Yudhistira praises Vishnu

Pleased, Yudhistira said - Who can understand your game, O Lord. You are the lord of three worlds, the creator and destroyer of all.
As a fish you rescued the Vedas from the waters.
As a tortoise, you saved the earth.
As a boar, you held the earth in your tusks.
As Narasimha your killed Hiranyakashipu.
As the dwarf, you pushed Bali into the nether world and took over the three worlds with your feet.
As Rama, you killed Ravana.
As Parasshurama, you killed all Kshatriyas.
As Balarama, you married the daughter of Surya. (Revati, wife of Balarama, was a girl of the solar dynasty).
As Buddha you show compassion and as Kalki you will get rid of evil. (This seems to be an addition specific here, as Vyasa's epic has no mention of Buddha. Buddha was born much after the Mahabharata was composed.)

The sages try to reach you but are unable to. The Vedas are in your control.

Hearing this, Vishnu embraced Yudhistira, and Yudhistira lived in the heaven, with his near ones.

Yudhistira united with all

Vaishampayana said to Janmajeya - Listen to me while I tell you about the sin of Yudhistira.
In the great war, Krishna was the charioteer of Arjuna. Bhishma was killed by placing Shikhandi. Aftre Bhishma, the commander of the army was Drona. Drona's son was Ashwatthama. Seeing that Drona was not getting killed Krishna thought of winning over Drona cleverly. He had the elephant called Ashwatthama killed and then it was announced that Ashwatthama had died. When Drona had asked Yudhistira, Yudhistira said said Ashwatthama is dead and slowly he had said elephant. Drona hearing this, put down his weapons. This was Yudhistira's sin.
Janmajeya asked - What happened to Yudhistira in hell?
The sage said -
When Yudhistira asked Vishnu, he said Abhimanyu looked at you like his father. You told him to kill Drona, a brahmin. That was a sin.
Yudhistira asked How will I get relief from this?
Vishnu then called Garuda and asked him to take Yudhistira to the white island, Shwetadweep. With his large wing span, he was able to quickly take Yudhistira there.
Yudhistira saw a beautiful stream in which many celestial beings were bathing. He saw many sages praying on the banks.
Yudhistira stepped into the water and offered prayers to his departed ancestors. As soon he stepped out of the water, he was also transformed into a celestial and was no longer human.
Garuda brought him back where Vishnu was.
Vishnu said You look so different. You look refreshed and also you are not casting a shadow. You are no longer human.
Yudhistira said It all because of your grace, O lord. You have helped me a lot as Krishna. You take birth in different incarnations to help your devotees.
Vishnu took Yudhistira to another place. He said See there you see your father Pandu, sitting with Kunti, Madri, Dhritarashtra and Gandhari. Karna is there with them. The hundred sons of Duryodhana are also there. The five sons of Draupadi are also there. Along with Draupadi you can also see your four brothers.
Yudhistira looked around, amazed.

Yudhistira enters heaven

Yudhistira was surprised to see all the Gods there. He bowed down to all. Indra, sensing this, asked Matali to come with a chariot adorned with flowers.
While this was happening, Indra and Yama started decking and dressing Yudhistira.
Then with the Gods, Yudhistira climbed up on the chariot.
He was taken to the court of Indra, where he was offered a seat and the choicest of food and drink.
Indra said It is because of your deeds that you have been able to come to heaven in your mortal form. Yudhistira said he wanted to see Krishna.
Indra said he would arrange for a chariot for him, to be taken to Vaikuntha.

On his way, he saw Brahma sitting in his place, his four heads reciting the scriptures. He bowed down to Brahma, who blessed him. From there, Yudhistira went to the abode of Shiva, at Kailasha. There Yudhistira saw Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha and Kartikeya, along with Nandi and Bhringi.  Yudhistira bowed down there. Shiva hugged him and said Yudhistira was indeed fortunate, that he was able to come to heaven in his mortal body.

From there, Yudhistira went to Vaikuntha. He saw the marvelous part of the heaven which was here Vishnu lived. Vishnu seeing Yudhistira, got up and greeted Yudhistira. Yudhistira said he was coming there with wife and brothers, but they had perished on the way.
Vishnu said there were already there. Yudhistira said he wanted to see them. Vishnu come with me.
Saying this, Vishnu took him northwards and opened a door.
It was dark inside. Yudhistira was unable to see a thing. He then started hearing voices. He heard the dead ones calling out to him, including his brothers. They said you are great and have reached heaven. We were not that great sinners, but we have to be in hell.
Yudhistira could only hear voices but could not see a thing. He asked Vishnu what was this? He thought he was in the abode of Yama and not in heaven.

He asked Krishna - Why am I seeing hell?

