Gandhari: A Tale of Devotion and Tragedy in the Mahabharata

Gandhari is a prominent figure in the Indian Mythology, the epic Mahabharata. Her story is a tale of devotion, tragedy, and the consequences of violence. In this blog post, we'll explore Gandhari's life from her birth to her tragic end, including some of the small incidents that shaped her character.

Birth and Devotion

Gandhari was born to King Subala of Gandhara, a kingdom in present-day Afghanistan. From an early age, she exhibited an intense devotion to Lord Shiva, spending countless hours in meditation and prayer. Impressed by her devotion, Lord Shiva granted her a boon of one hundred sons.

Marriage to Dhritarashtra

Gandhari eventually married Dhritarashtra, the blind king of Hastinapur. Despite being blind, Dhritarashtra was a powerful king who ruled over his kingdom with an iron fist. Gandhari remained fiercely loyal to her husband, even though he could not see her beauty.

One incident that highlights Gandhari's devotion to her husband occurred before their wedding. According to legend, Gandhari was told that her husband would be blind, so she decided to blindfold herself to share in his affliction. This act of sacrifice impressed Dhritarashtra, and he knew that Gandhari would be a devoted and loyal wife.

Relationships with Kunti and Draupadi 

Gandhari's relationship with Kunti, the mother of the Pandava princes, was complicated. Kunti had been granted a boon that allowed her to call upon any god to father a child for her, and she used this power to have three sons, including Arjun. However, Kunti's husband had two other wives, and her sons were in constant conflict with their Kaurava cousins, including Gandhari's sons.

Draupadi, the wife of the five Pandava brothers, also had a contentious relationship with Gandhari. After the Kauravas won a game of dice against the Pandavas, Draupadi was dragged into the court and publicly humiliated by the Kaurava princes. Gandhari was unable to stop the events from unfolding, which led to a deep resentment between the two women.

The Tragedy of Gandhari 

Despite her loyalty to her family, Gandhari's story ends in tragedy. After the war, she learned of the death of her sons and the destruction of her family. In her grief and anger, she cursed Lord Krishna, who she believed had allowed the war to happen. The curse led to the eventual destruction of the Yadava dynasty, of which Krishna was a member.

Conclusion 

Gandhari's life is a powerful tale of devotion, sacrifice, and tragedy. Her relationships with other important figures in the Mahabharata, including Kunti, Draupadi, Arjun, Dronacharya, and BhishmaPitamah, add depth and complexity to her story. Despite her loyalty to her family and husband, her tragic end serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of war and the consequences of violence.

References:

1. The Mahabharata, translated by Bibek Debroy, Penguin Books India, 2010.
2. P. Lal, The Mahabharata: An English Version Based on Selected Verses, Writers Workshop, 2005.
3. Wendy Doniger, The Hindus: An Alternative History, Oxford University Press, 2009.
4. John D. Smith, The Mahabharata for the First Time: A Reader's Guide, University of California Press, 2016.
5. William Buck, Ramayana, University of California Press, 1981.