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17. Mahaprasthanika Parva
The Book of the Great Journey · 3 adhyayas
The shortest parva, and perhaps the most moving. Leaving the kingdom to Parikshit, the five Pandavas and Draupadi set out on their last journey towards the Himalayas. A dog follows them the whole way. One by one Draupadi, Sahadeva, Nakula, Arjuna and Bhima fall. Only Yudhishthira and the dog reach the top — and Yudhishthira refuses heaven unless the dog is allowed in with him.
Key Episodes
- Parikshit crowned, and the Pandavas' final departure
- A dog following them the entire way
- Draupadi, Sahadeva, Nakula, Arjuna and Bhima falling one by one
- Yudhishthira naming the reason for each fall
- Indra's chariot, and Yudhishthira's refusal to enter heaven without the dog
- The dog revealing himself as Yama, the god of dharma