A very great warrior, the greatest archer, and eldest son of Kunti dies thus siding towards Kauravas for the lost love of mother in the childhood. Sri Krishna respectfully performed the last rites on the body of Karna.
At last Duryodhana Dies
Thus one after the other all Kauravas were being killed. But Bhima was still not satisfied. He had vowed to kill Dushasana and Duryodhana He had promised Draupadi that he would drink blood from the chest of Dushasana and would dress her hair with the blood from the thigh of Duryodhana. To that end, Bhima took permission of Yudhisthira and Sri Krishna and killed Dushasana in a brief fight.
But with Duryodhana the mace or club fight went on and on. It was fierce and terrifying. Both Bhima and Duryodhana were well built and adept in the skills of fighting. Bhima hit his opponent below the belt! Duryodhana thigh was broken and he was left there to die a slow and undignified death.
As already written, I do not want to justify Bhima's action of hitting on the prohibited area of the body. But I feel the misbehavior of Duryodhana with Draupadi could not have any other outcome.
EPILOGUE
In all, on Kauravas's side there were 1.1 million soldiers and 0.7 million on the side of Pandavas; total 1.8 million. The war lasted for 18 days. Except for Sri Krishna, five Pandavas, Draupadi and a few others everyone was killed in this Great War of Mahabharata. It was the worst human carnage ever witnessed on the earth. A race was almost totally annihilated. The story can go on, and indeed it goes on. But that I would tell you some other time.
After reigning supreme for many years the five brothers accompanied by Draupadi started for Hialayas renouncing kingdom and all luxuries. A dog also accompanied Yudhisthira. On the way first Draupadi falls down dead. In response to the question of his brothers Yudhisthira said she fell victim to her special preference for Arjuna!
Next Nakul and sahadeva died on the way. Yudhisthira said, "They were very proud of their looks and knowledge."
Next Arjuna fell down. He had succumbed to his pride about his mastery in archery.
Then Bhima also left the mortal body. Yudhisthira said to himself; "Bhima was excessively infatuated with his eating."
But the dog remained with Yudhisthira.
Soon they reached at the doors of Heaven. The lord of Heaven Indra appeared before Yudhisthira and said: "O noble one, welcome to the kingdom of Heavens. You are most righteous person ever lived on the earth, therefore we are pleased to welcome you. But there is one condition. This dog cannot be admitted to this holy place of heavens. You come alone and leave the dog behind."
To this Yudhisthira objected saying: "O Lord, I cannot leave this holy creature who has accompanied me in all trials and tribulations. Either you admit us both or else I do not need the safety and luxury of your Heaven."
On hearing Yudhisthira speak thus, the dog changed himself in the form of Dharma Itself and said: "O Yudhisthira the people in coming generations for time immemorial will praise and remember you as the most righteous person ever born. Come let us enjoy the heavenly bliss."
