The Mahaprasthanika Parva is the penultimate book of the Mahabharata, marking the final journey of the Pandavas and the end of their earthly life. The title "Mahaprasthanika" means "The Great Departure," and this parva is deeply symbolic, representing the transition from the temporal world to the spiritual realm.
Synopsis and Main Stories
1. The Pandavas Renounce the World
After ruling Hastinapura for 36 years following the Kurukshetra War, Yudhishthira and his brothers decide to renounce their kingdom. They appoint Parikshit, Arjuna's grandson, as the king and retire to the forest, taking up the life of ascetics. Their decision symbolizes the cycle of life, where after fulfilling one's duties, renunciation is the ultimate goal.
2. The Final Journey
The Pandavas, accompanied by Draupadi and a dog, begin their final journey towards the Himalayas. This journey is a metaphor for the soul’s journey towards liberation (moksha). As they ascend the mountains, one by one, the companions begin to fall.
- Draupadi is the first to fall, symbolizing the attachment to earthly life. Yudhishthira explains that she favored Arjuna more than her other husbands, and this partiality was her flaw.
- Sahadeva falls next, and Yudhishthira explains that it was due to his pride in his wisdom and knowledge.
- Nakula follows, and Yudhishthira says it was due to his vanity about his good looks.
- Arjuna is the next to fall, with Yudhishthira attributing it to his arrogance about his archery skills and his vow to destroy all his enemies.
- Bhima is the last to fall before Yudhishthira, due to his gluttony and pride in his strength.
Each fall represents the gradual shedding of human flaws and attachments, necessary for attaining moksha.
3. The Dog and Yudhishthira
Throughout the journey, a dog has been following the Pandavas. When Yudhishthira is the only one left, Indra appears with his chariot to take him to heaven. However, Yudhishthira refuses to enter heaven without the dog, showing his compassion and loyalty. It is then revealed that the dog is the god Dharma in disguise, Yudhishthira's divine father. This story highlights Yudhishthira's unwavering righteousness and his refusal to abandon dharma, even at the gates of heaven.
4. Yudhishthira’s Ascent to Heaven
Indra assures Yudhishthira that his brothers and Draupadi have already reached heaven, and he takes Yudhishthira in his mortal body, an honor granted only to a few. This ascent symbolizes the ultimate reward for a life lived in adherence to dharma.
Importance of the Mahaprasthanika Parva
Symbolism of Life and Death: The Mahaprasthanika Parva is rich in symbolism, particularly in how it represents life’s journey and the inevitability of death. The gradual fall of the Pandavas represents the shedding of earthly attachments and ego, which is necessary for the soul’s liberation.
Moral Lessons: Each character's fall teaches a moral lesson, emphasizing the importance of humility, righteousness, and selflessness. Yudhishthira's journey, in particular, underscores the importance of adhering to dharma above all else.
Philosophical Insights: This parva offers deep philosophical insights into the concepts of life, death, duty, and liberation. It suggests that even heroes and kings are subject to the same moral laws as everyone else.
The Role of Dharma: The story of Yudhishthira and the dog is one of the most important in the Mahabharata, emphasizing the supreme importance of dharma, which transcends even the gods' orders. Yudhishthira’s refusal to abandon the dog demonstrates his unwavering commitment to righteousness.
Lesser-Known Information
Connection to Sannyasa: The Mahaprasthanika Parva reflects the Hindu tradition of Sannyasa (renunciation), where, after fulfilling one’s duties (Dharma) in life, the final stage is renunciation of all worldly ties and desires.
Yudhishthira’s Mortality: Although Yudhishthira is granted entry to heaven in his mortal body, a closer reading of the epic reveals that even he is not without faults. His partiality towards the dog over his brothers can be seen as a flaw, although it’s interpreted as a higher adherence to dharma.
Contrast with the Svargarohanika Parva: The events of the Mahaprasthanika Parva lead directly into the Svargarohanika Parva, where Yudhishthira experiences the truth of heaven and hell, and is ultimately reunited with his brothers and Draupadi. This transition from Mahaprasthanika to Svargarohanika signifies the completion of the soul’s journey.
Role of Karma: The parva subtly touches upon the concept of karma, where each Pandava faces the consequences of their actions, thoughts, and desires, leading to their fall during the journey.
Moksha and Liberation: The parva is often interpreted as a guide to moksha, where the soul’s liberation from the cycle of birth and death is achieved through the renunciation of ego, desires, and attachments.
The Mahaprasthanika Parva is a profound section of the Mahabharata, embodying the culmination of the epic’s spiritual teachings. It serves as a reminder of the impermanence of life and the eternal pursuit of dharma, making it one of the most important books for understanding the philosophical depth of the Mahabharata.