BHARATAYUDA

In Java, it is called BHARATAYUDA JAYABINANGUN, a war to end the

conflict between PANDAWA and KAURAWA, which where cousins from the
same dynasty - BHARATA's. The winners should continue the dynasty ruling over
HASTINAPURA Empire.

It was an unavoidable war designed by heaven's power to eliminate all evil
elements in the world. There were two opposite camps, fighting to ruin each other.
But not every person involved directly in the battle, they were exception.

KRESNA by divine decision was not allowed to involve in direct battle, using his
power and weapon to crash KAURAWA, because of this happened, KAURAWA
should be melted instantly by powerful KRESNA. He was permitted to act as
PANDAWA's advisor and coachman of ARJUNA. DESTARATA and WIDURA
remained neutral. BALADEWA did not agree with a war solution, had left the
battlefield.

Some elder figures such as BISMA, DURNA, KRIPA, and KING SALYA although
they were against DURYUDANA's attitude, due to their own reasons had to join
KAURAWA's forces. SENGKUNI and KARNA with full determination also
joined to KAURAWA.

On the side of PANDAWA were famous KSATRIAS from CEMPALA kingdom
such as DRESTAJUNMENA, the woman archer SRIKANDI, from WIRATA
Kingdom, UTORO and his brothers - RESI SETO and SANGA, SETYAKI from
DWARAWATI. The sons of PANDAWA, the brave and powerful GATOTKACA,
ABIMAYU, BAMBANG IRAWAN.

Seeing the list of fighters, the war in KURUSETA terrain should be dreadful!


DEWI KUNTI and KARNA - The Mother and Son

When both sides were preparing for the war a mother was worried for the destiny
of one of her sons, her eldest son. Viceroy KARNA of AWANGGA, was a chief
warrior of KAURAWA, going to fight his own brothers - PANDAWA in 'alive or
die' battle. She confessed her mistake by not telling KARNA and PANDAWA that
they were brothers - her sons. The mother DEWI KUNTI was same as any mother
in earth, could not see her own sons going to kill each other. Secretly and
decisively he went to see KARNA in his residence.

The viceroy was amazed by her visit, then asked her, "What could a son of
coachman do for you, queen KUNTI, the mother of the noble PANDAWA ?".

"You are not a son of a coachman, ADIRATA is not your father, your father is God
SURYA and your mother is me, KUNTI, who is also the mother of PANDAWA,
your own brothers", KUNTI said.

left to right : Karna, Kunti, Kresna

Then KUNTI told KARNA the real story. She begged KARNA, in this very
critical moment; it was right to leave the bad character of KAURAWA and joined
his brothers - PANDAWA who were on the right side.

KUNTI continued, "By joining your brothers PANDAWA, all of you should be a
powerful force able to eliminate whatever evil in the world. Please KARNA, my
son, or SURYAPUTRA (son of God SURYA), do it as a reflection of your
mother's love!"

KARNA the brave warrior was shocked to hear this sudden evidence, his senses
told him that what KUNTI said was true and he could feel also the approval of
God SURYA. After having composed of himself KARNA replied sadly, "What
you have asked me, dear mother, is against KSATRIA's character. What you have
done to me since I was born had robbed my right of a mother's love. I have eaten
the rice of KAURAWA and I have been given position, luxurious life and trusted
by them. I have also advised them to go in war, and now all of a sudden, I join
PANDAWA. What will people think of me? I have betrayed my trust, I am a
traitor!". Trying not to be emotional he further said, "In respect of your order to
me, dear mother, I will not do any harm to PANDAWA in the war, no matter what
they are going to do to me. I will not kill them, except to ARJUNA. So PANDAWA
will remain five persons, the fifth is either ARJUNA or me. Please apologize me!"

DEWI KUNTI could say nothing, then she left after giving him a big hug. She
asked to herself, "Who could avoid the fate of life?". She hoped God should bless
him.