Indra and Yama trick Yudhistira

Traveling north, Yudhistira reached the mountain of Gandhamadana. Here he saw a wonderful linga of Shiva. Yudhistira bowed down and offered his prayers.
While he was happy to see the Shiva Linga, he was also sad that he would have to go on, alone. He sat there, weeping for Draupadi and his brothers. When he was sitting there, some Gandharva women came there. They said to Yudhistira - This is the second heaven. There is no place for sorrow here.
Yudhistira said We were six when we started, but now only I am there. The others have perished in the cold. I cry as I will not see them again.
The women said - Do not grieve. They have gone to heaven before you. You will meet them when you go to heaven. It is because of your good deeds that you have come so far. No ordinary person can come this far. If you wish, you can stay and rule here on the mountain.
Yudhistira said Krishna calls me and I am going on my way, towards him.
Going forward, Yudhistira came across the kingdom of the kinnaras. The kingdom was ruled by women. They asked Yudhistira to stay and rule there, but Yudhistira refused.Carrying on, Yudhistira came to a place which had many Shiva Lingas. Many women came to worship Shiva there. They were wearing white dresses and had garlands made of lotus on their bodies.
Hearing that Yudhistira had come there, all came to see him. Yudhistira bowed down to the sages who came to him, and they blessed him. Nearby, Yudhistira saw a lake with golden lotuses. There was a river there. The sages said A person who had sinned would not be able to cross the river and go on the other side. They called a boatman and asked him to help Yudhistira cross the river. Bowing down to the sages and taking their blessings, Yudhistira crossed the river.
From there what Yudhistira saw left him amazed, He could see the gates of heaven. No one was allowed inside without Indra's orders.
The gatekeepers saw Yudhistira and came to him. They said - We know you. Your father had shot a mating deer and because of that he was cursed and could not have children. He had come here to ask for a boon but that was not given. They had then gone back to the land of mortals, where children were born off the gods. They asked Yudhistira to wait while they informed Indra.
When this was announced, Indra decided to test Yudhistira. He took the guise of a priest and went to see Yudhistira. Yudhistira bowed down to the priest The priest asked who he was. Yudhistira said I am Yudhistira, son of Pandu from the lunar dynasty. Having seen the death of the dear ones in war, I have forsaken all and have come to heaven. Krishna has left the earth is back as Vishnu. I started my journey with my brothers and wife. In the icy cold, I lost my brothers and wife. I had made a determination that I will either go to heaven or die on the way.
The priest said I will take you and show you your brothers and wife. You will also meet the ones who died in the war.
When Indra said this, Yama took the form of a dog and came there. He started barking at the priest and then tried to bite him. The priest struck the dog with his stick. The dog appealed to Yudhistira for help.
Yudhistira, with folded hands, asked the priest not to hit the dog. The priest said the dog had sinned and needed to be punished.
Yudhistira said he would give away half his good deeds in lieu of the dog's life.

Hearing this both Yama and Indra took their own forms. Yudhistira was stunned. He bowed down to them. They asked Yudhistira to come with them while they took inside the heaven gates.

Bhima falls

Bhima asked Yudhistira - Why did Arjuna fall. Yudhistira said - Arjuna thought himself to be superior over all and was very proud. That is why he fell.

Bhima and Yudhistira proceeded further. They saw trees covered with ice. Somewhere, in the distance, they could hear the music of the heavens. 

Seeing a river, they bathed and offered water to the departed ancestors. When they had started their journey, they were six. Now only two were left. 

Yudhistira then prayed to Shiva in the form of Someshwar. Shiva blessed them. Seeing this, people approached Yudhistira and asked him to stay and rule there. They said they could see what would happen in the future. Bhima would also fall and he would have to go alone. What was the point in going. It was better if he stayed back.
Yudhistira said Do not say cruel words and let me proceed.
Saying that he and Bhima resumed their journey.
The cold was biting and soon Bhima, not able to continue dropped. The moment Bhima fell, the ground started shaking. Earthquakes came, the meditation of the sages was disturbed.
Yudhistira was devastated. Where have you gone Bhima. Your strength was unmatched. Who will now talk to me. Who will argue with me. You helped us when we were in the forest, by carrying us on your shoulders. You killed Hidimb and married Hidimba. You killed Bakasura and helped the brahmins. Killer of Kichaka and Jarasandha, where are you. You used to stay awake and guard us when we slept. You killed all the sons of Dhritarashtra and now you lie here.
Yudhistira cried the way Rama had cried when Lakshmana had fallen, struck by the spear of Ravana.
He then thought Why did Bhima fall. He realized that Bhima had fallen because he had lied to Drona saying his son was dead.

Passing of Nakula and Arjuna

The Pandavas proceeded on. Seeing a river, they bathed and offered water to the departed souls. On the west they saw a mountain called Chandrakali and they proceeded towards that. It was very cold and the Pandavas moved very slowly through the ice. They saw many idols of Gods and many sages praying there. They stood their for a while and offered their prayers. They saw Narasimha there, the one who had killed Hiranyakashipu. They bowed down to him, offered their prayers and procceded further.
At one time Nakula felt very tired and started sweating. He sat down on the ground. He then fainted and his body hiiting the rocks, he started bleeding. Then taking the name of Krishna, he took his last breath.
Yudhistira saw this. He started grieving - Nakula was a strong one. If he did not survive, the survival of the others was in doubt. How will I go leaving you behind?
Bhima asked Yudhistira the reason for this.
Yudhistira said - When Karna tried to attack me, Nakula was there. He could have fought and saved me. He did not do that, and for that he died today.
They left the body of Nakula behind and climbed up a mountain called NandiGhosha. It was a beautiful place. The three brothers rested for a while there and worshiped Krishna. They proceeded further and came to a place which was barren and full of ice. Suffering from cold, Arjuna fell. He took the name of Krishna and passed away.

Yudhistira broke down. The strength of the Pandavas is gone. Your wish of going to the heaven lies unfulfilled. You are the form of Vishnu and you won the worlds for me. You pleased the Gods and got weapons from them. You fought with and pleased Shiva and got his weapon from him. You got the great Gandiva from Agni. I cannot think that I will not see you again. 

Fall of Sahadeva

Leaving Draupadi aside, the Pandava brothers moved on. Crossing the river Ganges, they came to a mountain called Tamrachuda. This was a dry place with no vegetation. No animals lived there. They saw the abode of Rudra there. They were afraid to venture closer, so they prayed to Rudra from a distance and left.
They left and climbed a mountain called Krauncha. This was the point where Ganga and Yamuna entered the earth. The waters were crystal clear. There many sages were living, performing penances.

Seeing  this divine scene brought tears to the eyes of the Pandavas. They had a bath in the waters and then offered water to the departed ancestors.
Some of the sages asked the Pandavas to stay with them but the Pandavas said they had a set objective and needed to proceed towards their destination.

Going northwards they reached the place of Badari where they saw a Badri (Pipal) tree. Many sages were performing their penances under the tree. There Ashwatthama came to see them. He asked them to stay there. They would get to see Krishna there.
Yudhistira politely declined. He said he had taken a decision to go to mount Sumeru and thus go to heaven. Having made the promise, it would be a sin to break it, thus, he would proceed.
Ashwatthama then asked about Draupadi. Yudhistira said she had lost her life on the way. Hearing this, the son of Drona broke down.
Taking leave, the Pandavas proceeded till they came to mountain called Raivat. There they saw the divine river Reba. They prayed there and proceeded. On the way they came across a flock of mountain people. The people sensing danger started shooting arrows. Yudhistira began taking the name of Krishna and none of the arrows touched him. Seeing this, they left their weapons and asked Yudhistira who he was. Yudhistira said he was the son of Pandu and was on his way to heaven. Saying this, they left.

