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Gandhari (, ) is a prominent female character in the ancient
Hindu Hindus (; ; also known as Sanātanīs) are people who religiously adhere to Hinduism, also known by its endonym Sanātana Dharma. Jeffery D. Long (2007), A Vision for Hinduism, IB Tauris, , pp. 35–37 Historically, the term has also be ...
epic ''
Mahabharata The ''Mahābhārata'' ( ; , , ) is one of the two major Sanskrit Indian epic poetry, epics of ancient India revered as Smriti texts in Hinduism, the other being the ''Ramayana, Rāmāyaṇa''. It narrates the events and aftermath of the Kuru ...
''. She is the daughter of King Subala, the ruler of
Gandhara Gandhara () was an ancient Indo-Aryan people, Indo-Aryan civilization in present-day northwest Pakistan and northeast Afghanistan. The core of the region of Gandhara was the Peshawar valley, Peshawar (Pushkalawati) and Swat valleys extending ...
, and becomes the wife of
Dhritarashtra Dhritarashtra () was a ruler of the ancient Kuru kingdom, featured as a central character in the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata''. He is also attested in the ''Yajurveda'', where he is acknowledged as the son of King Vichitravirya. According to th ...
, the blind king of Kuru Kingdom. In a remarkable act of solidarity, Gandhari blindfolds herself for life upon learning of her husband's blindness, choosing to share his condition. Blessed by the god
Shiva Shiva (; , ), also known as Mahadeva (; , , Help:IPA/Sanskrit, ɐɦaːd̪eːʋɐh and Hara, is one of the Hindu deities, principal deities of Hinduism. He is the God in Hinduism, Supreme Being in Shaivism, one of the major traditions w ...
and the sage
Vyasa Vyasa (; , ) or Veda Vyasa (, ), also known as Krishna Dvaipayana Veda Vyasa (, ''Vedavyāsa''), is a ''rishi'' (sage) with a prominent role in most Hindu traditions. He is traditionally regarded as the author of the epic Mahabharata, Mah ...
, she bears one hundred sons through miraculous means, collectively known as the
Kaurava ''Kaurava'' is a Sanskrit term which refers to descendants of Kuru, a legendary king of India who is the ancestor of many of the characters of the epic ''Mahabharata''. Usually, the term is used for the 100 sons of King Dhritarashtra and his ...
s, with her eldest,
Duryodhana Duryodhana (, Help:IPA/Sanskrit, ̪ʊɾjoːd̪ʱən̪ᵊ ), also known as Suyodhana, is the primary antagonist in the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata.'' He is the eldest of the Kaurava, Kauravas, the hundred sons of King Dhritarashtra and Queen Gan ...
, becoming a key antagonist in the epic. Besides her hundred sons, Gandhari also has a daughter,
Dushala Dushala (), sometimes spelled as Duhshala, was the princess of Hastinapura, and the only daughter of King Dhritarashtra and Queen Gandhari in the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata''. She was born after the birth of her Kaurava brothers and her patern ...
. Her brother,
Shakuni Shakuni (, , ) is one of the antagonists of the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata''. He was the prince of the kingdom of Gandhara when introduced, later becoming its king after the death of his father, Subala. He was the brother of Gandhari (Mahabharata), ...
, becomes a central figure in aiding Duryodhana's schemes against his cousins, the
Pandava The Pandavas (Sanskrit: पाण्डव, aɳɖɐʋᵊ IAST: Pāṇḍava) is a group name referring to the five legendary brothers, Yudhishtira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva, who are central figures of the Hindu epic ''Mahabhara ...
s. Gandhari is portrayed as a woman of great virtue and moral strength, who nonetheless struggles to dissuade her sons from their destructive path. She speaks out at pivotal moments in the narrative, including during the humiliation of
Draupadi Draupadi (), also referred to as Krishnā, Panchali and Yajnaseni, is the central heroine of the Indian epic poetry, ancient Indian epic ''Mahabharata''. In the epic, she is the princess of Panchala Kingdom, who later becomes the empress of K ...
. Despite condemning the actions of Duryodhana, the longstanding rivalry between the Kauravas and the Pandavas ultimately leads to the catastrophic
Kurukshetra War The Kurukshetra War (), also called the Mahabharata War, is a war described in the Hindu Indian epic poetry, epic poem ''Mahabharata'', arising from a dynastic struggle between two groups of cousins, the Kauravas and the Pandavas, for the thr ...
, where all of Gandhari's sons perish. After the war, she becomes the voice of women who suffer due to the devastation caused by the conflict. While she refrains from cursing the Pandavas, recognising the righteousness of their victory, her overwhelming grief drives her to curse
Krishna Krishna (; Sanskrit language, Sanskrit: कृष्ण, ) is a major deity in Hinduism. He is worshipped as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and also as the Supreme God (Hinduism), Supreme God in his own right. He is the god of protection, c ...
, the Pandavas' counselor, whom she holds accountable for the war's devastation despite his divine ability to prevent it. She foretells the downfall of his
Yadava The Yadava (), not to be confused with Yadav, were an ancient Indian people who believed to have descended from Yadu (legendary king), Yadu, a legendary king of Chandravamsha lineage. The community was formed of various clans, being the #T ...
dynasty. In the aftermath, Gandhari retires to the forest with other Kuru elders—Dhritarashtra,
Vidura Vidura (), plays a key role in the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata''. He is described as the prime minister of the Kuru kingdom and is the paternal uncle of both the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Legend Mandavya's Curse The rishi Mandavya cursed Yam ...
and
Kunti Kunti (, un̪t̪iː ), also known as Pritha (, ">r̩t̪ʰaː/nowiki>, ), is a prominent female character in the ancient Hindu epic '' Mahabharata''. She is chiefly recognised as the mother of the central characters—the five Pandavas—h ...
—living her final days in austerity until she perishes in a forest fire. Gandhari epitomizes the ideal of ''
pativrata Pativrata () is a term used in Hinduism to refer to the conjugal fidelity of a woman towards her husband. It also refers to the term used to refer to a married woman who is faithful and dutiful to her husband. Hindus generally believe that when ...
'' (devoted wife) in Hindu tradition, her intense asceticism believed to have granted her great spiritual power. Though initially a silent presence, she transforms into a powerful symbol of the anguish endured by women in times of war. Beyond the epic, she features in various adaptations and retellings. Her legacy endures as a testament to maternal love, conjugal fidelity, and selfless sacrifice.