THE BATTLE IN KURUSETRA

RESI BISMA - The GREAT FIGHTER

On the first day of BHARATAYUDA JAYABIMANGUN, RESI BISMA was
appointed by KAURAWA as their commander in chief (SENAPATI), PANDAWA
entrusted this duty to DRESTAJUMENA, elder brother of DRUPADI and
SRIKANDI. BISMA the grand father of PANDAWA and KAURAWA proudly
accepted the position of SENAPATI saying that as a KSATRIA, he should prefer
to die in the battlefield than lying in bed with sickness.

Minutes before the war started, YUDISTIRA went to his grand father BISMA
alone, kneeling to great him and said, "I apologize that today I have to fight you in
this unavoidable war. But I would like to let you know that the big family of
PANDAWA love and respect you sincerely. I would like to ask your blessing in
this holy war".

The great BISMA almost cried, touching lightly YUDISTIRA head and replied,
"Deep in my heart, I always love you PANDAWA and KAURAWA, I am sorry that
I have failed to prevent this war and worse I am compelled to join the opposite
side due to my commitments to DESTARATA. I don't hesitate that you are on the
right side. Fight as a true KSATRIA and you would win. May God bless you".

Then YUDISTIRA did the same thing by visiting KRIPA and SALYA.

The war began, BISMA fought as a lion, and the other warriors from both side
too. In the first day, from PANDAWA side UTORO and SETO of WIRATA were
killed. DURYUDANA was happy.

In the third day, after evaluating the situation, with many victims on PANDAWA
force, KRESNA advised that BISMA had to be killed right away. ARJUNA was
hesitating, how could he killed his own family, guru, in the battle. Should it be
better if PANDAWA gave up their demand?

Kresna and Arjuna, teaching of Bagawadgita

The wise KRESNA advised ARJUNA on morality, ethics of KSATRIA, KARMA,
DARMA, etc, among other he said, "Born as KSATRIA, you must be ready at
anytime to live and to die on a tip of a weapon. Holy duty of KSATRIA is to serve
the country by deflating enemies in the war to win the truth". The advice of
KRESNA to ARJUNA during BHARATAYUDA was called BAGAWADGITA.

PANDAWA's forces in the meeting had decided SRIKANDI to lead PANDAWA's
army's against BISMA. BISMA upon seeing SRIKANDI tried to avoid her. He
knew that his death should be in the hand of a tomboy woman. Although he already
knew that, his lifetime was numbered, he fought bravely. Many arrows shot by
SRIKANDI, helped by ARJUNA penetrated his old body, finally he felt down (the
name of SRIKANDI is very famous in Indonesia. Nowadays, many careers
woman in Indonesia with respect are called SRIKANDI INDONESIA).

BISMA dying surrounded by PANDAWA and KAURAWA, he told
DURYUDANA, "You are the one who could stop this war. Don't be greedy to your
own cousins PANDAWA. As for my self I am dying in piece, I have paid my debts
to KAURAWA".

DURYUDANA refused to stop the war, and accused him that BISMA had always
on the side of PANDAWA. Then BISMA said to KARNA nicely, "I knew your
secret, BATARA (god) NARADA told me that you are the son of BATARA
SURYA with DEWI KUNTI, you should take the side of your younger brothers
PANDAWA, the real KSATRIAS, fighting for the truth".

KARNA knelt to him respectfully replied, " My respected grand father, with all
my love to you, I have to join KAURAWA, who have take good care of me for the
whole life. This is the ethic of KSATRIA, I'll sacrifice my life to pay my debts".

BISMA whispered slowly, "it is your determination; that is the best way". BISMA
death mourned deeply by all fighters.

Meanwhile many KAURAWA's brothers had died in the hand of BIMA.
PANDAWA had also paid dearly - BAMBANG IRAWAN, a son of ARJUNA died
in the heroic battle.

