Why Only Yudhishthira Achieves Swarga in the Epic Journey

After Krishna’s death and the flooding of Dwaraka, Arjuna, through a series of conversations with Sage Vyasa, realized the importance of dharma (duty and righteousness) in one's life. This realization formed a critical turning point that led to the Pandavas' final journey to Swarga (heaven).

Renouncing the Kingdom and the Pandavas’ Departure

Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, renounced his kingdom and appointed Parikshit, the son of Abhimanyu, as the heir to Hastinapur. Parikshit was schooled by Balrama, Krishna, Arjuna, Kritavarman, and Pradyumna. Yudhishthira also made Yuyutsu, the half-brother of Duryodhana, the caretaker and advisor of the kingdom.

The Pandavas' Journey to Swarga

Following the departure from Hastinapur, the Pandavas, their wife Draupadi, and a dog were embarking on their journey towards the heavens. Their journey took them through various regions, where they performed rituals and encountered significant challenges. During their climb towards Mount Meru, they experienced the death of each Pandava and Draupadi, each dying for a specific reason related to their actions and adherence to dharma.

Draupadi's Death: Yudhisthira, reflecting on the death of Draupadi, explained that Draupadi had vowed to love all her husbands equally. However, her partiality towards Arjuna had caused her to not fulfill her promise, leading to her early demise.

Sahadeva's Death: Sahadeva, known for his virtue and honesty, died because of his pride and arrogance. He considered himself superior to others due to his wisdom, which did not align with the teachings of dharma, which advocate equality and respect for all.

Nakula's Death: Nakula, beloved for his kindness, fell because of his vanity. His pride in his physical appearance and his conceit led him astray from the path of dharma. Yudhisthira explained that true dharma was about overcoming these personal biases and treating everyone with equal respect.

Arjuna's Death: Arjuna, being a great warrior, failed to overcome his pride and ego, believing he was the best archer without considering the talent of others. This egoistical belief was against the principles of dharma.

Bhima's Death: Bhima, a strong and kind individual, died because of his greed. He prioritized his own needs over the collective well-being of others and did not consider the impact of his actions on those around him.

The Final Journey and Lessons in Dharma

After their tragic deaths, Yudhishthira and the dog continued their journey towards Mount Meru, along with Lord Indra in his chariot. Lord Indra offered to take Yudhishthira to heaven, but Yudhishthira refused to abandon the dog, who had been his constant companion through the hardships of his journey. This act of compassion and adherence to dharma impressed Lord Dharma (Yama), who appeared as Lord Indra's charioteer and praised Yudhishthira's unwavering commitment to righteousness.

Yudhishthira, guided by his adherence to dharma, attained Swarga, not only because of his own actions but also due to the collective dharma and suffering of the Pandavas, who had spent time in hell for their past sins but were now in heaven.

In conclusion, Yudhishthira's journey to Swarga serves as a powerful lesson in the importance of dharma, highlighting the virtues of humility, compassion, and the adherence to moral principles.