| Yudhishthira | |
|---|---|
 Yudhishthira (centre) and Draupadi seated on a throne, while the other Pandavas surround them, a print by Ravi Varma Press,c. 1910 | |
| In-universe information | |
| Position |
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| Weapon | Bow and arrow,Javelin |
| Family | Dharma (father) Pandu (adoptive father) Kunti (mother) Madri (step-mother) (brothers) |
| Spouse | Draupadi Devika[1] |
| Children |
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| Relatives |
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Yudhishthira (Sanskrit: युधिष्ठिर,[jud̪ʱiʂʈʰiɾᵊ],IAST:Yudhiṣṭhira) also known asDharmaraja, was the king ofIndraprastha and later the King ofKuru Kingdom in the epicMahabharata. He is the eldest among the fivePandavas, and is also one of the central characters of the epic.[2]
Yudhishthira was the son ofKunti, the first wife of KingPandu, fathered by the godYama due to Pandu's inability to have children. Yudhishthira held a belief indharma (morals and virtues) and was chosen to be the crown prince of Kuru. But after theLakshagriha incident, he was presumed to be dead and his cousinDuryodhana was appointed as the new heir. The kingdom was split in half due to a succession dispute between Yudhishthira and Duryodhana. Yudhishthira received the barren half, which he later transformed into the magnificent city ofIndraprastha.[3]
Yudhishthira and his brothers had apolyandrous marriage withDraupadi, the princess ofPanchala, who became the empress of the Indraprastha. After Yudhishthira performed theRajasuya Yagna, he was invited to playa game of dice by his jealous cousin, Duryodhana and his uncle,Shakuni. Shakuni, a master at the game, represented Duryodhana against Yudhishthira and manipulated him into gambling his kingdom, wealth, the freedom of his brothers, Draupadi, and even himself. After the game, the Pandavas and Draupadi were sent into exile for thirteen years, with the last year requiring them to go incognito. During his exile, Yudhisthira was tested by his divine father Yama. For the last year of the exile known asAgyaata Vaasa, Yudhishthira disguised himself as Kanka and served theKing of Matsya Kingdom.[4]
Yudhishthira was the leader of the successfulPandava faction in theKurukshetra War and defeated many venerable warriors such asShalya. He then ruled the Kuru Kingdom for 36 years until announcing his retirement. At the end of the epic, he was the only one among his brothers toascend to heaven while retaining his mortal body.[5]
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The wordYudhiṣṭhira is analuk compound (meaning it preserves the case ending of its first part). It means "one who is steady in battle". It is composed of the words,yudhi (masculine locative singular) meaning "in battle"—fromyudh (युध्) meaning 'battle, fighting'—andsthira (स्थिर) meaning 'steady'.[6] His other names are:
According to Buddhist sources, by the late and post-Vedic periods, Kuru had become a minor state ruled by a chieftain called Koravya and belonging to theYuddhiṭṭhila (Yudhiṣṭhira)gotta.[9][10]
Once a Brahmin rishi,Kindama and his wife were enjoying nature in the forest when Yudhishthira's fatherPandu accidentally shot at them, mistaking them for deer. Before dying, Kindama cursed the king to die when he engages in intercourse with any woman. Due to this curse, Pandu was unable to become a father. As an additional penance for the murder, Pandu abdicated the throne ofHastinapura, and his blind brotherDhritarashtra took over the reins of the kingdom.[11]
After knowing the curse of Pandu, Kunti told him that he could be the father of the child and told her boon of sage Durvasa. Then Pandu requested Kunti to apply her boon and suggested to callDharma to get a truthful, knowledgeable and justice knowing son who can rule Hastinapur. On the full moon of May (Sanskrit: Jyeshth masa) first and the eldest of the Pandavas, Yudhishthira was born. Yudhishthira's four younger brothers wereBhima (born by invokingVayu);Arjuna (born by invokingIndra); and the twinsNakula andSahadeva (born by invokingAśvins).[12]
Yudhishthira was trained in religion, science, administration and military arts by the Kuru preceptors,Kripa andDrona. Specifically, he became a master in using the javelin and war chariot. It is said that his javelin was so strong that it could penetrate a stone wall as though it were a piece of paper. His chariot always flew at a 4 finger distance above the ground due to his piety.[13]