On the way, they saw Shiva being worshiped. They stood and prayed and then resumed their journey. The cold was getting very severe and not able to stand it, Sahadeva fell on the ground. Sahadeva knew he would last long, he started taking the name of Krishna and took his last breath.
Yudhistira began crying. Where have gone O brother, One who was an expert in astrology and numbers. You are the one who killed Shakuni. You were a beloved of Kunti.

After sometime, when Yudhistira had controlled himself, Bhima asked him the reason for the fall of Sahadeva.
Yudhistira said - Sahadeva was well versed and he knew about the past , present and future. He knew that if I played dice I would loose but he never warned me. When we went to Varnavrata, he never told me about the fire.

Saying this, Yudhistira resumed, followed by Bhima, Arjuna and Nakula. 

Death of Draupadi

The Pandavas on their journey northwards, saw a wonderful Shiva Linga on a mountain. They prayed there and went on. They came to a mountain called Bhadrakali. They climbed up and saw the Sun God riding on his chariot with seven horses, along with the planets. On the peak they saw Bhadrakali. She was dark and had a garland of human heads on her neck. She was decked in garlands of hibiscus flowers. Skinny, she was holding a sword in hand and her tongue was out of her mouth.

Yudhistira bowed down to her. He said - Mother please bless me. Be here always for all. Be awake. If you see anyone deviating from their path, teach them a lesson with your sword.

Pandavas stayed there for a while, roaming around the place. It was a beautiful place, with lovely trees and flowers. There were many beautiful women there. Off them, the most beautiful one was called Lilavati. She ruled a kingdom of women and hated men. When she saw the Pandavas she thought they had come to take over her kingdom. They caught Yudhistira. Yudhistira said - Do not worry. We have not come to take anyone's kingdom. The era of Kali is about to start. We are trying to get to heaven before that.
Hearing this, Lilavati was pleased. She asked Yudhistira to accept her. Yudhistira refused.

Going forward, the Pandavas saw the Shiva Linga called Bhadreshwar. They worshiped Shiva and then went forward.

Crossing this, they came to a mountain called Hari. It was a wonderful place, full of rich natural resources. The place was very cold. There was ice everywhere. Suffering from the cold, Draupadi was left behind. Not able to walk any further, Draupadi fainted. Knowing that her death was near, she took the name of Krishna and breathed her last breath.

All rushed towards her. Yudhistira took the lifeless body of Draupadi in his hands and started crying. The Pandavas grieved thinking of the days they had spent with her, from the time she was won by Arjuna and asked to marry the five brothers.

Finally, the Pandavas decided to leave the body of Draupadi and proceed further.

Bhima asked Yudhistira - What was the sin of Draupadi? Why did she not get to heaven?

Yudhistira said While Draupadi was married to us, she had special affection for Arjuna. That is the reason why she perished.

Bhima kills a rakshashi

The Pandavas resumed their journey northwards. They reached a mountain called Meghavarna. It was huge and terrible mountain. It rained there always. The clouds hovered over the mountain and terrible. There were five women there. Seeing Yudhistira they asked him who he was and where he was coming from. Seeing him, they wanted to be with him and asked him to stay there with his brothers, along with them.
Yudhistira said I have decided to go to heaven and I am on my way. Please bless me that I can go to heaven and see Vishnu.
Saying this, they proceeded northwards. A terrible rakshashi came their way. She was huge and seemed to be covering the sky. Seeing humans, she wanted to eat them.
Yudhistira said to Bhima - I am scared seeing this woman, who wants to eat us.
Draupadi was scared and she held on tightly to Arjuna.
They saw a sage there and asked who was this who was blocking their way to heaven. The sage said - There was once an apsara called Chitra. She was cursed by Durvasa to become a rakshashi. Her hunger was insatiable and she ate whatever she saw. She is the sister of the rakshasa Bakasura and if you have the strength kill her, else become her meal.

Hearing this, Bhima said to the rakshashi - I am Bhima. I am the one who had killed Bakasura.
Saying this, he broke off two parts of the mountain. He hurled one at the rakshashi. She gulped that. Bhima hurled the other piece and the demoness caught that in her hand. Bhima then uprooted a tree and hurled that. That had no effect on her. Then taking the name of Krishna, Bhima took a huge rock and hurled that. The rakshashi caught that in her left hand.
Bhima then started remembering Pavan, his father. Pavan gave his power to Bhima. Bhima uprooted a tree and with that he broke the rakshashi's nose. She fell on the ground, shivering in pain. Bhima, then jumped up on her chest. Taking a tree, Bhima inserted it in her nose and pushed it till it came out of the other side of her head.He then began pounding her, breaking all her bones, till she was reduced to a lump of flesh. Picking up the lump of the flesh, Bhima swung it and released it in the air. The flesh went and fell in the southern sea.

They then resumed their journey.

Yudhistira's grief and decision to leave

Hearing these words of Arjuna, Yudhistira fell on the ground. Bhima, Nakula, Sahadeva, Draupadi and Parikshita also could not control their grief. All started crying out, grieving for Krishna.

The one who saved us in Kurukshetra is no more. With the help of whom, Khandava was burnt, is no longer with us. He who saved us by being the charioteer of Arjuna, not with us. When Draupadi was being insulted and disrobed and her five husbands could not do anything, Krishna helped her. That Krishna is not there. He, who saved the Pandavas from the rage of Durvasa is gone. When we wanted to leave all after the war, it was Krishna who made us stay back and rule.

Yudhistira called his brothers and said There is no point staying here. We will go where Krishna has gone and be united with him. Call the brahmins and we will distribute our wealth among them.

