List of characters in the Mahabharata

TheMahābhāratais one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, composed by Veda Vyasa. The main story concerns the sons ofPandu,thePandavas,i.e.,Yudhishthira,Bhima,Arjuna,NakulaandSahadevaand their wifeDraupadi;and the hundredKauravabrothers were led by the elder brotherDuryodhana.Krishna,Pandavas,Bhishma,Draupadi,Karna,Duryodhana,Dushasana,Drona,Kripa,Gandhari,Dhritrashtra,Vidura,Kunti,ShakuniandAshwatthamaare the main characters in the epic. Some additional characters includeBalarama,Subhadra,Vyasa,Dhrishtadyumna,Abhimanyu,Pandu,SatyavatiandAmba.Deities who play a significant role in the epic includeVishnu,Brahma,Shiva,Ganga,Indra,SuryaandYama.

This list mentions notable characters and may also contain characters appearing in regional recensions of theMahabharata.

A

Abhimanyu

Main article:Abhimanyu

Abhimanyu was the son of third Pandava princeArjunaand Yadava princessSubhadra.He was a disciple of his maternal unclesKrishnaandBalarama.He was killed unfairly on the 13th day ofKurukshetra War.

Adhiratha

Adhiratha was the illegitimate son of Ambalika and Vichitravirya's charioteer Suhatra aka Shatakarmaand foster-father of Karna. According to theBhagavata Purana,Adhiratha was descended fromYayatiand therefore was related toKrishna.He was also the descendant ofRomapada,the king ofAngaand brother-in-law ofDasharatha's descendant Shighra, king ofAyodhya.His wife was Radha and their biological sons were shon and shatrunjay/chitrasen.

Adrika

Adrika was anapsara,who was cursed to become a fish and only to be liberated when she gives birth to a human. Adrika, as a fish, lived in the riverYamuna.Once she came in contact with the semen ofUparicharaand impregnated herself. After 10 months, somefishermencaught her, cut open her womb and found two children—MatsyagandhaandMatsya.After the incident, Adrika was liberated from her curse and returned to heaven.

Agni

Main article:Agni

Agni is the Hindu god of fire. In the Vana Parva, sage Markandeya told the story of Agni's marriage. In the Khandava-daha Parva, Agni in disguise approachesKrishnaandArjunaseeking sufficient food for gratification of his hunger and expressed his desire to consume the forest of Khandava protected by Indra for the sake ofTakshaka,the chief of theNagas.Aided by Krishna and Arjuna, Agni consumes theKhandava Forest.Later, as a boon, Arjuna got all his weapons from Indra and also the bow,Gandiva,fromVaruna.

Alambusha

Alambusha was aRakshasa.In theKurukshetra War,he fought from the Kaurava side. During the war, he defeatedIravan,son of Pandava princeArjuna.Later on the 14th day of Kurukshetra war, Alambusha was killed by Bhima's son,Ghatotkacha.

Alayudha

He was a demon and friend of another demon named Alambusha. He and Alambusha were killed byBhima's demon sonGhatotkachaduring the Night war on the fourteenth day of the war.

Amba

Main article:Amba (Mahabharata)

Amba was the eldest daughter of Kashya, the king ofKashiand the sister of Ambika and Ambalika. Amba was abducted byKuruprinceBhishmaand holds him responsible for her misfortune. Her sole goal in life becomes his destruction, to fulfill which she is reborn asShikhandini/Shikhandi.

Ambalika

Main article:Ambalika

Ambalika is the daughter of Kashya, the King ofKashi,and wife ofVichitravirya,the King ofHastinapur.She was also the mother ofPandu,stepmother ofDhritarashtraand grandmother ofPandavas.

Ambika

Main article:Ambika (Mahabharata)

Ambika is the daughter of Kashya, the King ofKashi,and wife ofVichitravirya,the king ofHastinapura.She was also the mother ofDhritarashtraand stepmother ofPanduand grandmother to theKauravas.

Ambika's maid

The chief maid of Ambika named parishrami or maryada was sent by Ambika and Ambalika to MaharishiVyasa.From their union, Vidura was born.