KAURAWA had a new commander in chief, Guru (teacher) DURNA, master of
war strategy and skillful fighter. In the thirteenth day, ONGKO WIJAYA or
ABIMAYU got killed very cruelly. He was tortured heavily in an uneven battle,
beaten by DURNA, ASWATAMA, SENGKUNI, DURSASANA, after being
trapped by JAYADRATA. PANDAWA was in mourning, especially ARJUNA, the
father of ONGKO WIJAYA.

In this sudden moment, came their grand father - ABIYOSO, he told them no need
to grieve too deeply, they had to remember the natural law of life and death.


The DEATH of JAYADRATA

In the following mourning, Arjuna vowed to kill JAYADRATA before sunset.
BIMA in anger killed again several brothers of KAURAWA, GATOTKACA
showing his ability to fly, hit to dead many enemies' soldiers. BURISRAWA, a
strong KAURAWA's supporter was de-headed by SETYAKI's sword.

M eeting of Kaurawa forces

It was already afternoon, JAYADRATA was always staying far from ARJUNA.
JAYADRATA was afraid to fight face to face with ARJUNA. KRESNA shot his
mighty CAKRA (arrow with sharp disc head), it is the heirloom of BATARA
WISHNU. The effect was surprising, clouds covered the sun. The fighters thought
it was already sunset, the battle of today stopped and resumed again for tomorrow.
JAYADRATA wanted to spot where was ARJUNA, lifted his head.

ARJUNA had prepared his powerful heirloom - PASOPATI, an arrow given to
him from BATARA guru (ARJUNA had used PASOPATI to kill a powerful king
giant NIWATA KAWACA, who attacked the kingdom of Heaven). The arrow hit
JAYADRATA's neck, his head rolled in the earth and died.


GURU DURNA was KILLED in WAR

KRESNA the great advisor for PANDAWA knew that DURNA was not easy to be
defeated, some tactics must be used to weak him. DURNA was a begawan (priest)
but his love to his son ASWATAMA had made him taken a wrong decision to side
with KAURAWA. KRESNA asked BIMA to kill KAURAWA's elephant by name
ASWATAMA (the name was the same as DURNA's son), after that all the soldiers
had to shout strongly and repeatedly, "ASWATAMA was dead!".

The thunderous yells were heard by DURNA, he was shocked whether it was true.
He decided to ask a confirmation to YUDISTIRA, the man who never lied in his
whole life. YUDISTIRA replied the confused DURNA softly, "Yes, ASWATAMA,
the strong elephant is dead". The worried DURNA only heard the words
'ASWATAMA - dead'. He was totally demoralized, he could not imagine living
without his beloved son ASWATAMA, the one he hoped to continue his
aspirations of life. He could not concentrate in battle, as a result he was killed in
the hands of DRESTAJUMENA.


GATOTKACA, SON of BIMA

GATOTKACA who had ability to fly was the air force of PANDAWA, his
powerful magic blows had victimized a lot of KAURAWA fighters. He led an
army of giant from his own kingdom - PRINGGODANI.

DURYUDANA was worried to see the storming attacks of GATOTKACA's army.
He instructed KARNA to eliminate GATOTKACA immediately, otherwise more
and more KARNA's soldiers should die within a short time.

KARNA at that time was busy to start a duel fight against ARJUNA. He was the
only one in KAURAWA forces who had a heirloom arrow, which could kill
ARJUNA. The heirloom's name was KUNTO WIJAYA DANU. KARNA heard a
thunderous storm in the sky and a black cloud moving. He knew by instinct that it
must be GATOTKACA in action. He shot his KUNTO to that cloud whilst going
forward to face ARJUNA.

When baby GATOTKACA was born, his navel could not be cut with any knife.
Upon advice from a wise man, the navel was cut by the casing of KUNTO arrow.
But the KUNTO's casing penetrated inside his stomach permanently. The fate had
predicted that when the arrow KUNTO returned to its casing then GATOTKACA
should die. When GATOTKACA was a youngster, by accident he had killed his
giant uncle, KALABENDANA. The spirit of KALABENDANA had been waiting
to revenge. He knew the fate of GATOTKACA's death in BHARATAYUDA. The
shot of KARNA in fact did not hit the target, the arrow KUNTO could not reach
GATOTKACA who flied too high. In a very quick move, KALABENDANA's
spirit took KUNTO and told him, “You have to return to your casing, I'll help
you". So, with the help of KALABENDANA's spirit, KUNTO hit GATOTKACA.
GATOTKACA's spirit together with KALABENDANA's went back happily to the
eternity.