Epithets

In the ''
Mahabharata The ''Mahābhārata'' ( ; , , ) is one of the two major Sanskrit Indian epic poetry, epics of ancient India revered as Smriti texts in Hinduism, the other being the ''Ramayana, Rāmāyaṇa''. It narrates the events and aftermath of the Kuru ...
'', ''Gāndhārī'' is referred to by various names, including: * Gāndhārarājaduhitā — 'daughter of the King of Gāndhāra' * Saubaleyī, Subalajā, Subalāputrī, and Subalātmajā — 'daughter of Subala'


Literary background

Gandhari is a character of the ''Mahabharata'', one of the
Sanskrit Sanskrit (; stem form ; nominal singular , ,) is a classical language belonging to the Indo-Aryan languages, Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European languages. It arose in northwest South Asia after its predecessor languages had Trans-cultural ...
epics from the
Indian subcontinent The Indian subcontinent is a physiographic region of Asia below the Himalayas which projects into the Indian Ocean between the Bay of Bengal to the east and the Arabian Sea to the west. It is now divided between Bangladesh, India, and Pakista ...
. 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. The ''Mahabharata'' manuscripts exist in numerous versions, wherein the specifics and details of major characters and episodes vary, often significantly. Except for the sections containing the ''
Bhagavad Gita The Bhagavad Gita (; ), often referred to as the Gita (), is a Hindu texts, Hindu scripture, dated to the second or first century BCE, which forms part of the Hindu epic, epic poem Mahabharata. The Gita is a synthesis of various strands of Ind ...
'' which is remarkably consistent between the numerous manuscripts, the rest of the epic exists in many versions. The differences between the Northern and Southern recensions are particularly significant, with the Southern manuscripts more profuse and longer. Scholars have attempted to construct a
critical edition Textual criticism is a branch of textual scholarship, philology, and literary criticism that is concerned with the identification of textual variants, or different versions, of either manuscripts (mss) or of printed books. Such texts may range i ...
, 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 by Vishnu Sukthankar at the
Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute The Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI) is a research institute involved in the conservation, preservation, and research of old manuscripts and rare books related to Orientalism, particularly Indology. It is located in Pune, Maharash ...
, preserved at
Kyoto University , or , is a National university, national research university in Kyoto, Japan. Founded in 1897, it is one of the former Imperial Universities and the second oldest university in Japan. The university has ten undergraduate faculties, eighteen gra ...
,
Cambridge University The University of Cambridge is a Public university, public collegiate university, collegiate research university in Cambridge, England. Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is the List of oldest universities in continuous operation, wo ...
and various Indian universities. The ''Mahabharata'' centres on the intense rivalry between the groups of brothers—five
Pandavas The Pandavas (Sanskrit: पाण्डव, aɳɖɐʋᵊ IAST: Pāṇḍava) is a group name referring to the five legendary brothers, Yudhishtira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva, who are central figures of the Hindu epic ''Mahabhara ...
and the hundred
Kauravas ''Kaurava'' is a Sanskrit term which refers to descendants of Kuru, a legendary king of India who is the ancestor of many of the characters of the epic ''Mahabharata''. Usually, the term is used for the 100 sons of King Dhritarashtra and his ...
, culminating in the epic
Kurukshetra War The Kurukshetra War (), also called the Mahabharata War, is a war described in the Hindu Indian epic poetry, epic poem ''Mahabharata'', arising from a dynastic struggle between two groups of cousins, the Kauravas and the Pandavas, for the thr ...
, which forms the narrative's core. A significant portion of the text is devoted to detailing the battles fought between the warriors of both sides during this conflict. The ''Mahabharata'' is structured into eighteen parvas or 'books', starting with the ''
Adi Parva The Adi Parva ("Book of the Beginning") is the first of the eighteen ''parvas'' (books) of the Indian epic ''Mahabharata''. "Ādi" (wiktionary:आदि#Sanskrit, आदि) in Sanskrit means "first". Adi Parva traditionally has 19 parts and 236 ' ...
'', in which Gandhari is introduced.


