirsty and longing for rest carried on upwards, his dog beside him.

All at once there was a great thundering rumble and a flash of lightning. Indra, the King of the gods, appeared in his chariot.

'Get in,' commanded the god. 'I have come to take you to heaven.'

'I can't leave without my wife and my brothers who have fallen further back,' answered Yudhishthira. 'I cannot leave them behind.'

'You will find that they are in heaven already,' said Indra. 'Get in.' Yudhishthira began to climb up on to the chariot bringing his dog with him. 'There is no room in heaven for dogs,' said Indra. 'You can come, but the dog must stay .' 'But this dog has been my faithful friend throughout the journey. I am his protector " said Yudhishthira.

'I am offering you heaven,' said Indra, 'and you are fussing about a dog.'

All living things are important,' replied the King, 'and this dog especially. If he cannot come into heaven, then I will not either .' When King Yudhishthira had finished speaking the desert air began to glow with a great shining light. His small brown dog changed into Dharma, the God of Righteousness. 'You have proved that you are indeed fit to go into heaven,' Dharma's voice boomed across the sands. 'You are a man who is faithful to his friends and who loves all living creatures. Come with us.' Indra and Dharma took the King higher and higher and the whole sky blazed with their glory. As they entered heaven the gods and holy men welcomed Yudhishthira with open arms and smiling faces. Flower petals fell and music was heard and all was happiness.

But when Yudhishthira looked around he saw, sitting on a magnificent throne, his wicked cousin, the cousin who had stolen his land. 'I am not staying here with my evil cousin,' said Yudhishthira. 'Take me to my wife and brothers.'

'Go there if you must,' said Indra, 'But this is where heaven is.'

A messenger led Yudhisthira along a path. The path grew narrow and steep and finally plunged into an underground cave. Now the path was slippery with blood and the air was filled with a foul smell and cries of pain echoed around the King. Maggots dripped from the roof and stinging flies bit at him as he walked. They passed by a steaming evil river. Human skulls lay on the banks. The King could hardly breathe for the choking smoke.

In the darkness a voice called out, 'Stay. Stay. As you passed we could smell sweet fresh air. Stay here for a while.'

Through the gloom Yudhishthira's eyes could make out his wife and brothers lying in pain on the boiling rocks. The King sent the messenger back. 'You can tell Indra,' he said angrily, 'that I shall stay in this hell with those I love. If I can bring them some happiness in this awful place, then this is where I will stay.'

The darkness disappeared as a clear sun rose. The cave, the rocks, the river and the cries of pain vanished. Yudishthira was with his family in heaven. 'This has been your last test,' said Dharma. 'You are better fitted for heaven than anyone here. There shall be no more hate and no more struggling for you. Happiness is yours for ever.

Most people do not have the strength that King Yudhishthira showed. Most people need to put their trust in God to help them through difficult times. Here is a hymn by the 17th century CE poet, Tukaram. He worshipped God as Vishnu, but Hindus believe all gods to be One.

Who else asks if we are tired and weary?
Who else but you, O Lord?

Who else can we tell we are happy or sad?
Who else can cure our thirst?

Who can cure our illness?
Who can carry us safely across the angry sea?

Who will give us what we want in our hearts?
And who will hold us to his loving heart?

What other master can we have?
What other helper is there?

O Lord, you know all things.
I bow at your feet.
(Pandurang by Tukaram)