Pandavas and Their Allies
Yudhishthira
Dharmaraj, Eldest Pandava
Father:
Dharma (Yama) & Kunti
Wife:
Draupadi
Skills:
Spear fighting, Dharma knowledge
Symbol:
Silver Chariot
"Truth is the highest virtue, and Dharma is the highest truth."
Significance:
Yudhishthira, known as Dharmaraj, was the embodiment of righteousness and truth. Despite facing numerous challenges, he never strayed from the path of Dharma. His commitment to truth was so powerful that his chariot floated above the ground during the war.
Bhima
Strength Incarnate, Second Pandava
Father:
Vayu & Kunti
Wife:
Draupadi, Hidimba
Skills:
Mace fighting, Extreme strength
Symbol:
Mace (Gada)
"I will crush the enemies of Dharma with my bare hands if needed!"
Significance:
Bhima was known for his immense physical strength and loyalty to his family. He played a crucial role in the Kurukshetra war, defeating key warriors like Duryodhana and Dushasana. His vow to drink Dushasana's blood and break Duryodhana's thigh were pivotal moments in the epic.
Arjuna
Peerless Archer, Third Pandava
Father:
Indra & Kunti
Wives:
Draupadi, Subhadra, Ulupi, Chitrangada
Skills:
Archery, Divine weapons
Symbol:
Gandiva Bow
"I see only my duty as a warrior: to fight for righteousness."
Significance:
Arjuna was the central character of the Bhagavad Gita, where Lord Krishna imparted spiritual wisdom to him on the battlefield. He was considered the greatest archer of his time and played a pivotal role in the Kurukshetra war, defeating many powerful warriors including Karna and Bhishma.
Kauravas and Their Allies
Duryodhana
Eldest Kaurava, Prince of Hastinapur
Father:
Dhritarashtra
Mother:
Gandhari
Skills:
Mace fighting, Administration
Symbol:
Golden Crown
"I would rather die as a warrior than live as a beggar!"
Significance:
Duryodhana's jealousy and ambition were the primary causes of the Kurukshetra war. Despite his flaws, he was a generous friend to Karna and a skilled warrior. His death at the hands of Bhima marked the end of the war.
Karna
Angaraj, Danveer, Son of Surya
Father:
Surya & Kunti
Foster Parents:
Adhiratha & Radha
Skills:
Archery, Divine weapons
Symbol:
Kavacha & Kundala
"Loyalty is the highest virtue, greater than life itself."
Significance:
Karna was known for his generosity, loyalty, and tragic fate. Despite being the eldest Pandava, he fought for the Kauravas due to his friendship with Duryodhana. His life was marked by misfortune and discrimination due to his perceived low birth.
Bhishma
Grandsire, Vasu Incarnate
Father:
King Shantanu
Mother:
Ganga
Skills:
All weapons, Iccha Mrityu
Vow:
Celibacy, Loyalty to throne
"I have taken a vow to protect the throne of Hastinapur, whoever may sit on it."
Significance:
Bhishma was one of the most powerful warriors and central figures in the Mahabharata. His vow of lifelong celibacy and service to the throne of Hastinapur shaped the destiny of the Kuru dynasty. He served as commander of the Kaurava forces for the first ten days of the war.
Kuru Dynasty Family Tree
Shantanu
King of Hastinapur
Bhishma
Son of Ganga
Vichitravirya
Son of Satyavati
Chitrangada
Son of Satyavati
Dhritarashtra
Father of Kauravas
Pandu
Father of Pandavas
Vidura
Prime Minister
Duryodhana
Eldest Kaurava
Yudhishthira
Eldest Pandava
Karna
Son of Kunti
Key Events in the Mahabharata
Birth of Pandavas and Kauravas
The five Pandava brothers are born to Kunti and Madri through divine boons, while the hundred Kaurava brothers are born to Gandhari.
Training under Drona
Both Pandavas and Kauravas are trained in warfare and politics by gurus Drona and Kripa.
Lakshagriha Incident
The Kauravas attempt to kill the Pandavas by burning them in a wax house, but the Pandavas escape.
Draupadi's Swayamvar
Arjuna wins Draupadi's hand in marriage by accomplishing the archery challenge.
Indraprastha Kingdom
The Pandavas establish and rule the magnificent kingdom of Indraprastha.
Dice Game & Exile
Yudhishthira loses everything in a dice game, leading to 13 years of exile for the Pandavas.
Kurukshetra War
The great 18-day war between Pandavas and Kauravas takes place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
Ashwamedha Yagna
Yudhishthira performs the horse sacrifice to establish Pandava rule over all kingdoms.