After Yudhishthira and his brothers completed their studies, they returned toHastinapur.Duryodhana along withShakuni planned to kill them and sent Yudhishthira, his siblings, and his mother to a palace made of wax calledLakshagriha.[14]
One night, Shakuni's man,Purochana, set it on fire. However, the princes and theirmother survived. They were heartbroken and decided to hide from Hastinapura. Later,Arjuna attended Draupadi'sswayamvar and won her hand in marriage. But due to Kunti's misunderstanding, Draupadi became the common wife of all the Pandavas. Later atIndraprastha, Draupadi bore Yudhishthira a son,Prativindhya and a daughter, Suthanu. Suthanu was later married to Asvabhanu, Krishna and Satyabhama's eldest son. Although Yudhishthira had another wife namedDevika, Draupadi was his chief consort as well as the empress.[15]
Yudhishthira was married to Devika in a self-choice marriage ceremony, arranged by her father Govasena, who was the king ofSivi Kingdom. They had a son, Yaudheya. According to Puranas, Yaudheya was also the name of the son of Prativindhya.[16] TheBhagavata Purana, as well asVishnu Purana, also mention Pauravi as one of the wives of Yudhishthira. A son named Devaka was born to this couple.[17]
When the Pandavas returned to Hastinapura after hiding, there was conflict between Yudhishthira and Duryodhana regarding as the crown prince of Hastinapura. Yudhishthira was originally made the crown prince of Hastinapura, but after the event of Lakshagriha, people thought that he was dead, and Duryodhana was made the new crown prince of Hastinapura. OnBhishma's advice,Dhritarashtra gave half of the kingdom to Pandavas to rule. However the land was under the control ofTakshaka. Pandavas defeated Takshaka and with the help ofMayasura, they built a magnificent city namedIndraprastha.[18]
Some years after his coronation at Indraprastha, Yudhishthira set out to perform theRajasuya yagna.[19]Arjuna,Bhima,Nakula, andSahadeva led armies across the four corners of the world to obtain tributes from all kingdoms for Yudhishthira's sacrifice. The non-compliantMagadha king,Jarasandha was defeated byBhima and Krishna. At his sacrifice, Yudhishthira chose Krishna as his honored guest. At the yajna, many kings were present there, includingDuryodhana andShishupala. Shishupala was beheaded by Krishna for his evil deeds. An annoyed and jealous Duryodhana returned to Hastinapura.[20]
Yudhishthira was challenged to play a game of dice in Hastinapura by his cousin, Duryodhana. Duryodhana invited him because he was jealous of Yudhishthira's wealth and power that he witnessed at the Rajasuya.Shakuni used the dice made from the bones of his father, which always ensured that he got the number he wanted and Yudhisthira was allowed to bet whatever he had he was proud of and had right over. After losing his brothers and his empire, he bet himself and also his wife which lead to the Vastraharan. Later, he lost his kingdom in the game again and was forced into exile for 13 years, which included one year in anonymity.[21]
Some time after going to the forests, Yudhishthira became troubled upon realising that he was unable to feed the Brahmanas who followed him to the forests. On the advice of his priest, Sage Dhaumya, Yudhishthira stood in river and appeasedSurya, the Sun god, by reciting his 108 names. The god gifted a copper plate, theAkshaya Patra, to Yudhishthira, saying that any food cooked in that vessel would be inexhaustible, until Draupadi finished her daily meal. He also blessed Yudhishthira that the latter would regain his kingdom fourteen years later.[22]
Sage Vyasa imparts the Pratismriti to Yudhishthira and tells him to pass it down to Arjuna. On Vyasa's advice, Yudhishthira permits Arjuna to perform penance in the Himalayas and obtain celestial weapons from the gods. During Arjuna's absence, Sage Brihadashva consoles Yudhishthira by narrating the story ofNala andDamayanti. Brihadashva advises Yudhishthira not give in to misery despite the wretched conditions he lives in. At the end of the story, Yudhishthira received a mantra from the sage, which makes him a master of gambling.[23]
One day, while Bhima was roaming the forests, he was captured by a giant serpent, who suppressed the Pandava's might with his gaze. Meanwhile, a worried Yudhishthira searched for Bhima and found him at the mercy of the snake. To Yudhishthira's shock, the snake introduces itself to be the ancient KingNahusha, the father ofYayati, and the legendary ancestor of the Pandavas.
