The Journey Beyond Hell: The True Meaning of Liberation in the Mahabharata part 2

The Eternal Lesson of Self-Realization

None of us truly know when we will leave this earthly realm or where our next journey will take us. Yet one thing is certain—our true identity is not this body or mind but the Supreme Soul itself. Recognizing this truth is the essence of spiritual awakening. In the Mahabharata’s final chapters, known as Mahaprasthan and Swargarohan Parva, lies a profound revelation about the destiny of the soul and the mysterious laws of karma. Today’s reflection is inspired by that divine narrative—where Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, witnesses the realms of heaven and hell and realizes the subtle truth of cosmic justice.

The Pandavas’ Final Journey

After the war of Kurukshetra, the five Pandava brothers—Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva—renounced their kingdom and journeyed toward the Himalayas. One by one, they relinquished their mortal forms. In this divine ascent, Yudhishthira, being the last to survive, was granted the vision of the afterlife. What he witnessed was both astonishing and sorrowful. He heard cries of suffering souls in the depths of darkness and recognized the voices of his own loved ones—Karna, Draupadi, Dhritarashtra, and even his own brothers and Sons Overwhelmed, Yudhishthira asked, “What sin did these righteous souls commit to deserve such torment?”

Yudhishthira could not comprehend how Duryodhana—who caused so much pain—was gloriously seated in heaven, shining like the sun, surrounded by gods and adorned with celestial wealth, while his virtuous brothers were in misery. He pondered deeply: “Have I lost my mind? Am I dreaming? How can the righteous be in hell while the wicked enjoy heaven?”

This paradox reflects the mystery of karma and cosmic balance. The law of the universe is impartial—those who have enjoyed the fruits of their virtues must later face their karmic debts, and those who endure suffering first will later ascend to bliss.

The Arrival of the Gods and the Lifting of Darkness

As Yudhishthira grieved, Indra and Dharma Deva themselves appeared before him. Their luminous presence dispelled the darkness of hell. The cries ceased, the atmosphere transformed, and peace filled the space. The gods explained that what Yudhishthira witnessed was not a punishment but a revelation—a divine lesson about detachment and compassion. They told him: “Your brothers are not sinners. This vision of hell was shown to you so you may understand the balance of cosmic law. Heaven and hell are temporary states. The righteous never truly fall, nor do the wicked permanently rise.”

The Meaning of Karma and Destiny

This episode beautifully reveals that pleasure and pain, heaven and hell, are merely results of our karmic energy—temporary conditions meant to purify the soul.

In today’s world too, we see billionaires and kings living in immense luxury while others suffer despite their goodness. But one must remember: those who enjoy worldly pleasures now are simply reaping the rewards of past good deeds, and those enduring pain are exhausting their past debts. When the cycle completes, the suffering soul rises higher than ever before. Hence, those who serve humanity, spread knowledge, and live in truth plant the seeds of eternal bliss.

The Third Test of Yudhishthira

Yudhishthira’s unwavering righteousness was tested thrice:

1.     The First Test – When Dharma disguised as a Yaksha asked him questions at the lake.

2.     The Second Test – When Dharma appeared as a dog and tested his loyalty.

3.     The Third Test – When Yudhishthira chose to remain in hell to comfort his suffering brothers.

This final test proved his divine purity. He was beyond ego, beyond desire, and beyond illusion. Thus, he attained the supreme realms along with all his brothers.

The narration emphasizes the concept of eternal peace found in the realm of Sanatan, contrasting it with the temporary suffering experienced before reaching divine realms. It recounts the journey of Yudhishthira and his brothers, who, after enduring various trials, realize their connection to higher realms and the ultimate peace available therein. The storyline encourages letting go of earthly concerns and highlights the transformational power of experiencing true spiritual freedom.

The Inner Meaning: Liberation Beyond the Galaxy

When Yudhishthira relinquished his human body, his human nature also dissolved. The gods told him that after bathing in the holy waters of the Ganga that purifies all three worlds, his human tendencies would vanish and his divine consciousness would awaken. This signifies the soul’s ascension from the material galaxy to the divine realms—beyond form, beyond karma, beyond birth and death. Once a soul attains this level, it never returns to the cycle of reincarnation.

The Message for All Souls

Just as Yudhishthira’s temporary vision of hell was to teach him detachment, so too are our worldly sufferings meant to awaken us from illusion. Every pain, every loss, and every obstacle is a divine purification. Those who practice yoga, meditate, serve humanity, and spread divine knowledge will ultimately ascend to realms of peace beyond all suffering. The real heaven is not above the clouds—it is the state of supreme awareness within.

Identity of Souls

Understanding the true identity of souls is crucial, as humans tend to perceive others based on their physical forms and intellect. However, the reality of each soul's identity remains unknown until returning to a higher realm. This emphasizes the significance of recognizing that our interpretations may not reflect the true essence of individuals.

The True Wealth: Knowledge and Supreme Peace

Worldly possessions and pleasures are fleeting. The only wealth that remains is gyan dhan—the wealth of divine knowledge. This knowledge alone grants immortality. It is the realization that we are souls—eternal, infinite, and one with the Supreme. When this realization dawns, the illusion of hell disappears, and the light of supreme peace fills every cell of existence.

Conclusion: The Infinite Joy Beyond Time

Paramshanti! The journey of the Pandavas is symbolic of every soul’s journey—from ignorance to awakening, from illusion to truth, from temporary sorrow to eternal bliss. When we understand that even the darkest moments are pathways to light, and that suffering is simply karma being released, we awaken to the truth:

“I am the soul, I am light, I am eternal, and my home is Paramshanti—supreme peace beyond all realms.”

Let this knowledge spread across all worlds so that every soul trapped in illusion may awaken, rise, and return to its eternal home of infinite peace and bliss.