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Madri in the Mahabharata – Second Wife of Pandu

In the Mahabharata, Madri is the second wife of Pandu. She is the mother of Nakula and Sahadeva. With the mantra given to her by Kunti, she meditated on the Ashvinikumars and she conceived and gave birth to Nakula and Sahadeva, the youngest of the Pandava brothers.

Madri was the princess of Madra, a city which was located on the banks of Jhelum. Her brother was the great warrior Salya.

Due to a curse, Pandu could not have sexual intercourse with women. But once during their stay in the forest, his mind wavered and he had sexual union with Madri. As a he will prey to his senses, Pandu died. Madri then ascended the funeral pyre of her husband.