ADIPATI KARNA or SURYAPUTRA

He was a very powerful or SAKTI chief warrior, respected highly by friends and
enemies. He had a very strong and high position in HASTINAPURA, fully trusted
by DURYUDANA. He had no reason at all to complain in his life, he had
everything a man should posses; wealth, power, pride, love of his family.
Everything seemed to be perfect, if he was a son of coachman. But secret of his
personality, which just had been uncovered, by his real mother DEWI KUNTI and
BISMA, had moved his emotions.

In the eve of his first day as KAURAWA's commander in chief, ARJUNA secretly
visited him. He had the most difficult moment in his life. ARJUNA was his ardent
enemy, his competitor in archery, the man he hated most up to now, and at the same
time was also his brother.

AJUNA suddenly stood in front of him, knelt and greeted him honestly with full of
respect and said clearly, "Please accept my sincere respects and PANDAWA's
respect to you. I come here to ask your apologies for all which had happened to
our mother, KUNTI send her love for you and also all PANDAWA love you, our
eldest brother".

KARNA, upon seeing ARJUNA's attitude could say nothing, he was deeply
moved. What he could do was just a slightly nod with tears hanging on his eyes.
ARJUNA went on, his heart was beating, "Our brother, YUDISTIRA and all of us,
have decided to listen to you as our eldest brother, we will obey your decisions. If
we win this war you are the one who become the emperor of HASTINAPURA.
We believe that from now on, you will be always with us, your own brothers".

Upon listening and feeling what his brother said, KARNA, the powerful ADIPATI
- chief warrior could not overcome his emotions, trying to stop the bursting tears,
he embraced ARJUNA firmly. Both of them, the mighty KSATRIAS, who did not
recognized the word 'SURRENDER' in battlefields, in reality were only human
beings, could only speak with emotion, showing deep love to each other. After a
while, both of them were self-composed. KARNA tried to speak calmly,
"ARJUNA, my dearest brother, deep in my heart, I love all of you - my
PANDAWA brothers and I also do love our mother KUNTI. I am very grateful for
your decisions, it's really the most respectable honor for me. I'm telling you that
the mistake is mine, as I fight only for my own welfare and happiness and to
defend my powerful position, full with material wealth, I have to take the wrong
side in BHARATAYUDA. I admit that it's shameful for a KSATRIA", he paused
and then continued. "I personally beg you to understand my position, please
convey this massage to all my brothers. As for you, ARJUNA, tomorrow don't
hesitate to face me in the battle, we'll fight as true KSATRIAS. I'm prepared to be
killed to preserve my good name. Use all your skill, use all your power. May God
bless you". Then they embraced again each other without a word and ARJUNA
asked his permission to leave.

In the next morning, KARNA wore his white dress, impressive and charming.
White dress means holy and in fact he was prepared to die. With his sharp
authoritative voice, he commanded his troop to be in the formation and ready to
attack. KARNA's coachman was KING SALYA.

Arjuna and Kresna

On the other side, ARJUNA sit in his carriage coached by KING KRESNA.
KARNA and ARJUNA looked very determent but their hearts were governed by
emotions of family love. Should they continue? Coachmen, SALYA and KRESNA
knew the feeling of KARNA and ARJUNA and advised them to behave as true
warriors. The battles around them had started fiercely. KARNA had just shot his
KUNTO arrow to GATOTKACA. His carriage was heading forward to face
ARJUNA. They exchanged shootings of many arrows.

