Indian Epics Journal

Yudhisthira and Draupadi. Source: Wikipedia . I would like to focus my next story on Yudhisthira's final test before entering heaven. I could focus on writing a love story about his willingness to literally go through hell in order to be with his beloved wife, Draupadi. Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie (1913) The Afterlife link Article on Yudhisthira Conceived in a not traditional type of way Test of patience in Hell On reaching heaven, Yudhishthira did not find either his virtuous brothers or his wife Draupadi. Instead, he only saw Duryodhana and his allies. The Gods told him that his brothers were in Naraka, atoning for their sins. Yudhishthira loyally went to Naraka to meet his brothers, but the sight of gore and blood horrified him. After hearing the voices of his beloved brothers and Draupadi calling out to him, asking him to stay with them in their misery, he remained. Yudhishthira ordered the divine charioteer to return. He preferred t...

Yudhisthira and the final test before ascending to the heavens. Source: Wikipedia . The Afterlife Once in heaven, Yudhishthira faced one final test of his virtue: he saw only the Dhartarashtra Clan in heaven, and he was told that his brothers were in hell. He insisted on joining his brothers in hell, if that were the case! It was then revealed that they were really in heaven, that this illusion had been one final test for him. The epitome of all that is virtuous and righteous, Yudhishthira refused Indra’s offer. He said he couldn’t travel to heaven without Draupadi and his brothers. To this, Indra told him that they all ascended to heaven after falling to their deaths. It was a test of dharma and Yudhishthira had once again proved his righteousness by not abandoning people who stayed with him throughout. Yudhisthira loyally went to Naraka (hell) to meet his brothers, but the sights and sounds of gore and blood horrified him. Tempted to flee, he mastered himself and remained o...