Biography

Gandhari is introduced in the ''
Adi Parva The Adi Parva ("Book of the Beginning") is the first of the eighteen ''parvas'' (books) of the Indian epic ''Mahabharata''. "Ādi" (wiktionary:आदि#Sanskrit, आदि) in Sanskrit means "first". Adi Parva traditionally has 19 parts and 236 ' ...
'' of the ''
Mahabharata The ''Mahābhārata'' ( ; , , ) is one of the two major Sanskrit Indian epic poetry, epics of ancient India revered as Smriti texts in Hinduism, the other being the ''Ramayana, Rāmāyaṇa''. It narrates the events and aftermath of the Kuru ...
'' as the daughter of King Subala, the ruler of the Gandhara kingdom and a descendant of Turvasu (son of
Yayati Yayati () is an emperor in Hindu tradition. He is described to be a Chandravamsha king. He is regarded to be the progenitor of the races of the Yadavas and the Pandavas. According to the Harivamsa, Yayati is the son of King Nahusha, and ...
) of the
Lunar Dynasty The Lunar dynasty (IAST: Candravaṃśa) is a legendary principal house of the Kshatriyas varna, or warrior–ruling varna (Social Class) mentioned in the ancient Indian texts. This legendary dynasty was said to be descended from moon-related ...
. This region spanned from the Sindhu River to
Kabul Kabul is the capital and largest city of Afghanistan. Located in the eastern half of the country, it is also a municipality, forming part of the Kabul Province. The city is divided for administration into #Districts, 22 municipal districts. A ...
in
Afghanistan Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central Asia and South Asia. It is bordered by Pakistan to the Durand Line, east and south, Iran to the Afghanistan–Iran borde ...
. Gandhari is regarded as an incarnation of a goddess named Mati ('intellect'). She had several brothers, but she shared a particularly close bond with
Shakuni Shakuni (, , ) is one of the antagonists of the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata''. He was the prince of the kingdom of Gandhara when introduced, later becoming its king after the death of his father, Subala. He was the brother of Gandhari (Mahabharata), ...
.


Early life and marriage

The ''Adi Parva'' describes Gandhari as a devout worshipper of the god
Shiva Shiva (; , ), also known as Mahadeva (; , , Help:IPA/Sanskrit, ɐɦaːd̪eːʋɐh and Hara, is one of the Hindu deities, principal deities of Hinduism. He is the God in Hinduism, Supreme Being in Shaivism, one of the major traditions w ...
from a young age. Pleased by her unwavering devotion, Shiva grants her a boon, promising that she will bear one hundred sons. After becoming aware of the divine boon bestowed upon Gandhari,
Bhishma Bhishma (), also known as Pitamaha, Gangaputra, and Devavrata, is a central figure in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. He was a statesman and military commander of the ancient Kuru Kingdom. Renowned for his wisdom, valor, and unwavering principles, ...
, the patriarch of the Kuru dynasty, proposes her marriage to
Dhritarashtra Dhritarashtra () was a ruler of the ancient Kuru kingdom, featured as a central character in the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata''. He is also attested in the ''Yajurveda'', where he is acknowledged as the son of King Vichitravirya. According to th ...
, his eldest nephew who is born blind. Subala initially hesitates due to Dhritarashtra's blindness but later agrees to the marriage, prioritizing the prestige of an alliance with the Kuru dynasty. Gandhari's brother, Shakuni, accompanies her to the capital of Kuru Kingdom,
Hastinapura Hastinapur is a city in the Meerut district in the Indian States and territories of India, state of Uttar Pradesh. ''Hastinapura'' is described as the capital of the Kuru Kingdom in Hindu texts such as the ''Mahabharata'' and the Puranas; it is ...
, where the marriage is solemnized. On marrying Dhritarashtra, she blindfolds herself with a silk shawl, choosing to live without sight for the rest of her life. Gandhari is welcomed by the Kuru elders. Shakuni returns to his kingdom, but frequently visits Gandhari to help her and her children. Gandhari's husband, Dhritarashtra, is denied the throne due to his blindness, despite being the eldest son. The throne is instead given to his younger brother,
Pandu Pandu () was the king of Kuru kingdom, with capital at Hastinapur in the epic '' Mahabharata''. He was the foster-father of the five Pandavas, who are the central characters of the epic. Pandu was born pale, to Vichitravirya's second wife ...
, but he later renounces the kingdom. As a result of these events, Dhritarashtra is crowned King of Kuru kingdom, and Gandhari becomes queen.


Pregnancy and birth of her children

Gandhari's children were born in a
miraculous A miracle is an event that is inexplicable by natural or scientific lawsOne dictionary define"Miracle"as: "A surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a divin ...
manner. According to the ''Adi Parva'', once when the sage
Vyasa Vyasa (; , ) or Veda Vyasa (, ), also known as Krishna Dvaipayana Veda Vyasa (, ''Vedavyāsa''), is a ''rishi'' (sage) with a prominent role in most Hindu traditions. He is traditionally regarded as the author of the epic Mahabharata, Mah ...
visits Hastinapura, Gandhari serves him with great respect and care. Impressed by her hospitality, Vyasa blesses her, reaffirming Shiva's boon. Shortly after, Gandhari conceives, but her pregnancy lasts two years without delivery. During this time,
Kunti Kunti (, un̪t̪iː ), also known as Pritha (, ">r̩t̪ʰaː/nowiki>, ), is a prominent female character in the ancient Hindu epic '' Mahabharata''. She is chiefly recognised as the mother of the central characters—the five Pandavas—h ...
, the wife of Pandu, gives birth to her first son,
Yudhishthira Yudhishthira (Sanskrit: युधिष्ठिर, ud̪ʱiʂʈʰiɾᵊ IAST: ''Yudhiṣṭhira''), also known as Dharmaputra, is the eldest among the five Pandavas, and is also one of the central characters of the ancient Indian epic ''Ma ...
. Overwhelmed by frustration and envy upon hearing this, Gandhari strikes her womb, but instead of a child, a "hard mass of flesh" like an "iron ball" emerges from it. When the Kuru elders were about to discard the mass of flesh, Vyasa intervenes and instructs that the lump be divided into one hundred pieces and placed in jars of
ghee Ghee is a type of clarified butter, originating from South Asia. It is commonly used for cooking, as a Traditional medicine of India, traditional medicine, and for Hinduism, Hindu religious rituals. Description Ghee is typically prepared by ...
for incubation. At Gandhari's request, an additional piece is prepared to produce a daughter, resulting in 101 jars. In due time, the jars yield one hundred sons collectively referred to as the
Kaurava ''Kaurava'' is a Sanskrit term which refers to descendants of Kuru, a legendary king of India who is the ancestor of many of the characters of the epic ''Mahabharata''. Usually, the term is used for the 100 sons of King Dhritarashtra and his ...
s, and a daughter named
Dushala Dushala (), sometimes spelled as Duhshala, was the princess of Hastinapura, and the only daughter of King Dhritarashtra and Queen Gandhari in the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata''. She was born after the birth of her Kaurava brothers and her patern ...
. During Gandhari's prolonged pregnancy, Dhritarashtra had fathered another son,
Yuyutsu Yuyutsu () is a character in the ancient Hindu epic ''Mahabharata''. He is the son of King Dhritarashtra of the Kuru dynasty, born to a Vaishya-class concubine who serves as a maid to Dhritarashtra's queen, Gandhari. This makes Yuyutsu the p ...
, through a maidservant of Gandhari in fear of not having a child.