All of a sudden, KARNA's carriage was torn to pieces, hit by GATOTKACA's
body falling from the sky. He was thrown away. With no carriage he met ARJUNA
directly. He was aware that ARJUNA had several heirlooms, which should kill
him. But he would be happy to be killed by a mighty, powerful KSATRIA -
ARJUNA, his own brother. He was happy that his brothers would be glorious
rulers in HASTINAPURA, not the mad DURYUDANA.

At that time, the heirloom arrow of ARJUNA - PASOPATI hit him, and KARNA
felt down, killed heroically in the battle. His death was mourned deeply by
KAURAWA and PANDAWA. Although KARNA had fought for KAURAWA but as
the eldest brother of PANDAWA, PANDAWA family with full heroic ceremony
held the incineration of his body.


KING SALYA, the SENOPATI of KAURAWA

King SALYA, in his heart he preferred to be with PANDAWA, but he was trapped
by DURYUDANA in such a way so that he had to join KAURAWA. He fought
with all his strength, he had a powerful spell (AJI) called 'CANDRA BIRAWA'.

When he spelled the mantra (AJI) a lot of giants came out from his ears, and killed
a lot of PANDAWA's soldiers. PANDAWA forces were deteriorated. Again, the
wise KRESNA knew his secret. The only man who could face him was
YUDISTIRA, considered as the holiest man of all the people. He was honest,
kind-hearted and never lied.

The CANDRA BIRAWA giants, would not attack if it was not attacked, they did
only counter-attack. When SALYA spelled CANDRA BIRAWA, it was only one
giant appeared, but if this giant was killed then he would become two life giants,
two would become four and then sixteen, etc. They would multiply themselves to
be hundreds and thousands of giants. The soldiers who were counter-attacked by
CANDRA BIRAWA giants should be death definitely, their whole blood were
sucked.

YUDISTIRA was a man who did not like to fight, he should meet SALYA but
instructed by KRESNA not to attack the CANDRA BIRAWA giants. The giants
were confused; they did not know what to do, in facing a passive man. The giants
soon reduced their total numbers. From 1000 giants became 10 and then became 1,
the original CANDRA BIRAWA giant.

The CANDRA BIRAWA went back into the ears of the owner. SALYA had to fight
without the help of his spell; he was getting tired as he was an old man. When
YUDISTIRA released his heirloom JAMUS KALIMOSODO, SALYA had not
enough power to defend himself, he got killed right away.


The DEATH of DURYUDANA

After SALYA's death, there was no alternative for DURYUDANA to lead the
KAURAWA himself. He was alone now; all his loyal friends and warriors had
been killed. He was rather dying himself than suffering to live together with
PANDAWA. He ran to nearby river but chased by BIMA, then fought by using big
GADA (bludgeons). Each fighter, full with anger and hatred, wanted to kill his
enemy as quickly as possible. DURYUDANA did not surrender easily, although he
had no hope for the future anymore. KRESNA showed the weakness point of
DURYUDANA and told BIMA what to do. BIMA hit DURYUANA's thigh with
his big GADA RUJAKPALA. DURYUDANA collapsed and could not move
anymore. He was dead in agony. The evil king or the king of evil at last died.

BHARATAYUDA was over now, the good and the truth had defeated the evil, the
greediness. The price of this glorious day was too heavy for PANDAWA, in
HASTINAPURA lived a lot of widows and orphans.

In the night after the war was considered over, the son of DURNA - ASWATAMA,
together with KRIPA and KARTAMARMA, treacherously slip into PANDAW's
camp. Then killed some PANDAWA's family and then burned the camp and ran
away hiding in the forest. DRUPADI saw who had done dishonest killing. The
following morning, they were captured by PANDAWA and eliminated.


THE LAST BATTLE

Bima vs Duryudana


YUDISTIRA, EMPEROR of HASTINAPURA

There were no more obstacles for YUDISTIRA to govern the country wisely.
HASTINAPURA was a prosperous and peaceful country, respected highly by its
neighbors and maintained good relation with other countries.

