Reading Notes: Indian Fables and Folklore, Part A

Image information: Funny dog on a mountain, Image Credit: Dog Breeders Guide

In the story “Yudhishtir’s Dog” from the book Indian Fables and Folklore by Shovona Devi, the author writes about the relationship between Yuhishtir and his dog. Furthermore, Yudhishtir is the eldest son of King Pandu and Queen Kunti. He is also the favorite one of the five Pandava brothers, and often characterized as a man of virtue and goodness. He was always seen as someone calm and collected. He was humble to everyone and made sure that everyone deserved fairness and justice.
With that being said, the story opens with the fight between two branches of the famous Kuru family, the Kauravas and the Pandavas. The two brothers, Dhritarashtra and Pandu, both have sons, the Kauravas were the 100 sons of Dhritarasthra and the 5 Pandava brothers were the sons of Pandu, the younger brother.
After winning the battle, Yudhishtir was accompanied by his dog, his brothers, and Queen Draupadi, and to set out on a journey to Mount Sumeru, the Indian Olympus. At first, the queen fell and died. Then, one by one, each of them continued to die. At this point, Yudhithira was climbing alone, followed by his loyal dog.
Once he reached Sumeru and arrived at the gate of Heaven, Indra stated that the dog could not enter. Furious, Yudhishtir explains to Indra that he cannot let go of the dog because the dog was his friend. Everyone that he cared about had died and deserted him. The dog was the only thing that did not desert him. Therefore, Indra granted his wish and allowed the dog into Heaven with Yudhistir.
The one thing that I would like to change about the story is probably the setting of the story, and maybe the time, too. I think that telling the story in a modern point of view could even appeal more to the readers. I love the idea of a story about a man’s best friend.


Bibliography:

“Yudhishtir’s Dog” by Shovona Devi. Website:  Freebookapalooza