Thursday 1 June 2017

The Pandavas at Kedarnath

The Pandavas went northwards. They reached a place which was ruled by Shiva, in the form of Danaveshwar. On his crown was a gem that glowed in darkness. In the land was a beautiful lake, where swans swam. Seeing that lake, the Pandavas bathed their and offered their prayers.
Getting up from the lake, they went and bowed down before Shiva. They asked for his blesseings such that they could be united with Krishna.
They then resumed their journey. They came across another lake. They bathed there. This was a border of the mount Meghnad. From here, the Pandavas reached the mountain called Kedarnath. This was a beautiful mountain and the Pandavas began climbing that mountain. On the mountain were many celestial maidens. Seeing the Pandavas the maidens wanted to know who they were and where they were going.
Yudhistira said I am Yudhistira on the Lunar Dynasty. These are my brothers and wife with me. We have fought a harsh battle and are distressed with the effects of that. We have renounced everything and going to heaven.
The maidens said If you have left the earth, why go to heaven? Stay here with us and enjoy our company. We have no sickness or old age here. Everyone is young here.
Yudhistira said We are on our way to wash off the sins of killing our relatives. We need to meet the Lord. We need to meet Krishna, who has gone to heaven with his dynasty.
The maidens said How will you go in your human form? Your Lord has gone after discarding the mortal body. Stay with us and you can proceed after sometime.
Yudhistira addressed the maidens as mother and said they were to me like Kunti and Madri.
The maidens were quiet and the Pandavas proceeded.
They saw a beautiful lake where they had a bath and offered water to the departed souls. They went around the lake thrice and saw Shiva there. They bowed down to him, falling prostate. They offered their worship to him.
In the severe cold, they crossed the mountain of Kedarnath. Going northwards they saw two lakes. These were the lakes of Dharma. They rested under a tree and asked Bhima to fetch some water from the lakes.
When Bhima went there he saw a bird there. The bird asked him What is the most astonishing thing? Who lives in eternal bliss?
Bhima ignored the bird and the moment he touched the water, he turned to stone. Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva also went and turned to stone.
Finally Yudhistira went. The question was repeated and Yudhistira said The longing to live for ever is what is amusing. Everyone knows they will die yet they what most can be done, to stay alive for ever. The one who is the right path is the one who is eternally happy.
The bird reveled himself and said You alone are fit for the journey. I will revive all but they will all fall on the way.
Saying this, Dharma vanished.

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