In Kuru court

As the queen in the Kuru court, Gandhari witnesses many pivotal events leading to the
Kurukshetra War The Kurukshetra War (), also called the Mahabharata War, is a war described in the Hindu Indian epic poetry, epic poem ''Mahabharata'', arising from a dynastic struggle between two groups of cousins, the Kauravas and the Pandavas, for the thr ...
, the central plot of the epic. She remains largely silent, like at the weapon display of her sons and the
Pandavas The Pandavas (Sanskrit: पाण्डव, aɳɖɐʋᵊ IAST: Pāṇḍava) is a group name referring to the five legendary brothers, Yudhishtira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva, who are central figures of the Hindu epic ''Mahabhara ...
. However, Gandhari exerts moral influence in critical moments. For instance, during the infamous dicing match narrated in the ''
Sabha Parva The Sabha Parva ("Book of the Assembly Hall") is the second of the eighteen ''parvas'' (books) of the Indian epic '' Mahabharata''.van Buitenen, J. A. B. (1978) ''The Mahabharata: Book 2: The Book of the Assembly Hall; Book 3: The Book of the For ...
'', she intervenes after
Draupadi Draupadi (), also referred to as Krishnā, Panchali and Yajnaseni, is the central heroine of the Indian epic poetry, ancient Indian epic ''Mahabharata''. In the epic, she is the princess of Panchala Kingdom, who later becomes the empress of K ...
's attempted disrobing, compelling Dhritarashtra to grant Draupadi a boon that ultimately secures the freedom of the Pandavas.DYNAMICS OF MOTHERHOOD: THE CURIOUS CASES OF SATYAVATI, KUNTI AND GANDHARI IN THE MAHABHARATA
/ref> Gandhari attends the discussions and negotiations that preceded the war, hoping for peace, as mentioned in the ''
Udyoga Parva The Udyoga Parva () ("Book of Effort") is the fifth of the eighteen ''parvas'' (books) of the Indian epic ''Mahabharata.''van Buitenen, J.A.B. (1978) ''The Mahabharata: Book 4: The Book of the Virata; Book 5: The Book of the Effort''. Chicago, IL: ...
''. When
Krishna Krishna (; Sanskrit language, Sanskrit: कृष्ण, ) is a major deity in Hinduism. He is worshipped as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and also as the Supreme God (Hinduism), Supreme God in his own right. He is the god of protection, c ...
, as Pandavas' envoy, urges peace, Dhritarashtra summons Gandhari, acknowledging her wisdom and foresight, and hopes she might persuade their son Duryodhana to abandon his destructive ambition. Gandhari criticizes Dhritarashtra for failing to curb their son's reckless ambitions and does not shy away from speaking against injustice. She delivers a stern appeal, condemning Duryodhana's pride, avarice, and defiance of elders. She stresses the dangers of wrath and the importance of self-control, urging him to listen to the counsel of respected elders like
Bhishma Bhishma (), also known as Pitamaha, Gangaputra, and Devavrata, is a central figure in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. He was a statesman and military commander of the ancient Kuru Kingdom. Renowned for his wisdom, valor, and unwavering principles, ...
and
Drona Droṇa (, ), also referred to as Dronacharya (, ), is a major character of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. In the epic, he serves as the royal preceptor of the Kauravas and the Pandavas. He is one of the primary counsellors and warriors featured ...
and to make peace with the Pandavas. Gandhari warns that war will bring ruin to the Kuru dynasty and pleads for a just division of the kingdom, emphasizing that peace and shared rule are preferable to a devastating conflict. Despite her plea, Duryodhana remains unmoved, setting the stage for the catastrophic war to follow.