Hearing this, his brothers said We will go where you go. You will lead us.
Draupadi said You cannot leave me. I am wedded to all five of you. I will also go along with you.

Yudhistira agreed. A messenger was sent to Mathura. Vraja was informed of this. Vraja came to them. Yudhistira crowned Vraja the king of Indraprastha and Praikshita was crowned the king of Hastinapura.

Then seeing an auspicious moment, the Pandavas along with Draupadi came out of the palace. They took leave of the Guru Kripacharya and the priest Dhaumya.

He said to his subjects - Do not grieve for us. Parkishita is now your king. He will rule and lead you. Support him.

Saying this, they took the name of Krishna and started east wards. Arjuna saw a tall man standing there. The man said He was Agni. He said he had come to collect the Gandiva and the inexhaustible quivers.
Arjuna gave that to Agni. Agni left and the Pandavas bowed to him and resumed their journey.

Arjuna gives the news to Yudhistira

Janmajeya said - Hearing this epic from you makes me feel blessed. Please tell me more of the creation of the great Vyasa.
The sage continued -

In Hastinapura, Yudhistira was seated on his gem studded throne. Bhima was holding the umbrella over him. The sons of Madri were fanning him. Suddenly Yudhistira saw ill omens. Jackals were howling in the day time. Vultures were crying and flying in the sky. Thunder could be heard but no clouds could be seen. People were restless and were fighting with each other.
Yudhistira felt restless. He was not sure what had happened. Arjuna was away in Dwaraka and there was no news of him. He decided to send a messenger to get news of Arjuna. He was thinking what to do, when he got the news of Arjuna's arrival.
Arjuna was taking the name of Krishna and had tears in his eyes. He was moving very slowly. Yudhistira wondered what had happened.
Yudhistira asked Why do you look so frail and weak? Daruka came to fetch you and after that I have no news of you or Krishna. Do tell me all is fine. I am seeing ill omens and I am not sure what to make out of those. Is it something that I did, because of which Krishna is angry with me? Was there a quarrel with Balarama? Without Krishna, the Pandavas have no identity.

Arjuna fell on the ground taking the name of Krishna.

Yudhistira said What have you done? Has Krishna forsaken us? Tell me how is Krishna? Why did Daruka come?

Arjuna said I do not know how to say this, but now the world is without Krishna. The friend of Pandavas is no more. Because of the curse, the people of Dwaraka fought with each other and killed themselves. All are dead. Balarama gave up his body. Krishna was resting under a tree and was killed by a hunter. All is lost now with the passing of Krishna. 

Yudhistira returns back

Vyasa then asked Yudhistira to return back to Hastinapura.
Hearing this, the brothers greeted the elders and left for their kingdom reluctantly.

Yudhistira began ruling his kingdom, his mind always wondering what Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, Kunti and Sanjaya were doing in the forest.

One day Narada came to meet Yudhistira. Yudhistira greeted the sage. Narada said I have come to tell you something. In the forest, one day, Dhritarashtra was doing a fire sacrifice. After the worship, he forgot to extinguish the fire.
Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, Kunti and Sanjaya were all meditating.The fire from the sacrifice burnt the huts and in the fire, all four perished.  Perform their last rites.

Hearing this, Yudhistira fell on the ground. Then regaining himself, the last rites of the dead elders was performed.

Passing of Vidura

Yudhistira returned home with his brothers and Draupadi. He was feeling devastated. All were sad. No one had food that day. They were missing the elders. After talking, they decided to go to the forest and go to them.
They all started. The Pandavas, Draupadi, Subhadra, Uttara, Parikshit, wives of the Kauravas, Dushala all started their journey. A big army of people followed them.
They reached the banks of Ganga and had a bath in the waters. They then proceeded to the Dwaipayana forest. They saw Dhritarashtra sitting in front of his hut with folded hands.
They went and bowed down to him.
Dhritarashtra, not able to see, asked who this was.
Yudhistira identified himself. Dhritarashtra hugged the Pandavas. He asked if all was well.
Yudhistira said How will things be well when you are here? I do not see our mothers. Where are Gandhari and Kaunti? Where is Vidura?
Dhritarashtra said Your mothers are in an adjoining hut. Vidura, I do not know where he is. He has given up on food and spends his days on the banks of the river. I barely meet him.
Hearing this, Yudhistira went towards the river bank. There they saw Vidura sitting below a banyan tree, meditating.
The Pandavas went and called out to him. There was no response from him.
They wondered if Vidura was angry and that is why he is not responding.
Suddenly Yudhistira Vidura looking at him. Vidura then blinked his eyes and Yudhistira saw the soul of Vidura slip away from his body. Vidura fell lifeless.  The Gods started showering flowers.
He felt something had entered his body. He felt doubly strong and wise.

Yudhistira goes to Dhritarashtra

Vidura approached Yudhistira. He praised him for the way he was ruling the kingdom and then gave Dhritarashtra's message.
Yudhistira was shocked. Why did his uncle want to go to the forest? He decided to go and talk to Dhritarashtra himself.
He fell at his feet and said Why do you want to leave us? If you want your son to be crowned, I will make Yuyutsu the king.
Dhritarashtra hugged him and said You have not committed any wrong. You are ruling well and treating your subjects well. Yuyutsu was born off a maid and is not fit to be crowned. Take care of him as your own.
Yudhistira held on to Dhritarashtra's feet asking him to stay back. 

