The story of a bird turning four Pandava brothers to stone
and Yudhisthira saving them by answering its question is found in the Kashidashi Mahabharata. The
incident happened when Pandavas were on their final journey after giving up their
kingdom.
During their journey in the Himalayas, the Pandavas
witnessed Danaveshwar form of Shiva. Here they took bath in a lake and offered
prayers to Danaveshwar who had crown with a gem that glowed in dark.
They then climbed Meghnad Mountain and reached another lake.
From there they started climbing the Kedarnath Mountain.
As the Pandavas were climbing the Kedarnath Mountain they
were stopped by a group of Apsaras (celestial maidens). When the Apsaras wanted
to know the reason for their journey, Yudhisthira introduced himself and his
brothers and Draupadi.
When the celestial damsels learned about His intention to
wash of sins etc, they asked him to give up the foolish pursuit and instead
live with them here as they were immune to old age and sickness.
Yudhisthira was firm and told them that he and his brothers
were no longer interested in the worldly life and they could only see the
damsels as mothers and sisters. Hearing this, Apsaras disappeared without
bothering the Pandavas.
The Pandavas and Draupadi move ahead and had darshan of
Shiva at Kedarnath.
Going further ahead they saw two lakes. Bhima went to
collect water when his brothers and wife rested under a tree.
When Bhima reached the lake, a bird told him that the lake
belonged to it and he should only take water after answering the question.
When Bhima did not return Arjuna went in search of him. He
too ignored the question of the bird and was turned into a stone. Nakula and
Sahadeva too met with the same fate.
Finally, Yudhisthira went in search of his brothers and met
the bird. He agreed to answer the question of the bird.
The bird asked - What is the most astonishing thing in the
world? Who lives in eternal bliss?
Yudhistira answer - The longing to live forever is what is
astonishing. Everyone knows they will die yet they wish to live forever. The
one who follows Dharma live in eternal bliss.
The bird revealed himself as Dharma. He told Yudhistira that
he alone was fit for the journey.
Dharma revived the brothers but told Yudhistira that they
will fall on the way.