Kurukshetra war

During the
war War is an armed conflict between the armed forces of states, or between governmental forces and armed groups that are organized under a certain command structure and have the capacity to sustain military operations, or between such organi ...
itself, Gandhari remains within the Kaurava palace, listening to Sanjaya's divinely aided narration of battlefield events. Vyasa had offered Dhritarashtra the divine eye to witness the war, but the king declined, choosing instead to rely on Sanjaya's oral account—a decision that positions Gandhari and the women of the palace as integral listeners to the epic's unfolding tragedy. Throughout ''
Bhishma Parva The Bhishma Parva () ("Book of Bhishma") is the sixth of the eighteen ''parvas'' (books) of the Indian epic ''Mahabharata''. It has 4 sub-books and 124 chapters.Ganguli, K.M. (1883-1896)Bishma Parva in ''The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyas ...
'' to ''
Shalya Parva The Shalya Parva () ("Book of Shalya") is the ninth of the eighteen ''parvas'' (books) of the Indian epic '' Mahabharata''. Shalya Parva traditionally has 4 parts and 65 chapters.Ganguli, K.M. (1883-1896)Shalya Parva in ''The Mahabharata of Krishn ...
'', the text notes Gandhari's presence among the royal women who responded with visible grief to Sanjaya's accounts of key deaths:
Drona Droṇa (, ), also referred to as Dronacharya (, ), is a major character of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. In the epic, he serves as the royal preceptor of the Kauravas and the Pandavas. He is one of the primary counsellors and warriors featured ...
,
Karna Karna (Sanskrit: कर्ण, IAST: ''Karṇa''), also known as Vasusena, Anga-Raja, Sutaputra and Radheya, is one of the major characters in the Hindu epic ''Mahābhārata''. He is the son of Surya (the Sun deity) and princess Kunti (later ...
, and finally
Duryodhana Duryodhana (, Help:IPA/Sanskrit, ̪ʊɾjoːd̪ʱən̪ᵊ ), also known as Suyodhana, is the primary antagonist in the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata.'' He is the eldest of the Kaurava, Kauravas, the hundred sons of King Dhritarashtra and Queen Gan ...
. All of Gandhari's sons are killed in the war, specifically at the hands of the second Pandava,
Bhima Bhima (, ), also known as Bhimasena (, ), is a hero and one of the most prominent characters in the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata''. As the second of the five Pandava brothers, Bhima was born to Kunti—the wife of King Pandu—fathered by Vayu, the ...
.


Post-war lamentation

Gandhari assumes the central role in the '' Stri Parva'', the eleventh book of the epic, which portrays the aftermath of the Kurukshetra War. After winning the war, the Pandavas visit Gandhari to seek her blessings. By this time, Gandhari has lost all her sons, including Duryodhana, and is overwhelmed with grief and anger. Gandhari contemplates cursing
Yudhishthira Yudhishthira (Sanskrit: युधिष्ठिर, ud̪ʱiʂʈʰiɾᵊ IAST: ''Yudhiṣṭhira''), also known as Dharmaputra, is the eldest among the five Pandavas, and is also one of the central characters of the ancient Indian epic ''Ma ...
. Vyasa intervenes to prevent this, reminding her of her earlier declaration that righteousness would prevail in the war. Gandhari accepts this truth and acknowledges that the destruction of her sons and the Kuru dynasty is the result of the misdeeds of Duryodhana, Shakuni,
Karna Karna (Sanskrit: कर्ण, IAST: ''Karṇa''), also known as Vasusena, Anga-Raja, Sutaputra and Radheya, is one of the major characters in the Hindu epic ''Mahābhārata''. He is the son of Surya (the Sun deity) and princess Kunti (later ...
, and Dussasana. Calming herself, she refrains from cursing the Pandavas. During this encounter, Bhima admits to fighting unfairly against
Duryodhana Duryodhana (, Help:IPA/Sanskrit, ̪ʊɾjoːd̪ʱən̪ᵊ ), also known as Suyodhana, is the primary antagonist in the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata.'' He is the eldest of the Kaurava, Kauravas, the hundred sons of King Dhritarashtra and Queen Gan ...
, defending his actions as necessary in war. However, he lies Gandhari about drinking the blood of
Dushasana Dushasana (), also spelled Duhshasana, Dussasana or Duhsasana, also known as Sushasana, is an antagonist in the Hindu epic '' Mahabharata''. He was second eldest among the Kaurava princes and the younger brother of Duryodhana. Dushasana's jea ...
after killing him. In a moment of supplication,
Yudhishthira Yudhishthira (Sanskrit: युधिष्ठिर, ud̪ʱiʂʈʰiɾᵊ IAST: ''Yudhiṣṭhira''), also known as Dharmaputra, is the eldest among the five Pandavas, and is also one of the central characters of the ancient Indian epic ''Ma ...
bows to Gandhari and touched her feet. From beneath her blindfold, some of the energy from her anguished, downward gaze escapes, singeing Yudhishthira's fingernails permanently. The Pandavas are also reunited with their mother,
Kunti Kunti (, un̪t̪iː ), also known as Pritha (, ">r̩t̪ʰaː/nowiki>, ), is a prominent female character in the ancient Hindu epic '' Mahabharata''. She is chiefly recognised as the mother of the central characters—the five Pandavas—h ...
, for the first time in over thirteen years. Kunti introduces a devastated
Draupadi Draupadi (), also referred to as Krishnā, Panchali and Yajnaseni, is the central heroine of the Indian epic poetry, ancient Indian epic ''Mahabharata''. In the epic, she is the princess of Panchala Kingdom, who later becomes the empress of K ...
—who has also lost all her sons—to Gandhari. Gandhari consoles her. Soon after, Gandhari temporarily gains divine sight. With this 'divine eye', she surveys the battlefield from a distance and later visits the battlefield of Kurukshetra, accompanied by other family members. Gandhari emerges as a central voice among the bereaved women, expressing her sorrow and outrage over the destruction wrought by the war. There, Gandhari delivers a lament upon witnessing the devastated field strewn with the bodies of her sons and many other warriors. Upon witnessing Duryodhana's corpse, she momentarily faints. Standing beside
Krishna Krishna (; Sanskrit language, Sanskrit: कृष्ण, ) is a major deity in Hinduism. He is worshipped as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and also as the Supreme God (Hinduism), Supreme God in his own right. He is the god of protection, c ...
, she describes the anguish of the bereaved women from both sides as they mourn their fallen kin, expressing profound sorrow over the ruinous consequences of the conflict. Seeing the vast destruction and death, Gandhari condemns Krishna, holding him responsible for the devastation. Though aware of his divine status—having been present when Sanjaya revealed Krishna's nature and when Krishna manifested his cosmic form—she accuses him of failing to prevent the war despite his divine powers. In a moment of profound emotional anguish, she curses Krishna, foretelling that thirty-six years from then, he will witness the destruction of his
Yadava dynasty The Seuna, Sevuna, or Yadavas of Devagiri (IAST: Seuṇa, –1317) was a medieval Indian dynasty, which at its peak ruled a realm stretching from the Narmada river in the north to the Tungabhadra river in the south, in the western part of th ...
and die a lonely death, killed by trickery. Krishna accepts this curse, asserting that only he can bring about his end, but also admonishes Gandhari for shifting blame away from herself.