Yudhistira misses Krishna

Next day early morning Yudhistira called Arjuna. Arjuna came. Yudhistira said he was expecting Krishna to be there too. Arjuna said He had no idea. He had seen Krishna the previous day and after that, he did not know where Krishna had gone.
Yudhistira wondered why Krishna had left without informing. Had Yudhistira done something wrong? Everyone came to console Yudhistira. His brothers, Dhritarashtra, Vidura all came there. Soon Vyasa also came. Seeing the sage, Yudhistira wanted to know if the great sage knew about the whereabouts of Krishna.
Vyasa asked Yudhistira to start the sacrifice and not to worry. It must have been something very important because of which Krishna had to rush back. The sage he would leave and before that he said Send Bhima to fetch Krishna.
Bhima said he would start immediately.
When Bhima arrived in Dwaraka, he was warmly welcomed by Krishna. Rukmini brought food and Bhima was fed.
Bhima then said to Krishna that all were worried in Hastinapura as Krishna had left without informing anyone.
Krishna asked Bhima to stay the night and promised that he would go to Hastinapura in the morning.
The next day Krishna called Balarama, Samba and Pradyumna and asked them to take care of Dwaraka while he left to attend the sacrifice of Yudhistira. Kritavarma and Uddhava would go with him. Satyabhama and Rukmini also left with Krishna.
Hearing that Krishna was coming Yudhistira , the Pandava brothers, Vidura and Yuvanashwa came to welcome him.
Vyasa then came there to participate in the sacrifice. Krishna asked Yudhistira to not waste time and start the process for the sacrifice.
Vyasa said When you start the sacrifice there will be many difficulties. Your friend Krishna will help you combat those. Invite all great sages. They will all come and participate in this.

All arrangements were made. The sacrifice was about when trouble started.

Vyasa advises Yudhistira

Yudhistira began ruling the kingdom like Rama ruled Ayodhya.
One day he called his brothers and said Something is disturbing me. I am not able to concentrate on my duties. Krishna has left for Dwaraka and I am feeling alone.
Arjuna said If you think of Krishna, he will come to you.
Vyasa happened to come there and the brothers welcomed him.
Yudhistira said I still feel guilty of having killed my dear ones.
Vyasa said Do not feel guilty. You have fulfilled the duties of a Kshatriya. If you want to be free of everything then perform the Ashwamedha Yagna (Horse sacrifice). Tell me tell you something.
You have heard of Parashurama, who on the command of his father, killed his mother. He had to perform a horse sacrifice to get rid of the sin. Later Rama was born in the age of Treta. He performed the sacrifice to wash off the sin of killing many people. Indra performed the sacrifice because he had killed a brahmana.
Yudhistira said The sacrifice requires a lot of wealth. How will I perform such a sacrifice when my treasury is empty?
Vyasa said :
Once there was a king called Marutta. He performed a horse sacrifice and distributed a lot of wealth in the process. The wealth distributed was so much that the priests could not carry that with them. They had to hide the same in the Himalayas. Go there and get that wealth. Use that for the sacrifice.
Yudhistira said This may not be correct. How can I get a brahmin's wealth to wash off my sins?
Vyasa said There is nothing wrong in that. The wealth has been discarded by the brahmins. Wealth does not belong to one alone. What is wealth but part of the earth? And who has control over the elements of the earth?
Yudhistira said You have solved the problem of wealth. Now where will I get the horse?
Vyasa said Go to the kingdom of Yuvanashwa. Defeat the king and get his horses. Send Bhima to fight and get the horses for you.
Yudhistira said Bhima is tired and wounded from the great fight. How can I tell him to fight for me for a horse?
When Bhima heard this he was happy. He said Do not worry. I will go and get the horse for you. Send Arjuna to get the wealth. Vrishaketu, son of Karna, said he would go along with Bhima and get the horse.
Hearing this Yudhistira said I am sad for you. We did not know Karna's real identity and Arjuna, thinking him to be the son of a charioteer, killed him.
Vrishaketu said It is the duty of a Kshatriya to fight. If death comes during that, one will go to heaven. My father chose the wrong side. He paid for his sins. Do not grieve for that. Allow me to go with Uncle Bhima. Yudhistira was happy and gave permission.
Meghavarna, son of Ghatotkacha then came there. He said he too wanted to go along with Bhima. he said he was skilled in the arts of illusion and magic and would be able to help with his skills. Along with Vrishaketu and Bhima, he would go and get the horses.
Yudhistira gave him permission.
Vysasa then said Send Arjuna to get the wealth.
Arjuna climbed up on his chariot and was soon back with all the wealth.
Vyasa then said Let me tell you how to conduct yourself.
Get up early and offer food and water to the Gods. Invite twenty thousand priests and give them gifts. Worship the Gods with flowers and sandal paste. Then the priests will pour five pitchers of butter on the idols. This way hundred thousand pitchers of butter will be used everyday.
Start the sacrifice in the spring time in the month of Chaitra.
The ideal horse should be dark with a yellowish tail. Decorate the horse and worship it. On a plate write your name and tie that on the horse. Also write that whoever captures the horse will have to fight you. On the full moon night let the horse loose and let it go where it wishes.
You will sit at the sacrifice site along with Draupadi till the horse returns back.
Send for Krishna. He will assist you in the process.

Saying this, Vyasa left.

Greatness of the name of Hari

Yudhistira asked Bhishma - Please tell me about those who have sinned and who they get relief.
Bhishma said - Yama's abode is huge. It measures sixteen hundred miles. The one gives cows to a brahmin gets the protection of Vishnu. They go to Yama's abode and treated like Gods. Chitragupta, who is Yama's assistant, weighs the sins with the virtues. One who worships Narayana and prays to Him regularly is worshiped like Vishnu, when he dies. Vishnu comes there and takes the person with him. One who gives gifts of food and clothing does not go unrewarded. They are worshiped by the Gods.
Yama is the giver of justice. The person gets exactly what he deserves. To get relief one needs to take the name of Govinda. One day Narada went to Brahma. Brahma wanted to know why Narada had come there. Narada said I want to know about the greatness of the name of Hari.
Brahma said He is the soul of the Universe. I do not know the significance. Go to Shiva, He should be able to help.
Narada went to Shiva. Shiva said I am unable to explain this. Go to the one who is only One.
Narada then went to Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu. He prayed to Vishnu.
Pleased Vishnu said I am difficult to grasp but I am captivated by my devotees and bow down to them. Do tell me why you are here.
Narada said he wanted to know the reason behind the greatness of the name. Vishnu smiled and said - Go to Sanjivanipura, the abode of Yama. There you will see a form of mine. Ask Him. He will answer you.
Narada saw the four handed divine form, dark in color, wearing yellow garments. The form asked Narada to go to a certain place where he would get the answer. Narada went there. It was a wet place infested with crocodiles. People were being tormented there. Scared Narada began taking the names of Krishna. The moment Narada had uttered the names, the sins of the sinners vanished. The place changed to a beautiful place.
Narada realized the greatness of the name of Hari.