DESTARATA and GENDARI, the parent of KAURAWA, lived together with
KUNTI, the mother of PANDAWA. They were treated honorably by PANDAWA
and always been respected as their own parents. All the PANDAWA's sons were
dead in BHARATAYUDA, to some extent, the death of all PANDAWA's son was
ARJUNA's mistake. He had successfully helped God GURU by killing a giant king
NIWATAKAWACA who menaced to ruin SURALAYA, the God palace. God
NARADA, in the name of God Guru, had given him a Goddess - SUPRABA to
marry, besides he was promised by NARADA that BATARA GURU should grant
him whatever a request he made. ARJUNA, accompanied by SEMAR,
spontaneously replied, he wished that after the BHARATAYUDA all PANDAWA
remained alive. This request was agreed by NARADA.

SEMAR was shocked to hear the conversation. He told ARJUNA that when a man
asking something from God, it should be clearly and precisely. In that case
ARJUNA should ask for the life of PANDAWA and their children, not only for
PANDAWA. But the deal was done, the fate should prove.

Luckily PANDAWA had one descendant, the grand child of ARJUNA,
PARIKESIT, the son of the late ABIMAYU and UTARI. PARIKESIT was the
crown prince of HASTINAPURA.

DESTARATA and GENDARI after living honorably with PANDAWA for several
years, decided to live as hermits in a lovely place to donate the rest of their life
for SAMADI (meditation), DEWI KUNTI as sign of solidarity joined them.
PANDAWA in tears respected this decision as it was in accordance with the
teaching of DARMA.


PARIKESIT, the NEW EMPEROR of HASTINAPURA

After almost three decades in power, in the situation of relatively - peaceful and
prosperous, PANDAWA decide to resign from public life. The crown prince
PARIKESIT had been educated properly with PANDAWA themselves as his
teachers, considered mature enough to rule the country. Also the younger
generation, as a result of a wise and proper training was ready to live in harmony.

The PANDAWA's generation, their loyal and respected friends like KRESNA and
his families had already passed away. So, it was the time also for PANDAWA to
leave all matters related with life in the world.

PARIKESIT had received all the knowledge previously mastered by PANDAWA.
In short, he knew and should practice the three DARMA, consist of:
1. DARMANING PENDITO UTOMO
§ Darma
a good teaching or way of life
§ Pendito
a priest, a saint, dedicated his entire life to God Almighty, for a perfect and
correct behavior and action
§ Utomo
a perfect and correct behavior and action; a first class quality
§ Meaning
he had to think and do as a good PENDITO

2. DARMANING RATU GUNG BINATORO
§ Ratu
king or queen
§ Gung
 from AGUNG - great
§ Binatoro
from BATORO - God, a very honorable god's behavior
§ Meaning
he had to think, consider and do like a great respected king, must be just and
wise

3. DARMANING SATRIO WIROTOMO
§ Satrio
a title of nobility: knight, in ordinary life: gentleman. Satrio is always
considered of a man with noble quality, well educated, having good conduct
and behavior
§ Wiro
dare, not afraid
§ Meaning
he had to think and act using his brains. He must be polite and knew what's
right and wrong. He must work hard and always ready to defend the truth,
combating the evil at whatever cost

In Javanese life, the position of PENDITO (begawan, resi, priest, saint) and
RATU (king or queen and all noble family) are considered much respected, even
close to divine quality. So, all their words and deeds are considered right. They
are called the PANUTAN, the one that should be followed and obeyed. A
Javanese proverb says: SABDO PENDITO RATU means that everyone who has
said or promised something must fulfill or honor it.

Nowadays, a real leader, must posses the three DARMA, following the example
of the WAYANG KULIT philosophy. PARIKESIT was inaugurated as the new
Emperor to continue the ruling of PANDAWA dynasty, guided by the holy
principles of three DARMA.