Later life and death

After Yudhishthira is crowned as the Emperor of Kuru, Gandhari continues to reside in
Hastinapur Hastinapur is a city in the Meerut district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. ''Hastinapura'' is described as the capital of the Kuru Kingdom in Hindu texts such as the ''Mahabharata'' and the Puranas; it is also mentioned in ancient Jain ...
, cared for by the queens of the
Pandavas The Pandavas (Sanskrit: पाण्डव, aɳɖɐʋᵊ IAST: Pāṇḍava) is a group name referring to the five legendary brothers, Yudhishtira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva, who are central figures of the Hindu epic ''Mahabhara ...
. The ''
Ashramavasika Parva The Ashramvasika Parva () ("Book of the Hermitage") is the fifteenth of the eighteen ''parvas'' (books) of the Indian epic ''Mahabharata''. It traditionally has 3 parts and 39 chapters.Ganguli, K.M. (1883-1896)Asramavasika Parva in ''The Mahabhara ...
'' recounts that fifteen years after the war, Gandhari, along with Dhritarashtra, Kunti, her brother-in-law
Vidura Vidura (), plays a key role in the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata''. He is described as the prime minister of the Kuru kingdom and is the paternal uncle of both the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Legend Mandavya's Curse The rishi Mandavya cursed Yam ...
, and aid
Sanjaya Sanjaya (Sanskrit: सञ्जय, meaning "victory") or Sanjaya Gavalgana is a figure from the ancient Indian Hindu epic ''Mahābhārata''. Sanjaya is the advisor of the blind king Dhritarashtra, the ruler of the Kuru kingdom and the fathe ...
, retires to the forest near the ashram of Shatayupa, on the banks of the
Ganga The Ganges ( ; in India: Ganga, ; in Bangladesh: Padma, ). "The Ganges Basin, known in India as the Ganga and in Bangladesh as the Padma, is an international which goes through India, Bangladesh, Nepal and China." is a trans-boundary riv ...
. The Pandavas, deeply affected by the separation, visit them after six years. At Gandhari and Kunti's request, Vyasa uses his yogic powers to enable them to briefly see the spirits of their deceased relatives. Shortly afterward, a wildfire engulfs the forest, consuming Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, and Kunti. The ''
Svargarohana Parva The Svargarohana Parva () ("Book of the Ascent to Heaven") is the last of the eighteen ''parvas'' (books) of the Indian epic ''Mahabharata''. It traditionally has 6 chapters.Ganguli, K.M. (1883-1896)Svargarohanika Parva in ''The Mahabharata of Kri ...
'' mentions that Yudhishthira performs the final rites for those who perish in the forest fire. After their deaths, the souls of Dhritarashtra and Gandhari ascend to
Kubera Kubera (, ) also known as Kuvera, Kuber and Kuberan, is the god of wealth, and the god-king of the semi-divine yakshas in Hinduism. He is regarded as Guardians of the directions, the regent of the north (''Dikpala''), and a protector of the ...
loka, the celestial
realm A realm is a community or territory over which a sovereign rules. The term is commonly used to describe a monarchical or dynastic state. A realm may also be a subdivision within an empire, if it has its own monarch, e.g. the German Empire. Etymo ...
associated with wealth and contentment.