Bhishma then said - I have not told you about the North gate of Yama. The ones who take the name of Hari go there and are worshiped by Yama himself. 

Bhishma talks to Yudhistira

Yudhistira said - I am a great sinner. To get a kingdom, I had to strike a great person like you, down. I have had to kill my relatives to get a kingdom. Drona was our Guru and we had to kill him too. I have acted against the scriptures. I have killed my brother Karna. I have sinned and I want to leave everything and go away somewhere.
Bhima said - Listen to me carefully off what I tell you. There is one God who is responsible for Death and Life. He sees all actions. A thief could feel safe that no one is seeing him, but he is being spotted in heaven. The body is perishable. You are clinging to it as if it something precious. Narayana is the only truth.
Yudhistira said with folded hands - What is death? Who devised this?
Bhishma said this is wonderful. When Brahma created the world, there was no death. The earth was tormented. She appealed to Brahma. Brahma hearing her pleas created a being called Swayambhu. Swayambhu had a son called  Ruchi. Ruchi had seven sons who ruled over seven lands. One son called Bharata asked for the land called Jambudweep. Bharata was given that and Jambudweep went to the eldest son. Bharata got Plakshadweep. Angry, Bharata decided to renounce all and retire into the forests.
Bharata performed austere penances. Brahma appeared before him and asked him what he wanted. Bharata kept quiet. This angered Brahma and an asura was born from that. The asura started tormenting the people of Jambudweep. The earth went to Brahma and asked to relieved from the torture. Brahma then went to Ganga. On the way, he started sweating and from that was born a ferocious being. This was Death. Death said I will end all on this earth. To that, Brahma said - Go to Jambudweep. Decide first before taking someone with you. Live there as illness and thus kill people.

Hearing this, Yama built a wonderful castle. The sages who die go the northern gate of Yama's castle. The western and eastern parts of the castle are very beautiful with streams and fruit trees. The warriors who fall in battle go the western part. The women who die with their husbands go to the eastern part. The southern part is horrible. The sinners go there. There are ferocious animals which devour the dead. The workers of Yama torture the dead sinners. Killers of cows and women go there. Liars and cheats go there. They are fried in hot oil. 

Yudhistira goes to Bhishma

Yudhistira felt happy. He asked his brothers and ministers to come along with him to see Bhishma. Everyone started getting ready, eagerly waiting to meet and greet Bhishma. Dhritarashtra, Vidura, Gandhari, Draupadi and the Kunti and other royal women also went along.

Reaching the spot where Bhishma was lying, they all sat around him.

Bhishma said - You have Krishna with you. I am blessed that he has come along with you here. Krishna - You are the one true being, the maker of all.

There was once a priest called Krishanu. He was a great devotee of yours and used to pray to you and cook for you and feed you. You wanted to test him. You took the form of a dog and came to him. Seeing the priest, the dog scared started running. The priest started chasing the dog, saying please come and take part of my offering. God is in all. You are Krishna for me. Please take my offering.
Krishna pleased appeared before him in his form with four hands. He said I am pleased with you. Please cook for me everyday and I will eat from your hands. Krishna, you are my creator and I know no one else, other than you. The others are all in your protection.

In Gaya there was a priest who in the name of worship used to perform evil deeds. He used to trade in leather and lived in the company of the cobblers. He used to spit and blow on everything. He left his prayers and worship. When he went home, he cooked and first fed Krishna, took his name and then took his food.
When he died, the attendants of Yama came to take him but was stopped by the attendants of Vishnu, as he had been taking name of Krishna everyday evening.

Yudhistira , do not ever be jealous of other and do not insult anyone. especially brahmins. Discard anger and grief. 

Vyasa talks to Yudhistira

Janmajeya asked - What did Yudhistira do after he went inside the city? What did Bhishma say to him? Tell me about Bhishma's death when the sun started its northward journey.
The sage said -
Yudhistira became king but he was still sad. he was not able to concentrate on his duties. His brothers tried talking to him, but that did not help. Knowing this Vyasa came to Yudhistira. The new king greeted the sage and welcomed him.
Vyasa said Why are you so worried? You have four brothers who like Indra. The city has welcomes you as the king. Your people are happy. The fields have good harvest. What pains you?

Yudhistira said - I am not able to get over the fact that I have had to kill my dear ones to get the kingdom.

Vyasa said - You have not sinned. You have Krishna with you, the mere mention of whose name removes all sins. Death is inevitable. One who is born has to die. Pride killed your enemies.

Age is but a number and your deeds increase or decrease that. Near you is an example. Seated near you is the sage Markadeya. When he was born, he was destined to die at twelve. With his devotion, he was able to avoid death.

Yudhistira asked - How did he achieve this?

Vyasa said - Markandeya put his entire mind in meditation. He spent days in the state of bliss. Such austere was his penance that he never realized when termites ate up his flesh and made a termite hill. On the termite hill began growing trees. On the trees birds began living. Soon some sages came and set up their abode there. In the heaven, Brahma laughed.

The sages asked Brahma the reason. Brahma said One who was destined to die at twelve has been meditating for sixty thousand years now. Taking water from his pot, Brahma showered some water on the trees. The trees fell making a great noise. The sages saw a glow of light inside the termite hill.

Brahma asked Markandeya to get up and have a bath and come. When Markandeya went near the waters, it evaporated. When looked for some water but did not find any. Traveling around, he came across a village where the villagers earned their livelihood by tending to swine. There, a puddle had got created from the excreta and urine of the pigs. Markandeya saw this and bathed in that.

