The Birth of the Pandavas and the Kauravas
The story of the Kuru dynasty now enters one of its most important chapters.
King Pandu has gone to the forest because of the curse placed upon him. Meanwhile, Dhritarashtra remains in Hastinapura with his wife Gandhari.
Soon, two extraordinary groups of princes will be born — the five Pandavas and the one hundred Kauravas.
Their childhood will shape the future of the entire Kuru dynasty.
1. Kunti’s Secret Mantra
Before her marriage to Pandu, Kunti had received a special mantra from the sage Durvasa.
The mantra allowed her to invoke a deity and receive a child.
At first, Kunti had used the mantra when she was very young, before her marriage. This resulted in the birth of Karna, a story that would remain a secret for many years.
After Pandu received his curse, he was deeply troubled because he could not have children in the normal way.
He asked Kunti about her special mantra.
Kunti then told Pandu about the blessing she had received.
Pandu requested her to use the divine blessing so that the Kuru dynasty could continue.
2. The Birth of Yudhishthira
Pandu wanted his first son to be a person who would always follow righteousness and truth.
Kunti invoked Dharma, the deity associated with righteousness and justice.
A son was born to Kunti.
He was named Yudhishthira.
Yudhishthira grew up to become a calm, honest and responsible prince.
He was deeply committed to dharma and became the eldest of the Pandavas.
His qualities would later make him an important leader during the difficult years ahead.
3. The Birth of Bhima
Pandu wanted another son who would possess extraordinary strength.
Kunti invoked Vayu, the deity associated with wind and immense power.
A son was born.
He was named Bhima.
From childhood, Bhima displayed remarkable physical strength.
He was fearless, powerful and determined.
His strength would later become one of the greatest advantages of the Pandavas.
Bhima was also fiercely protective of his brothers and mother.
4. The Birth of Arjuna
Pandu wanted a son who would become an extraordinary warrior.
Kunti invoked Indra, the powerful deity associated with the heavens and warriors.
A son was born.
He was named Arjuna.
From an early age, Arjuna showed exceptional talent with weapons.
He would eventually become one of the greatest archers in the Mahabharata.
His relationship with Lord Krishna would later become one of the most important relationships in the entire epic.
5. Madri Receives the Blessing
Pandu wanted Madri to have children as well.
Kunti gave Madri the opportunity to use the divine mantra.
Madri invoked the Ashwini Kumaras, the divine twin physicians.
As a result, she gave birth to twins:
Nakula and Sahadeva.
The five sons of Pandu were now complete.
Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva would together become known as the Pandavas.
Each brother had different abilities and qualities, but they remained strongly connected to one another.
6. The Five Pandavas Grow Up in the Forest
Pandu, Kunti and Madri lived in the forest with the five children.
The Pandavas grew up away from the royal life of Hastinapura.
They learned discipline, courage and the importance of living together.
The brothers were very different from one another.
Yudhishthira was wise and calm.
Bhima was extremely strong.
Arjuna was a gifted warrior.
Nakula was known for his beauty and skill with horses.
Sahadeva was intelligent and thoughtful.
Together, they became a powerful family.
7. The Birth of the Kauravas
While the Pandavas were growing in the forest, another remarkable event was taking place in Hastinapura.
Dhritarashtra had married Gandhari.
Gandhari eventually became pregnant, but the pregnancy lasted for an unusually long time.
According to the traditional story, she eventually gave birth to a large mass rather than individual children.
Vyasa instructed that the mass be divided and placed into separate containers.
After a period of time, the first child was born.
He was named Duryodhana.
He would become the eldest of the Kauravas and the principal rival of the Pandavas.
8. The Hundred Kauravas
According to the Mahabharata tradition, the remaining containers eventually produced ninety-nine more sons and one daughter.
Together, the sons became known as the Kauravas.
Duryodhana was the eldest.
His younger brother Dushasana became one of his closest supporters.
The Kauravas grew up in Hastinapura under the care of Dhritarashtra and Gandhari.
They belonged to the same royal family as the Pandavas.
But their relationship would eventually become filled with jealousy and rivalry.
9. Pandu’s Tragic Death
The happiness of Pandu’s family did not last forever.
One day, Pandu was overcome by his feelings for Madri and approached her.
He suddenly remembered the curse placed upon him.
The curse took effect, and Pandu died.
Madri was devastated.
She believed that she was responsible for what had happened and decided to remain with Pandu rather than return to Hastinapura.
Kunti then took responsibility for raising all five Pandavas.
The children were still very young.
Their lives were about to change completely.
10. The Pandavas Return to Hastinapura
After Pandu’s death, Kunti returned to Hastinapura with the five Pandavas.
The young princes were introduced to the Kuru family.
Bhishma welcomed them and took responsibility for their protection.
Dhritarashtra also accepted them as members of the royal family.
But the arrival of the Pandavas created a new situation.
There were now two groups of royal princes growing up together:
The Pandavas
and
The Kauravas.
At first, they were children playing and learning together.
But differences soon began to appear.
Duryodhana became increasingly jealous of the Pandavas, especially of Bhima’s strength and the respect that Arjuna received.
The rivalry that would eventually divide the Kuru family had begun.
The Beginning of a Great Rivalry
The Pandavas and Kauravas were cousins, but they were also potential rivals for the future of Hastinapura.
Yudhishthira was the eldest among the Pandavas.
Duryodhana was the eldest among the Kauravas.
Both groups were growing stronger.
Their education would soon begin under some of the greatest teachers and warriors of their time.
One teacher in particular would transform their lives.
His name was Dronacharya.
Under his guidance, the princes would learn the art of warfare, and Arjuna would begin his journey toward becoming one of the greatest archers in the epic.
The story continues in Maha Bharatham Part 6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the five Pandavas?
The five Pandavas were Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva.
Who was the eldest Pandava?
Yudhishthira was the eldest of the five Pandavas.
Who was the strongest Pandava?
Bhima was famous for his extraordinary physical strength.
Who was the greatest archer among the Pandavas?
Arjuna became one of the greatest archers in the Mahabharata.
Who was Duryodhana?
Duryodhana was the eldest of the Kauravas and the principal rival of the Pandavas.
How many Kauravas were there?
The traditional Mahabharata account describes one hundred sons of Dhritarashtra, along with a daughter named Dushala.
Who was the mother of the Pandavas?
Kunti was the mother of Yudhishthira, Bhima and Arjuna. Nakula and Sahadeva were the sons of Madri
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