Hindu EpicsStories from the Mahabharata

The Birth of the Pandavas

Five divine brothers are born through a sacred mantra to preserve a cursed king's royal lineage.

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Illustration for The Birth of the Pandavas - a stories from the mahabharata Hindu Epics story with moral lessons

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Story Summary

Discover the divine origins of the five brothers in The Birth of the Pandavas. Learn how Kunti used a sacred mantra to preserve the Kuru lineage in the forest.

King Pandu of Hastinapur lived under a tragic curse from the sage Kindama, which prevented him from fathering children through natural means. Distraught, Pandu retired to the forest with his wives, Kunti and Madri, to live as ascetics. To preserve the royal lineage, Kunti revealed a secret gift: years earlier, Sage Durvasa had taught her a sacred mantra that allowed her to summon any deity to bless her with a child. With Pandu’s blessing, Kunti invoked Yama, the God of Dharma, to bear the wise Yudhisthira; Vayu, the God of Wind, for the powerful Bhima; and Indra, the King of Gods, for the heroic Arjuna. Kunti then shared the mantra with Madri, who invoked the twin Ashvini Kumaras to bear Nakula and Sahadeva. These five brothers, known as the Pandavas, were born with divine traits and destined to lead the world back to the path of righteousness.

The Moral

Divine grace and resourcefulness can overcome the greatest obstacles to fulfill a higher purpose.

“Virtue is not born of blood alone, but of the divine essence within.”

Fun Fact

Kunti first tested the mantra on the Sun God Surya while she was still a young maiden, which resulted in the birth of the legendary warrior Karna.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of The Birth of the Pandavas?

The story teaches that divine grace and adherence to dharma can overcome seemingly insurmountable curses. It also highlights the power of knowledge and resourcefulness in times of crisis.

Why was King Pandu cursed?

Pandu was cursed by Sage Kindama, whom the king had accidentally shot while the sage was in the form of a deer. The curse stated that Pandu would die if he ever approached a woman with desire.

How did Kunti receive the sacred mantra?

As a young girl, Kunti served Sage Durvasa with great devotion and hospitality. Pleased by her service, the sage granted her a mantra that could summon any god to grant her a son.

Who are the divine fathers of the five Pandavas?

Yudhisthira was fathered by Dharma, Bhima by Vayu, and Arjuna by Indra. The twins Nakula and Sahadeva were fathered by the twin physicians of the gods, the Ashvini Kumaras.

Why are they called Pandavas if they have divine fathers?

In ancient tradition, they are considered the legal sons of King Pandu because he requested their birth and they were born to his wives. The name 'Pandava' means 'son of Pandu.'

Who is the secret eldest brother of the Pandavas?

Karna is the secret eldest brother, born to Kunti through the Sun God Surya before she was married. She abandoned him in a river out of fear of social stigma.