He returned and started looking for a brahmin, but could not find one. He returned back to the village. There he saw a poor woman with two children. The elder one asked for milk . She had to breast feed the younger one.After feeding the young child, she washed her breasts and then fed the elder one. Markandeya saw this. He asked why she was doing this? Were both not her children?
The woman said the first one was through a brahmin and a second from a potter, the community that she belonged to.

Markandeya said he had been looking for a brahmin and as the eldest child was a brahmin born, his search was now over. He washed the feet of the elder child. The potter woman was horrified.

Brahma appeared there then and blessed Markandeya with immortality.

Vyasa said I will tell you more.

Once Vishwakarma was working hard. Whatever he did, Indra was not pleased. He made something, Indra found fault with that. Angry and dejected, the celestial architect went to Vishnu. Vishnu said he would do something.

One day Vishnu went to the court of Indra. The Gods offered Vishnu a seat. Vishnu said he would be going to see the sage Lomash. Indra went along with Vishnu. They went and bowed down to the sage - who had hair all over his body, thus called Lomash. Indra observed that there was a patch on his chest that had no hair. Indra asked the sage the reason for this. The sage said he would not tell Indra. Indra insisted. The sage said - The hair on my body depicts the countless Indras. When a Indra dies, a hair falls off. This is the reason for this.
Indra was scared. He bowed to the sage and left along with Vishnu.

All who are born, have to die. Anyone who has a body will perish. Some die in their youth, some when they are middle aged and some when they are old. People have wants and desires. Those are never ending. The actions in this life will decide the kind of death you will have.

Discard your grief. I will tell you more. Listen to me.

There was a king called Uttanapada. He had two queens Subhaga and Durbhaga. He had seven sons, one them was called Uttama. One day the was sitting on the throne and Uttama was playing with him. Dhruva, another son, also wanted to climb up on the throne and be with his father. Seeing this, Subhaga said - Your mother is of a low caste You have no right to sit on the throne. If I see you again, I will beat you. If you do want to sit on the throne, please the Gods first and be born as my son. Then you will get the right to sit on the throne.

Dhruva went to his mother and said he had been turned away.

Durbhaga said Krishna was the way out. If the mind was set on Krishna and his meditation, all things will fall in place.

Dhurva was barely five years old. He was determined to worship Krishna. He left the palace to meditate on Krishna.  On the way, he saw Narada. Narada asked him where he was going. Dhruva said he was going to find Krishna. Narada said You are a very young boy. How will you get Krishna? You do not have a Guru to guide you. Getting to Krishna is tough and you need a guide.

Dhruva said he would not return back. He would either get Krishna or die.
Narada was pleased with the determination of the boy. He taught Dhruva the mantra to get Krishna to appear before him and also how to recite the mantra and how many times to recite it.

Dhruva went to the banks of river Yamuna. He had a bath in the river. Then standing on one foot, with the other foot folded, he started reciting the mantra given by Narada. He concentrated on his meditation and gave up his food.

In the heaven, the Gods were scared as they did not know what Dhruva wanted. They assumed fiery forms and tried to scare Dhruva away but failed.

Seeing his devotion, Hari appeared before him finally. Dhruva was blessed to be become the king after his father. After a long successful rule, along with his mother he would go to heaven where he would stay as the pole star (Dhruva).

Dhruva returned home and was greeted by all. Subhaga begged for forgiveness but Dhruva said he was blessed as it was because of her, he had been able to see Krishna.

After his father, Dhruva became the king and ruled for thirty six thousand years and then after his death he went to heaven where he became the pole star.

Saying all this, Vyasa said You need to control your mind. Listen while I tell you more.

Uttanpada gave the throne to Dhruva and went to the forest. There, he was able to achieve the vision of Hari. In the forest where the king lived, was a doe that used to come to drink water. One day, the king heard a lion's roar. The king was scared and so was the doe. In fright, the doe gave birth to a fawn and died. The fawn, not knowing where to go, followed the king everywhere. Taking pity on the fawn, the king lifted it. He forgot about his penance and meditation and gave all his thought on the fawn. His thought was on bringing up the fawn.

The fawn grew up and became a deer. The king was always concerned about the well being of the deer. One day the deer ventured into the forest and became the meal of a hungry lion. From a distance, the king saw this. He was devastated. He could get put off his thoughts from the deer. Always he thought of the deer and was soon born as one. He lived on the banks of a river and soon died. He was then born as the son of a brahmin. The boy was called Bharata. Bharata was aware of the happenings of his previous births. Bharata was engrossed in devotion and his thoughts were concentrated on Hari. He was rooted in his devotion and was thus also known as Jada Bharata. As he did nothing but the whole day, his brothers frustrated with him, began ill treating him. They gave him burnt food to eat and torn clothes to wear. Jada Bharata did not complain. His mind was concentrated on Hari. A flock of wild boar used to come and eat up the grain. Seeing this, the brothers appointed Bharata as the guardian of the grain. Bharata would sings songs in praise of Hari in the day and then guard the granary in the night.
A king called Subahu was the ruler of the land. One day he wanted to visit his guru, the sage Kapila. He was travelling in a palanquin when one of the bearers fell sick. An alternate was searched for. The people found Bharata near the granary. He was healthy and was selected for the task.
Bharata walked slowly and carefully putting his steps on ground, lest he trample a small ant.
As the speed was not being matched, the palanquin started shaking. The king wanted to know why this was happening. The bearers said this was because of the new one, who was very slow.
The king peeped out and saw the healthy bearer walking slowly. He asked Bharata the reason for this.
Bharata said O King, who bears whom? The earth bears us. The legs bear the body. The branches bear the leaves. The neck bears the head. Who am I to bear you?

Hearing this, the king was stunned. He said I was going to my Guru but what is the need when I have one like you. Saying this, he bowed down and became a disciple of Bharata.


