Dhaumya
Mahabharata character
A folio fromRazmnama (16th century Persian translation ofMahabharata) depicting Dhaumya in a council, discussing with Yudhishthira regarding his Rajasuya sacrifice
Gender	Male
Occupation	Purohita
Family	Devala (brother)
Origin	Utkocha

Dhaumya (Sanskrit: धौम्य) is a supporting character in the ancient Indian epicMahabharata, where he serves as thepurohita—family priest and religious guide—of thePandavas—the central characters of the narrative.

Dhaumya is introduced as an ascetic who is approached by the Pandavas to become their priest after their escape from theLakshagriha (House of Lac). Renowned for his mastery of Vedic rites, wisdom, and commitment todharma (righteous conduct), Dhaumya performs key rituals for them, including their wedding toDraupadi and Yudhishthira’sRajasuya sacrifice. During their exile in the forest, Dhaumya accompanies the Pandavas, settling there to serve and guide them. Throughout the epic, he counsels them on dharma, cosmology, and kingship.

According to the IndologistMonier-Williams, the etymology ofDhaumya (धौम्य) is traced to the worddhūma (धूम), meaning "smoke." It is classified as apatronymic derived fromdhūma, with the suffix-ya, which indicates descent or association. Thus,Dhaumya literally means "descendant of Dhūma" or "one connected with smoke".^[1]

In theMahabharata (1.3.19–82), a sage namedAyoda Dhaumya is depicted as the guru (teacher) ofAruni, a prominent figure in Vedic tradition. The coonection between Ayoda Dhaumya and Dhaumya is unclear in the epic.^[2]

TheMahabharata, one of theSanskrit epics from theIndian subcontinent, other being theRamayana. It mainly narrates the events and aftermath of theKurukshetra War, a war of succession between two groups of princely cousins, theKauravas and thePandavas. The work is written in Classical Sanskrit and is a composite work of revisions, editing and interpolations over many centuries. The oldest parts in the surviving version of the text may date to near 400 BCE.^[3]

TheMahabharata manuscripts exist in numerous versions, wherein the specifics and details of major characters and episodes vary, often significantly. Except for the sections containing theBhagavad Gita which is remarkably consistent between the numerous manuscripts, the rest of the epic exists in many versions.^[4] The differences between the Northern and Southern recensions are particularly significant, with the Southern manuscripts more profuse and longer. Scholars have attempted to construct acritical edition, relying mostly on a study of the "Bombay" edition, the "Poona" edition, the "Calcutta" edition and the "south Indian" editions of the manuscripts. The most accepted version is one prepared by scholars led byVishnu Sukthankar at theBhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, preserved atKyoto University,Cambridge University and various Indian universities.^[5]

Dhaumya first entered the narrative in theAdi Parva (first book of the epic), after thePandavas escaped from theLakshagriha (House of Lac), a trap set by their rivals, theKauravas. He is introduced as a ascetic hermit, with little family background except for the mention of his brother, Devala. Upon reaching the banks of theGanges, the Pandavas encountered Dhaumya at the sacred site of Utkoca, where he was engaged in deep penance. Following Arjuna’s victory over theGandharva Chitraratha, the latter advised the Pandavas to appoint apurohita (priest) as their spiritual guide. Acting on this advice, they approached Dhaumya, who agreed to serve as their priest.^[6][7]

Dhaumya’s first major contribution as the Pandavas’ priest came during their marriage toDraupadi, the princess ofPanchala. After Draupadi's marriage to all the five brothers were fixed, Dhaumya officiated the marriage rites, conducting separate ceremonies to sanctify her union with each of the five Pandava brothers, as ordained by divine will.^[8] After the Pandavas established the kingdom ofIndraprastha, Dhaumya became one of the council members. Later, whensons were born to the Pandavas, he performed theirupanayana (sacred thread) ceremonies. Dhaumya also presided over significant royal rituals. Notably, he served as the chief priest during Yudhishthira’sRajasuya sacrifice, a grand ceremony symbolizing imperial authority. He culminatedYudhishthira’s formal consecration as emperor.^[6]

When the Pandavas and Draupadi were exiled to the forest after losing their kingdom in a rigged dice game, Dhaumya accompanied them during this period. On their way to the forest, Dhaumya walks ahead withkusha grass in hand and chants hymns such asYamasama andRudrasama to protect and bless them on their journey.^[9] During the entire period of exile, Dhaumya lived with the Pandavas and helped them at numerous occasions. He advised Yudhishthira on the importance of various sacredtirthas (pilgrimage sites)^[10][11] and when Yudhishthira struggles to feed the accompanyingBrahmins, Dhaumya advises him to worship the Sun-godSurya by reciting his 108 names. Surya blesses Yudhishthira withinexhaustible food for twelve years, thereby allowing them to sustain their companions.^[2] Dhaumya used his ascetic powers to render ineffective the magical illusions ofKirmira, a powerful demon who attacked the Pandavas in the forest. Dhaumya also explained the movements of the Sun and the Moon to Yudhishthira, describing their cosmic significance and linking them to the positions ofVishnu andBrahma in Vedic cosmology. WhenJayadratha abducted Draupadi from the hut, Dhaumya reproached him and attempted to stop him.^[12][13] As the Pandavas prepared to live incognito during their final year of exile in the court of KingVirata, Dhaumya provided them with strategic advice on maintaining their anonymity. Before they left, he also performed theAgnishtoma sacrifice and recited Vedic mantras to bless their mission and ensure their success. During this period, Dhaumya resided in Panchala.^[6]

Following theKurukshetra War, Dhaumya conducted the funeral rites and offerings for the fallen warriors, including the Pandavas’ relatives. Later, after Yudhishthira’s coronation as Emperor, Dhaumya continued to serve Yudhishthira in the court ofHastinapura and imparted teachings on the principles of dharma (righteousness) and governance.^[6]

• Characters in the Mahabharata

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