Mahabharata - It all ends with a Dog's tale

 
That’s right..The story of Mahabharata starts with a dog's tale..and it ends with a dog’s tale.
This post is my interpretation from the end part as can be read originally here.

Below story demonstrates that Yudhishthira was a man of clear conscience. He was  also able to follow Dharma as it is supposed to be. His reasoning of everyone's failing shows his ability to clearly separate dharma and adharma with clear boundaries.

Here is the story...

After the death of Krishna, Pandavas too lost their interest in life. So they decided to renounce everything and started travelling towards heaven. A stray dog joined them somewhere and kept them company all along.

One by one the brothers and Draupadi fall on their way. As each one stumbles, Yudhishthira gives the rest the reason for their fall: 

• Draupadi was partial to Arjuna
• Nakula and Sahadeva were vain and proud of their looks,
• Bhima and Arjuna were proud of their strength and archery skills, respectively

Yudhishthira saw his dear ones fall and die. Yet, serenely he went on not giving way to grief, for the light of Truth burned bright before him. Yudhishthira knew what was Shadow and what was Substance.

The dog still followed Yudhishthira. This part of dog coveys the message that Dharma is the only constant companion in life's journey. Later, the dog reveals himself to be the god Yama (also known as Yama Dharmaraja).

It was Dharma who, in the shape of the dog, followed Yudhishthira up the wearisome mountain path, when his brothers and wife had gone leaving him alone.

Finally, when he reached a great height, Indra appeared in his chariot...
"Your brothers and Draupadi have arrived before you. You have lagged behind, burdened with your body. Ascend my chariot and go with me in the flesh. I have come to take you," said Indra.

But when Yudhishthira went up to take his seat in Indra's chariot, the dog also climbed up.
"No, no," said Indra. "There is no place for dogs in Swarga," and pushed the dog away.

"Then there is no room for me either," said Yudhishthira, and refused to enter the heavenly chariot if he had to leave his faithful companion behind.

Dharma had come to test Yudhishthira's loyalty and he was pleased with his conduct.

Finally, the dog vanished from sight and Yudhishthira reached Swarga.