There was once a king called Virbahu. He worshiped the goddess Ambika and sacrificed a fat sheep every year. Once when the king was about to kill the sheep, it somehow managed to escape and run away. The guards began looking for the sheep. They could find it but they found a healthy Bharata. They caught him and brought him to the king. The king was happy to see Bharata.
The day of the sacrifice was announced. The women of the household dressed in their finery, to see the sacrifice. All rushed to see the human sacrifice.
The priests performed the worship of the goddess. When it was time, the king asked for Bharata to be brought to the altar. He was dressed in new clothes. The king took the sword and got ready to kill Bharata.

The goddess saw and decided to intervene before it was too late. She came out of the idol. She snatched the sword from the king. She then began cutting and devouring the people who had gathered there.
The king fell on his knees and asked the goddess why she was doing this. The Goddess said Do you know whom you were about to kill? This is a great seer. One who sees him, is absolved off all sins. Hari resides in him. Fall before him and ask for forgiveness.

The king did that. Bharata said All roads lead to Hari. Who kills whom? Who saves whom? All is Hari.
The king became his disciple.


Yudhistira was quiet. Arjuna said to Krishna - Yudhistira is in shock. He is grieving for our sons. How do I console him?

Hearing this Krishna went where Yudhistira was. Holding his hands, Krishna said - Why do your trouble yourself? Discard your grief. The ones who fell in war are in heaven. Do not grieve for them. You heard Vyasa talk about Bharata. Hearing this gets rid of sins.

At this point Janmajeya said - O Sage, you spoke of Uttanpada. He was thinking of the deer till his death, so was born as one. How was the deer born as the brahman Bharata?
The sage said - The king was born as a deer. He was still aware of his past birth. He left the forest and went to the city. People seeing the deer, tried to catch him. Thinking his deer was near, the deer started taking the name of Narayana. Taking the name of the lord, the deer ran and fell in the waters of Yamuna and drowned.

Vyasa kept telling Yudhistira to discard his grief. He said - Rama went to the forest leaving Ayodhya. He suffered a lot there. His wife was abducted by Ravana. Rama killed Vali, made Sugriva the king of vanaras and crossed the ocean towards Lanka. There a fight started between him and Ravana.
Mandodari said to Ravana - Your son, Mahiravana, lives in the nether world. Think of him. He should be able to help you.

Ravana thought of Mahiravana. In the nether world, Mahiravanaa's throne started shaking. He started meditating and realized that Ravana was thinking of him and that Lanka was in danger. He decided to leave for Lanka.
He came up and saw Lanka surrounded by vanaras and bears. He decided that this was not the way to proceed. He observed the army, gauging who were there. He saw Rama, Lakshmana, Hanumana, Angada and Vibhishana. He was surprised to see Vibhishana there. He realized that Vibhishana was helping Rama win the battle. He decided to meet Ravana and then decide on the course of actions.
Ravana greeted him and hugged him. He asked Ravana what Vibhishana was doing with Rama. Ravana told him and Mahiravana asked Ravana to relax while he dealt with Rama and his army.
He went outside and saw the army. He decided that instead of fighting, he would kidnap Rama and Lakshmana and take them away. That would scare the army of animals who would go away to their forest homes.
He saw Hanumana guarding Rama and Lakshmana. He took the form of Dashratha and went to Hanumana. He said I have not seen my sons for long and anxiously want to see them. Please let me.
Mahiravana then saw Vibhishana coming that way. He then fled from there. He tried many forms and finally taking the form of Vibhishana, he managed to capture Rama and Lakshmana and flee with them to his kingdom.
In Lanka, the army was worried. Vibhishana realized that this was the work of Mahiravana. Hanumana then happened to spot the tunnel opening. Taking the name of Rama, Hanumana jumped into the tunnel. He landed in the city of Mahinravana. He saw a lake and a tree near that. He climbed the tree, taking the form of a monkey and waited.
Women were filling water from the lake and were amazed o see the monkey. An old woman was there among them. She said she knew of humans in the city and now a monkey meant the city was doomed.
Hanumana was happy to hear this. He took the form of a fly and sat on the pitcher of the old woman. The old woman went to the temple of the reigning goddess. Seeing the goddess, Hanumana asked her if she had wished for the blood of Rama and Lakshmana, as her sacrifice. The goddess denied that.

Hanumana traveled to the executioner's house and saw the swords being sharpened. He saw the garland maker making garlands. Hanumana  saw him crying. He approached the person in the guise of an old man and asked him the reason. The garland maker said he was crying because he did not want to see the two young men, who had been brought there by the evil Mahiravana, die. Hanumana asked him how would Mahiravana die and the garland maker said he had heard that Mahiravana would be killed by Hanumana.

Taking the form of a fly again, Hanumana went inside Mahiravana;s house. There he saw Rama and Lakshmana tied up. Hanumana said to Rama and Lakshmana - When Mahiravana tell you to bow before the goddess, tell him you do not know how to bow and ask him to show you how.
The next day, Mahiravana made arrangements for the worship. In the form of a fly, Hanumana sat on a pitcher and started shaking it. Mahiravana thought the goddess was asking for the sacrifice. He asked Rama and Lakshmama to bow but Rama and Lakshmana said they did not know how, and wanted to be shown. The moment Mahiravana bent down, Hanumana took his form and cut off his head. Mahiravana was dead. Seeing him dead, Mahiravana's wife took a bow and started shooting arrows at Hanumana. Hanumana swung his fist. The rakshasa queen was pregnant, and with this blow, she delivered a baby boy. The boy, started jumping and fighting, the moment he was born. Hanumana was able to catch him, as he was covered with blood and mucus. He appealed to his father, Pavana. Wind started blowing and dust settled on the new born baby. Hanumana then grabbed the boy and hurled him to the ground and killed him.

Taking Rama and Lakshmana, Hanumana started travelling towards Lanka. The goddess, Bhadrakali, said she wanted to go along. Hanumana kept the idol of the goddess on his head and taking the two brothers on his shoulders, he traveled to Lanka.

Thus, Duryodhana was jealous of you and met his end.

Vyasa said many things to Yudhistira to calm him. He then said if you want to know how conduct yourself properly, with devotion to God, then you need to go to Bhishma.