The Pandavas’ Later Years – The Beginning of Their Final Journey
Yudhishthira had ruled Hastinapura for many years.
The kingdom had slowly recovered from the destruction of the Kurukshetra War.
But as time passed, the Pandavas began to feel that their earthly responsibilities were coming to an end.
The great events of their lives had already happened.
Now they were preparing for their final journey.
1. The Pandavas Continue to Rule
Yudhishthira ruled the kingdom according to dharma.
Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva supported him.
Draupadi remained with the Pandavas.
The kingdom experienced a period of peace after the terrible war.
But the Pandavas knew that nothing in life lasts forever.
2. Dhritarashtra Leaves the Palace
After many years, Dhritarashtra decided to leave the palace.
Gandhari and Kunti also chose to accompany him.
They wanted to spend their remaining years away from royal life.
The Pandavas were saddened by their decision.
Yudhishthira continued to respect the elders of the family.
3. The Pandavas Visit the Elders
The Pandavas visited Dhritarashtra, Gandhari and Kunti in the forest.
Despite everything that had happened during the war, the family members had found a degree of peace.
The Pandavas sought their blessings.
These meetings reminded them of the older generation that had shaped their lives.
4. Dhritarashtra, Gandhari and Kunti Die
Eventually, a forest fire occurred.
Dhritarashtra, Gandhari and Kunti chose not to escape.
They accepted their fate.
Their deaths brought another great loss to the Pandavas.
Yudhishthira performed the necessary rites for them.
5. Arjuna’s Power Begins to Change
As the years passed, the world around the Pandavas began to change.
Arjuna discovered that the extraordinary power he had once possessed was no longer the same.
This was especially important when he tried to protect people during a later journey.
The Pandavas began to understand that their great age was coming to an end.
6. Krishna’s Departure
A major turning point came when Krishna left the earthly world.
The Yadava dynasty had also been destroyed by internal conflict.
Arjuna was deeply affected by Krishna’s departure.
Krishna had been his friend, guide and protector throughout his life.
Without Krishna, Arjuna felt that a great source of strength had disappeared.
7. The Pandavas Realize It Is Time
After Krishna’s departure, the Pandavas understood that their own time was coming to an end.
Yudhishthira decided to give the kingdom to the next generation.
The responsibility of the Kuru dynasty would pass to Parikshit, the son of Abhimanyu and Uttara.
8. Parikshit Becomes King
Parikshit was made king of Hastinapura.
He represented the continuation of the Kuru dynasty.
The Pandavas had spent their lives fighting to protect their family and kingdom.
Now they could finally step away from royal responsibilities.
9. The Pandavas Give Up Their Royal Life
Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva decided to leave their kingdom.
Draupadi also joined them.
They gave up their royal clothes, possessions and comforts.
Their destination was the Himalayas.
They began what became known as the Mahaprasthanam — the Great Journey.
10. The Great Journey Begins
The Pandavas walked north toward the Himalayas.
They were no longer kings and warriors.
They were simply travelers leaving behind their earthly lives.
A dog followed them on their journey.
Yudhishthira allowed the dog to continue with them.
11. Draupadi Falls
As the journey continued, Draupadi fell to the ground.
Bhima asked Yudhishthira why she had fallen.
Yudhishthira explained that Draupadi had a particular attachment toward Arjuna.
Because of this partiality, she could not continue the journey.
The Pandavas continued walking.
12. Sahadeva Falls
After Draupadi, Sahadeva fell.
Bhima asked Yudhishthira why Sahadeva had fallen.
Yudhishthira explained that Sahadeva had been proud of his wisdom.
The journey continued.
13. Nakula Falls
Next, Nakula fell.
Yudhishthira explained that Nakula had been proud of his beauty.
Again, the journey continued.
The group was becoming smaller.
14. Arjuna Falls
Then Arjuna fell.
Bhima asked why the great warrior had fallen.
Yudhishthira explained that Arjuna had been proud of his exceptional skill as an archer.
The Pandavas continued their final journey.
Only Yudhishthira and Bhima, along with the dog, remained.
15. Bhima Falls
Eventually, Bhima also fell.
Bhima had been the strongest of the Pandavas.
He had fought countless battles and protected his brothers.
But Yudhishthira continued walking.
Bhima asked why he had fallen.
Yudhishthira explained that Bhima’s weakness was his pride in his strength and his attachment to food.
Now only Yudhishthira and the dog remained.
The Final Journey
Yudhishthira continued toward the mountains.
He had lost all his brothers and Draupadi.
But he refused to abandon the dog that had followed him faithfully.
Soon, Yudhishthira would face his final test.
The story continues in Maha Bharatham Part 27 – Yudhishthira’s Final Test and the Journey to Heaven.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mahaprasthanam?
Mahaprasthanam means the Great Journey. It refers to the Pandavas leaving their kingdom and traveling toward the Himalayas.
Who became king after the Pandavas?
Parikshit, the son of Abhimanyu and Uttara, became the ruler of Hastinapura.
Who went on the final journey?
Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva and Draupadi began the journey. A dog also followed them.
Who was the first to fall?
Draupadi was the first to fall during the final journey.
Who remained at the end?
Yudhishthira and the dog continued the journey after the others fell
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