PANDAWA RETURN to WHERE THEY CAME FROM

PANDAWA together with DRUPADI having satisfied with their life in earth,
voluntarily and consciously left the palace compound. Walking to purify their
souls they went to mount MAHAMERU (SEMERU). The top of this mountain was
considered sacred, a place next to heaven where holy Gods live. That was an
episode full with spiritual teaching. PANDAWA they were five - YUDISTIRA,
BIMA, ARJUNA, NAKULA and SADEWA, but in fact symbolizing the life of a
person with the five senses, DRUPADI symbolizing the real feeling of a man.

In their existence of life, PANDAWA had always together, they could not be
separated one by the others, in good or in bad situation. If one of them was
separated, PANDAWA's should not be in balance. This reflects the life of a person
as a whole. In this journey to eternity, one by one of them felt down and
disappeared.

At first, DRUPADI, symbols of human life and feeling, the latest was YUDISTIRA
or PUNTADEWA or DARMAKUSUMA, the holder of the kingdom (of life), the
leader of the other four brothers (four senses). He was seriously (SUSETYO)
leading the others four.

The second was BIMA, who strongly and determinedly (SANTOSA) protecting
PANDAWA. The third was ARJUNA, who was alert to keep the truth (BENER).
The fourth was NAKULA, who was clever and skillful. No goal could be reached
without a skill (PINTER). And the fifth was SADEWA, who always accomplished
everything with the principle at high morality (SUSILA & TATAKRAMA). A
human being has to pass the above symbols in his life on this earth. In short he
must have a holy heart, doing right & correct things, patient, polite, love others,
and never hurt others, so that he lives safely. In order to reach the condition of
holiness, in preparation to be the united again with his holy origin (from where he
came from before his birth). Sometimes a man needs to be in solitude, where he
should practice self-denial, with limited food, sleep, sex and should not speak
over the bad conducts of other people and should not torture animals.. That kind
situation should enlighten him to kill all of desires of five senses and oppress his
lust. He should be able more easily to concentrate in SAMADI (meditation).

To achieve this holy goal, the soul purity, the meditator has to kill all the desires
of lucrative food and material wealth as well as bad or wrong or sinful hearth's
wishes.

Pandawa

PANDAWA had solemnly do that to achieve pure reflection or reality of holy life.
In the gate of heaven, God INDRA, the ruler of heaven and God, YAMADIPATI,
who was authorized to snatch human soul from his body, stopped PUNTODEWO.
They forbid PUNTODEWO to enter the heaven by bringing his ugly dog. If he
insisted to bring it then he would enter the hell. PUNTODEWO was firm; he
would not leave his dog, the ugly dirty creature, as his dog was loyal till the end.
Suddenly the dog vanished and turned out to be god DARMA, his own spiritual
father, who would like to test PUNTODEWO.

After passing the gate, PUNTODEWO was in the dark place, uncomfortable and
sting, joining his PANDAWA families. From that place, he could see the
KAURAWA lived in the beautiful palace, surrounded with a garden full of flowers
and birds. They were eating, drinking, talking with a big smile. He was surprised
and shocked how it could happen with him and his family. After several days, he
was approached by Gods and Goddesses that he would be transferred to live in
heaven by joining KAURAWA, living the other PANDAWA and family behind. He
rejected the offer completely.

At last PUNTODEWO had passed the whole test, and he and other PANDAWA
and family all of a sudden saw light and lived in heaven like they deserved.
PANDAWA was thrown to the darkness of hell before living in a bright heaven. It
was meant to give a lesson to human beings that he or she should suffer before
enjoying a good life.

Heaven is the holiest place, which only the creator - God Almighty could give
permission to live in, is a place preserved for holy souls of good people. The
basic philosophy of PANDAWA's journey life is:

SANGKAN PARANING DUMADI

Sangkan : the origin where it comes from

Paran : the destination where it goes
Dumadi : human being

Above all WAYANG KULIT reflecting in God, in eternal life and supernatural. A
life of human beings by the wish and decision of God Almighty originates from
holy things, by birth should perform his or her duty properly in the world, and if
not fails, should return to his or her holy origin again.


(Suryo S. Negoro) copy-paste from
http://www.joglosemar.co.id/bharatayuda.html