Assessment and legacy

Gandhari is identified as a quintessential exemplar of ''
pativrata Pativrata () is a term used in Hinduism to refer to the conjugal fidelity of a woman towards her husband. It also refers to the term used to refer to a married woman who is faithful and dutiful to her husband. Hindus generally believe that when ...
''—the ideal of a devoted wife—in Hindu tradition. Scholar
Arti Dhand Arti Dhand is an associate professor at the University of Toronto, Department for the Study of Religion. She specialises in the Mahabharata and the Ramayana Hindu epics, Hindu ethics, gender issues in Hinduism, and religion and sexuality. Career ...
argues that her exceptional spiritual powers stem from this commitment, as scriptures emphasize ''pativrata-dharma'' as a form of discipline akin to asceticism, and thus, believed to yield similar spiritual rewards, such as being able to curse
Krishna Krishna (; Sanskrit language, Sanskrit: कृष्ण, ) is a major deity in Hinduism. He is worshipped as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and also as the Supreme God (Hinduism), Supreme God in his own right. He is the god of protection, c ...
himself. Brian Black emphasizes Gandhari's narrative and interpretive authority within the ''Mahabharata'', portraying her as a moral critic of the war whose presence as a listener to
Sanjaya Sanjaya (Sanskrit: सञ्जय, meaning "victory") or Sanjaya Gavalgana is a figure from the ancient Indian Hindu epic ''Mahābhārata''. Sanjaya is the advisor of the blind king Dhritarashtra, the ruler of the Kuru kingdom and the fathe ...
's war accounts establishes her as a witness to its devastating consequences. While often silent, Gandhari intervenes at key moments—such as criticizing
Dhritarashtra Dhritarashtra () was a ruler of the ancient Kuru kingdom, featured as a central character in the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata''. He is also attested in the ''Yajurveda'', where he is acknowledged as the son of King Vichitravirya. According to th ...
, attempting to dissuade
Duryodhana Duryodhana (, Help:IPA/Sanskrit, ̪ʊɾjoːd̪ʱən̪ᵊ ), also known as Suyodhana, is the primary antagonist in the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata.'' He is the eldest of the Kaurava, Kauravas, the hundred sons of King Dhritarashtra and Queen Gan ...
from war, and helping secure
Draupadi Draupadi (), also referred to as Krishnā, Panchali and Yajnaseni, is the central heroine of the Indian epic poetry, ancient Indian epic ''Mahabharata''. In the epic, she is the princess of Panchala Kingdom, who later becomes the empress of K ...
's release—demonstrating subtle but effective agency. Her role culminates in the ''Stri Parva'', where, granted divine vision, she becomes the primary speaker in a dialogue with Krishna. Here, Black argues, Gandhari transforms from a passive listener into a voice for collective female suffering, articulating the pain of the widows and the consequences of war with prophetic gravitas. Her condemnation of Krishna and the subsequent curse she places on him, which is later fulfilled, underscores her elevated moral and spiritual status. Black highlights that Gandhari's narration stands in parallel to Sanjaya's, but her position as a grieving mother and ascetic lends her speech a deeper emotional and theological resonance. According to scholar
James L. Fitzgerald James L. Fitzgerald is an Indologist at Brown University. He studied at the University of Chicago, receiving his B.A. in 1971, his M.A. in Sanskrit in 1974 and his Ph.D. in Sanskrit and South Asian Civilizations in 1980. At Chicago he studied prim ...
, who translated the ''The Book of the Women'' ('' Stri Parva''), Gandhari is a poetic creation of
Vyasa Vyasa (; , ) or Veda Vyasa (, ), also known as Krishna Dvaipayana Veda Vyasa (, ''Vedavyāsa''), is a ''rishi'' (sage) with a prominent role in most Hindu traditions. He is traditionally regarded as the author of the epic Mahabharata, Mah ...
, representing an ideal of unwavering devotion, distinct from other women like
Draupadi Draupadi (), also referred to as Krishnā, Panchali and Yajnaseni, is the central heroine of the Indian epic poetry, ancient Indian epic ''Mahabharata''. In the epic, she is the princess of Panchala Kingdom, who later becomes the empress of K ...
. Unlike Draupadi, who is drawn into conflicts between men, Gandhari exemplifies the faithful and ascetic wife, akin to
Sita Sita (; ), also known as Siya, Jānaki and Maithili, is a Hindu goddess and the female protagonist of the Hindu epic ''Ramayana''. Sita is the consort of Rama, the avatar of god Vishnu, and is regarded as an avatar of goddess Lakshmi. She is t ...
from the ''
Ramayana The ''Ramayana'' (; ), also known as ''Valmiki Ramayana'', as traditionally attributed to Valmiki, is a smriti text (also described as a Sanskrit literature, Sanskrit Indian epic poetry, epic) from ancient India, one of the two important epics ...
''. Her self-imposed suffering and ascetic dedication (''ugra
tapas Tapas () are appetisers or snacks in Spanish cuisine. They can be combined to make a full meal and are served cold (such as mixed olives and cheese) or hot (such as , which are battered, fried baby squid; or , spicy potatoes). In some bars ...
'') accumulate spiritual power over time, giving her a formidable presence in the epic. Despite her anger, notes Fitzgerald, Gandhari consoles the
Pandava The Pandavas (Sanskrit: पाण्डव, aɳɖɐʋᵊ IAST: Pāṇḍava) is a group name referring to the five legendary brothers, Yudhishtira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva, who are central figures of the Hindu epic ''Mahabhara ...
s, shifting from rage to compassion. She empathises deeply with Draupadi, who has also lost her
sons A son is a male offspring; a boy or a man in relation to his parents. The female counterpart is a daughter. From a biological perspective, a son constitutes a first degree relative. Social issues In pre-industrial societies and some current c ...
, and their shared grief, mediated by
Kunti Kunti (, un̪t̪iː ), also known as Pritha (, ">r̩t̪ʰaː/nowiki>, ), is a prominent female character in the ancient Hindu epic '' Mahabharata''. She is chiefly recognised as the mother of the central characters—the five Pandavas—h ...
, reflects the immense emotional toll of the war on women. Gandhari's lament—"It was my wrong that brought this eminent family to extinction"—reveals her sense of moral responsibility for the Kuru tragedy. Fitzgerald also examines Gandhari's sudden acquisition of ''divya chakshus'' (divine vision), which Vyasa grants, enabling her to see the battlefield and mourn the fallen warriors. This vision, Fitzgerald suggests, is rooted in her asceticism, raising questions about whether Vyasa's intervention diminishes her autonomous power. He posits that the epic's attribution of her clairvoyance to Vyasa may reflect the discomfort of the Brahminical tradition with the spiritual power of non-Brahmins, especially women. In Hebbya village,
Nanjangud Nanjangud, officially known as Nanjanagudu, is a town in the Mysuru district of the Indian state of Karnataka. Nanjangud lies on the banks of the river Kapila (also called Kabini), 23 km from the city of Mysore. Nanjangud is famous for the ...
, Mysore, India, there is a temple called Gāndhārī temple dedicated to her. This temple honours her devotion and loyalty as she epitomized the goodness of a mother and a loving wife.