Nahusha posed questions on spirituality to Yudhishthira and was satisfied with his answers. In turn, he also clarified Yudhishthira's doubts on some spiritual topics. Nahusha then narrated his story to Yudhishthira, on how he used to ruleSvarga in the days of yore, how he became intoxicated with hubris, and how he turned into a snake due to the curse of the sages,Bhrigu andAgastya. Nahusha used his own story to warn Yudhishthira about the consequences of being arrogant.
Agastya and Bhrigu had prophesized that Yudhishthira would rescue Nahusha from his curse. After conversing with Yudhishthira, Nahusha regained his original form and returned to Svarga.[24]
The ever-youthful sage,Markandeya, once visited Yudhishthira. He narrated many stories to Yudhishthira, including the characteristics of the Yugas, the story of KingShibi, and the story ofSavitri and Satyavan. He also narrated the story ofRama to Yudhishthira, and discoursed on spiritual philosophy.[25]
During their exile, the four other Pandavas happened upon a lake, which was haunted by aYaksha. The Yaksha challenged the brothers to answer his moral questions before drinking the water; the four Pandavas laughed and drank the water anyway. As a result, they choked on the water and died. Yudhishthira went in last, answered many questions put forth to him by the Yaksha. After the Yaksha was satisfied with the answers, he offered Yudhishthira the choice to bring back one of his brother, and Yudhishthira chose Nakula. When the Yaksha questioned him on his reasoning, Yudhishthira replied that he is still alive as Kunti's lineage, but there are no one alive asMadri's lineage, so he chose Nakula. The Yaksha was impressed again, and revived all of the Pandavas siblings.
The Yaksha asked for any other wish as he was impressed and told him he could ask for wealth, strength, power, anything he wished. Yudhishthira said he already got the strength, wealth and power when all his four brothers were revived and said he could not ask for any other wish. Yudhishthira replied, "It is enough that I have beheld thee with my senses, eternal God of gods as thou art! O father, whatever boon thou wilt confer on me I shall surely accept gladly! May I, O lord, always conquer covetousness and folly and anger, and may my mind be ever devoted to charity, truth, and ascetic austerities!"[26]
This story is often cited as an example of Yudhishthira's upright principles.[27] The Yaksha later identified himself as Yudhishthira's father, Dharma, and pointed them to the kingdom ofMatsya to spend their last year of exile in anoymity.
Along with his brothers, Yudhishthira spent his last year of exile in the kingdom of Matsya. He disguised himself as aBrahmin named Kanka (among themselves Pandavas codenamed him Jaya) and advised the game of dice to the king.[28]
Following the death ofKichaka by Bhima, Matsya was invaded by KingSusharma ofTrigarta, in retaliation to the raidings his kingdom had suffered by Kichaka, and in cooperation with Duryodhana of Hastinapur. When Susharma's army closed the kingdom, Kanka volunteered to follow King Virata to face the invader, and took along his three brothers, Vallabha (Bhima), Granthika (Nakula), and Tantripala (Sahadeva), with him and while disguised. On the battlefield, the brothers proved valiance, defending King Virata before finally defeating King Susharma.
While Yudhishthira and King Virata were away battling Susharma, the city was marched upon by the host from Hastinapur. Prince Uttar and Brihannala (Arjuna), who were left in defense of the city, rallied to defend the kingdom, where Arjuna revealed his identity and fended off the invasion. When King Virata returned from his battle, the identities of all Pandavas were revealed, and Yudhishthira congratulated the marriage between PrincessUttarā andAbhimanyu, as Arjuna has suggested.
When the period of exile was completed,Duryodhana refused to return Yudhishthira's kingdom. Yudhishthira made numerous diplomatic efforts to retrieve his kingdom peacefully but in vain. Left with no other option, Yudhishthira wages war.[29]
The flag of Yudhishthira's chariot bore the image of a golden moon with planets around it. Two large and beautiful kettle-drums, called Nanda and Upananda, were tied to it.[30] Before the war started, Yudhishthira stepped down from his chariot to take blessings from his grandsireBhishma, teachersDrona andKripa and uncleShalya, who all were in his opposite side in the war showing his respect towards his elders. He also asked the willing Kauravas to join his side. On his request one ofDhritarashtra sons,Yuyutsu joined the war on the side of Pandavas.[31]
Yudhishthira was described to be an excellent javelin-fighter and to have surpassed everyone as a car-warrior. Yudhishthira defeated many warriors in the war, like Duryodhana. Yudhishthira’s javelin originally belonged toIshana which he would use to kill Shalya during the war.[32] Yudhishthira also wielded a bow called Mahendra.
