Mother of Pandavas - Determination And Resilience Of Kunti

Who is the mother of Pandavas in the Mahabharata? Actually the question should be rephrased as there are two mothers. The Five Pandavas had two mothers. Kunti was the mother of Yudhishthira, Bhima and Arjuna. Madri was the mother of Nakula and Sahadeva.

It is believed that Kunti became the mother of Yudhisthira through the blessings of Yama (Dharmaraja). Bhima was born with the blessings of Vayu (wind god). Arjuna with the blessing of Indra.

Nakula and Sahadeva were born to Madri with the blessings of Ashwini Kumars.

Pandu the husband of Kunti and Madri was cursed by a Yaksha that he will die if he approaches his wife for sexual union. Therefore Kunti who had got the boon from Durvasa to beget children from the God she likes uses the boon and shares the boon with Madri.  

Determination And Resilience Of Kunti

Kunti, a central figure in the Indian epic, the Mahabharata, exemplifies determination and resilience in several ways throughout her life.

Acceptance of Fate: Kunti's life is marked by challenges from the beginning. She is abandoned as a baby and grows up in the palace of her foster father. However, she accepts her fate with grace and resilience.

Single Motherhood: Kunti's resilience is prominently displayed when she becomes a single mother to five sons, the Pandavas, through unconventional means. She overcomes societal stigma and raises her sons with love and wisdom.

Decision-making: Kunti exhibits determination in her decision-making process. For instance, she chooses to save herself and her sons through the use of the boon granted by Sage Durvasa, which allows her to summon any god to conceive children. This choice shapes the course of the epic.

Supporting her Sons: Despite facing numerous hardships, including exile and the Kurukshetra War, Kunti remains a pillar of strength for her sons. She provides them with moral guidance and support, encouraging them to uphold righteousness.

Endurance in Adversity: Kunti's resilience is evident in her ability to endure adversity with fortitude. Despite witnessing the death of her sons and facing personal tragedies, she maintains her composure and continues to fulfill her duties as a mother and a queen.

Overall, Kunti's determination and resilience enable her to navigate through life's challenges with courage and grace, making her a revered figure in Indian mythology.