In derivative works

One widely circulated narrative in various retellings portrays Gandhari making a single deliberate exception to her lifelong blindfolded state, underscoring the enduring love of mothers for their children, regardless of their moral failings. According to this version, during the final days of the
Kurukshetra War The Kurukshetra War (), also called the Mahabharata War, is a war described in the Hindu Indian epic poetry, epic poem ''Mahabharata'', arising from a dynastic struggle between two groups of cousins, the Kauravas and the Pandavas, for the thr ...
, she visits the Kaurava camp and asks Duryodhana to present himself before her without clothing. Her intention is to remove her blindfold and direct the immense
yogic Yoga (UK: , US: ; 'yoga' ; ) is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines that originated with its own philosophy in ancient India, aimed at controlling body and mind to attain various salvation goals, as pra ...
power she had accumulated through years of austerity and devotion into his body through a single, potent gaze, thereby rendering him invulnerable—his body becoming as hard as a
vajra The Vajra (, , ), is a legendary and ritualistic tool, symbolizing the properties of a diamond (indestructibility) and a thunderbolt (irresistible force). It is also described as a "ritual weapon". The use of the bell and vajra together as s ...
(thunderbolt). However,
Krishna Krishna (; Sanskrit language, Sanskrit: कृष्ण, ) is a major deity in Hinduism. He is worshipped as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and also as the Supreme God (Hinduism), Supreme God in his own right. He is the god of protection, c ...
, aware of Gandhari's intent, secretly advises Duryodhana to maintain modesty and cover his loins before meeting his mother. Obeying Krishna, Duryodhana drapes a cloth over his loin, leaving that part of his body unexposed to Gandhari's gaze. As a result, while the rest of his body becomes impenetrable, his thighs remain vulnerable, later resulting in his defeat and death. While this version of the story has gained popularity in modern media adaptations and oral traditions, it does not appear in the original Sanskrit Mahabharata, where Bhima is compelled to strike Duryodhana's thighs—a move considered illegal in mace combat—to ensure victory and fulfill his earlier vows. ''
Urubhanga ''Urubhanga'' or ''Urubhangam'', () is a Sanskrit play written by Bhasa in the 2nd or 3rd century CE. Based on the well-known epic, the ''Mahābhārata'', by Vyasa, ''Urubhanga'' focuses on the story of the character Duryodhana during and after ...
'' by
Bhāsa Bhāsa is one of the earliest Indian playwrights in Sanskrit, predating Kālidasa. Estimates of his floruit range from the 4th century BCE to the 4th century CE; the thirteen plays attributed to him are commonly dated closer to the first or se ...
(c. 1st - 2nd century CE) is one of the earliest attempts to evoke '' karuna rasa'' (pathos) for
Duryodhana Duryodhana (, Help:IPA/Sanskrit, ̪ʊɾjoːd̪ʱən̪ᵊ ), also known as Suyodhana, is the primary antagonist in the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata.'' He is the eldest of the Kaurava, Kauravas, the hundred sons of King Dhritarashtra and Queen Gan ...
, and as part of this transformation, Bhāsa expands the relationship between Duryodhana and Gandhari. Here, Gandhari and other family members of Duryodhana are depicted visiting the battles while he is dying. For Gandhari, Duryodhana symbolises all her hundred sons and stands as the "golden pillar" of her sacrificial world, conveying that his downfall plunges her into symbolic darkness. Even in death, the maternal bond persists; Duryodhana requests that Gandhari be his mother again in the next life, to which she responds with affection, affirming that he had spoken the very desire of her heart. In Jain retellings of the ''Mahabharata'', a narrative emerges concerning Gandhari's early life and marriage, which, though absent from the canonical Sanskrit epic, provides a background that facilitates the later victimization and justification of the antagonist
Shakuni Shakuni (, , ) is one of the antagonists of the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata''. He was the prince of the kingdom of Gandhara when introduced, later becoming its king after the death of his father, Subala. He was the brother of Gandhari (Mahabharata), ...
. When astrologers predicts a brief lifespan for her future husband, Subala, to avert this, arranges a symbolic marriage between Gandhari and a goat prior to her wedding with
Dhritarashtra Dhritarashtra () was a ruler of the ancient Kuru kingdom, featured as a central character in the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata''. He is also attested in the ''Yajurveda'', where he is acknowledged as the son of King Vichitravirya. According to th ...
, after which the goat is sacrificed. When
Bhishma Bhishma (), also known as Pitamaha, Gangaputra, and Devavrata, is a central figure in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. He was a statesman and military commander of the ancient Kuru Kingdom. Renowned for his wisdom, valor, and unwavering principles, ...
later learns of this ritual, he condemns the act, considering Gandhari a symbolic widow, and takes punitive measures against Subala's family. He starves all the men of Gandhari's family until only one—Shakuni—survives. In a different variant, Gandhari is taken captive as a bride and her family is punished when they refuse her marriage to the blind Dhritarashtra. In modern period,
Rabindranath Tagore Rabindranath Thakur (; anglicised as Rabindranath Tagore ; 7 May 1861 – 7 August 1941) was a Bengalis, Bengali polymath who worked as a poet, writer, playwright, composer, philosopher, social reformer, and painter of the Bengal Renai ...
wrote a Bengali poetic play about her, named ''Gandharir Abedon'' (Bangla: গান্ধারীর আবেদন, Translation: Supplication of Gandhari). Gandhari, her husband
Dhritarashtra Dhritarashtra () was a ruler of the ancient Kuru kingdom, featured as a central character in the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata''. He is also attested in the ''Yajurveda'', where he is acknowledged as the son of King Vichitravirya. According to th ...
and their son
Duryodhana Duryodhana (, Help:IPA/Sanskrit, ̪ʊɾjoːd̪ʱən̪ᵊ ), also known as Suyodhana, is the primary antagonist in the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata.'' He is the eldest of the Kaurava, Kauravas, the hundred sons of King Dhritarashtra and Queen Gan ...
are central characters in the play. Aditi Banerjee wrote a novel named ''The Curse of Gandhari'', which depicts the story of the Mahabharata through the perspective of Gandhari.


References


External links

* * {{HinduMythology Characters in the Mahabharata Hinduism in Afghanistan People related to Krishna Princesses in Hindu mythology Queens in Hindu mythology