On the 14th day of the war, whileArjuna was busy searching forJayadratha, Drona attempted to capture Yudhishthira but Arjuna would foil Drona's plans. Yudhishthira and Drona engaged in a fierce duel where Yudhishthira was ultimately defeated by Drona.[33] Yudhishthira would later assist his nephewGhatotkacha in slaying the asura Alambusha.[34]
Yudhishthira would later defeat Duryodhana twice and the latter had to be rescued by Drona.[35] Drona and Yudhishthira would engage in an archery duel which would end up as a stalemate.[36] Yudhishthira would later be defeated byKritavarma.[37]
On the 15th day, Yudhishthira was approached byDrona, in the latter' inquiry on the death of his sonAshwatthama whom he heard to have died at Bhima's hand. Torn between his duty to cripple Drona and upholding his morals, Yudhishthira opted to half truth where he confirmed the death of Ashwatthama the elephant, but omitted the contextual part that it was an elephant and not his son. This was effective in the former purpose of crippling Drona, but also caused his own chariot to finally fall down to the ground, instead of slightly levitating as it had been before this incident. Yudhishthira was one of 5 individuals who witnessed Drona's spirit leaving his body.[38]
On the 17th day, he injured Duryodhana badly and was about to kill him but decided to spare him on Bhima's advice who reminded him of his vow to kill Duryodhana.[39] Yudhishthira would be defeated by bothKarna andAshwatthama.
Worried for Yudhishthira's safety,Arjuna retreats from the battlefield to search for him, only to find him taking refuge in camp. Furious at Arjuna for not killing Karna yet, Yudhishthira insults him by suggesting Arjuna should hand over the Gandiva to another warrior if he does not think he is able to slay Karna.[40] Arjuna, enraged from Yudhishthira's insult, attempted to kill him with his sword but was stopped from doing so due to Krishna's intervention. Filled with regret, Arjuna attempted to commit suicide but was dissuaded from doing so byKrishna. The brothers would reconcile their differences and embrace each other.[41]
On the last day of the war, Yudhishthira was highly energetic for the day, and engaged in a fierce duel against the Kauravas' final supreme commander,Shalya. With Bhima's assistance, Yudhishthira managed to slay his uncle.[42]
With the battlefield cleared of the Kauravas but no sight of Duryodhana, Yudhishthira received a report that his nemesis went into hiding in a nearby swamp. The Pandavas brothers and Krishna thus went to the swamp, and taunted Duryodhana off his refuge. Yudhishthira proposed a final challenge to Duryodhana, to a battle against any of the Pandavas under any weapon of Duryodhana's desire. Yudhishthira also promised Duryodhana that should he win, he would reign as the next King of Hastinapura.[43]
With Duryodhana choosing Bhima, the other Pandavas brothers, Krishna and Balarama witnessed the mace duel between the mace fighters. When Bhima finally defeated Duryodhana and started insulting his nemesis, Yudhishthira became sufficiently displeased with his brother's disrespect and ordered Bhima off the battleground. Ultimately, Yudhishthira heard out Duryodhana's final conversation and lamentation, before leaving the fallen Kauravas' overlord on his deathbed.[44]
After he was made aware thatKarna was his elder brother, Yudhishthira cursed all women with not being able to hide any secrets. Had Yudhishthira's motherKunti not kept that fact a secret, the war might have been averted, with millions spared.[45]
After getting victory in the war, Yudhishthira was crowned as the Emperor ofHastinapura and reigned for 36 years.
Fifty days after the war, Yudhishthira and the royal families visitedBhishma, who had been lying on the bed of arrows since his defeat. Bhishma bestowed the new king withAnushasana, teaching the new king in series of dharma and royal conducts, before the elder guardian surrendered his life by his own will. Yudhishthira then cremated the former protector of Hastinapur in a great ceremony.
Later, he performed theAshvamedha onKrishna andVyasa's insistence. In this sacrifice, a horse was released to wander for a year, and Yudhishthira's brother Arjuna led the Pandava army, following the horse. The kings of all the countries where the horse wandered were asked to submit to Yudhishthira's rule or face war. All paid tribute, once again establishing Yudhishthira as the undisputed Emperor of Bharatavarsha.[46]
During his reign, Yudhisthira duly consulted with and reported toDhritarashtra on governances. After 15 years, the former king, his consortGandhari, Queen MotherKunti, and Prime MinisterVidura decided to retire to the forest, where they pass away years later. These events greatly saddened Yudhishthira and the Pandavas brothers.
Upon the onset of theKali Yuga and the departure ofKrishna, Yudhishthira and his brothers retired, leaving the throne to their only descendant to survive the war of Kurukshetra, Arjuna's grandson,Parikshit. Giving up all their belongings and ties, the Pandavas, accompanied by a dog, made their final journey of pilgrimage to theHimalayas. During their pilgrimage, each one starting withDraupadi, fell down dead upon the mountains. Yudhishthira cites Draupadi's partiality for Arjuna, Sahadeva's pride in his wisdom, Nakula's vanity in his beauty, Arjuna's boastfulness of his archery, and Bhima's negligence of the needs of others while eating as the reasons for their fall. Finally, it was Yudhishthira who was able to reach the top, with the dog accompanying him.[47]
On reaching the top,Indra congratulates him and promises Yudhishthira immortality and godhood upon his ascent to Heaven. However, Indra asks him to abandon the dog before entering Heaven. But Yudhishthira refused to do so, citing the dog's unflinching devotion as a reason. Indra retorts that he has abandoned his brothers and wife to reach the top of the Himalayas, but Yudhishthira said he could not prevent their deaths, but to abandon a poor creature was a great sin. It turns out that the dog was his fatherYama in disguise. Yama congratulates his son and commends him on his unwavering principles. Yudhishthira proceeds to Heaven upon a celestial vehicle withNarada as his guide, who informs him that he is the first mortal to enter Heaven in a physical form.[48]
Upon his arrival, Yudhishthira finds Duryodhana and his Kaurava cousins in heaven but not his brothers and Draupadi. Furious, Yudhishthira demands that Narada take him to where he might find his family. Narada brings Yudhishthira to Hell where he encountersKarna, his brothers, Draupadi, Dhrishtadyumna, and the Upapandavas. Yudhishthira, enraged, decides that he would rather live in Hell with his family than in Heaven with his cousins.[49] Indra then appears and lifts the illusion, informing Yudhishthira of his deception. Indra reveals that Yudhishthira has been shown a glimpse of Hell due to deceivingDrona with his white lie. Yama congratulates his son on passing his third and final test, the first being the Yaksha Prashna, and the second being his refusal to abandon the dog. Yudhishthira would then bathe in the Heavenly Ganga, casting off his mortal form and was reunited with his family inSvarga.[50]
Yudhishthira was master in javelin-fighting and chariot racing, alongside being a skilled archer. Yudhishthira was a polyglot, knowing unusual languages. After being exiled by Duryodhana, Yudhishthira became adept at controlling the dice after learning a mantra from Sage Brihadashwa. He was a hero known for his honesty, justice, sagacity, tolerance, good behavior and discernment.[51]
Yudhishthira could burn down anyone into ashes when he sees someone with his wrath and anger. That's why he used to be calm and composed most of the time.He closed his eyes and came out of the gambling hall even when he lost everything. Otherwise the entire Kuru court and all the one who were present would be burnt into ashes.
Dhritarashtra said to Sanjaya "The son ofKunti andPandu, Yudhishthira, is virtuous and brave and eschews deeds that bring on shame. Endued with great energy, he hath been wronged by Duryodhana. If he were not high-minded, they would in wrath burn the Dhritarashtras. I do not so much dread Arjuna orBhima or Krishna or the twin brothers as I dread the wrath of the king, OSuta, when his wrath is excited. His austerities are great; he is devoted toBrahmacharya practices. His heart's wishes will certainly be fulfilled. When I think of his wrath, OSanjaya, and consider how just it is, I am filled with alarm."[52]
Being an important person in the epicMahabharata, Yudhishthira's role has been enacted by various actors over the years.
Media related toYudhisthira at Wikimedia Commons