Amitaujas

Amitaujas is the mighty warrior of Panchala Kingdom. He was the maharatha on the side of Pandavas.

Anjanaparvana

He was the son ofGhatotkachaandMourvi.His grandparents wereBhimaandHidimbā.He was killed byAshwatthamain theKurukshetra War.

Arjuna

Main article:Arjuna

Arjuna was the third of thePandavabrothers and was son of the godIndra.He was known for his archery skills and killed great warriors like Bhishma, Jayadratha and Karna by following the godKrishna.

Aruni

In theMahabharata,Aruni appeared in theAdi Parva.Aruni was a disciple of sage named Dhaumya. Once a flood took place in the fields of the ashram (school). A breach was formed in the embankment. Dhaumya sent Aruni to stop the water from entering the embankment. After a long time, Aruni had not returned. So, Dhaumya went out to find Aruni. The latter lying in the breach of the embankment to prevent the water from entering it. Because of his loyalty, Aruni is also known as Gurubhakta Aruni.

Ashvins

Main article:Ashvins

The Ashvins or the Ashvini a pair of twin demigods. Their father is Surya and his mother is Saranyu. They are the demigods of medicine and health. In the epic, Kunti felt bad for Madri as she did not have any children due to a curse and shared her secret mantra with her. Madri, using the mantra, invoked the Ashvins and had one pair of twins,NakulaandSahadeva.

Ashwatthama

Main article:Ashwatthama

Ashwatthama was the son ofguruDronaand fought on theKauravaside against thePandavasin theKurukshetra War.Ashvatthama was appointed as the finalcommander-in-chiefof the Kauravas, after which he slaughters most of thePandavacamp in a singlenight offensive.

Astika

Main article:Astika (Hinduism)

Astika was arishi,and he was a son ofJaratkaruby the serpent goddessManasa– a sister of the great serpent kingVasuki.He saved the life of a serpentTakshaka,the king of snakes, when the kingJanamejayaorganized a snake sacrifice known asSarpa Satra,where he made great sacrifices of serpents, to avenge for the death of his fatherParikshit.

Avantini

She was the wife ofShalyaand the mother of Madranjaya, Rukmanagada, Rukmanaratha,Sabidha,Tejasree and Senajiti. She was the princess of Avanti.

Ayu

Ayu or Ayus was an ancestor of Shantanu. He was a sonPururavasand his apsara wife,Urvashi.He married Prabha, an asura princess (daughter of Swarbhanu). He was succeeded by his sonNahusha.

Ayodhaumya

Ayodhaumya/ Dhaumya was a sage of Avanti. He had three disciples namelyAruniof Panchal,Upamanyuand Veda. He even accompanied the Pandavas into the forest of Kurujangala during their exile. He sang songs ofSama Vedareferring toYama.

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Babhruvahana

Main article:Babruvahana

Babruvahana was one of the sons ofArjuna,begotten throughChitrangada,the princess ofManipur.During theAshvamedhayagna, he killed his father Arjuna without knowing his identity. But Arjuna's other wifeUlupibrought back his life with the help of Nagamani.

Bahlika

Main article:Bahlika (Mahabharata)

Bahlika, also spelled as Vahlika, was the king of Bahlika kingdom and the elder brother of Shantanu, who was a king of Hastinapur. Along with his son, Somadatta, and grandson, Bhurishravas, he fought on the side of the Kaurava army in the Kurukshetra War and was slain by Bhima on the 14th day of the war when it continued after sunset.

Bakasura

Main article:Bakasura

Bakasura was a demon who was killed byBhimanear the city ofEkacakrā.

Balarama

Main article:Balarama

Balarama is the elder brother ofKrishna.He taught both Duryodhana of the Kauravas and Bhima of the Pandavas the art of fighting with a mace. He did not participate in theKurukshetra War.

Banasena

He was a son ofKarna by his wife chandravali.He was an excellent Mace-wielder. On the 16th day of the war, Banasena was fighting withBhima.On seeing Banasena, Bhima got angered as his own sonGhatotkachawas killed by Karna. Bhima killed Banasena by beating his chest, head, and abdomen regions in front of Karna. After seeing his son dead, Karna attacked Bhima with mace, Bhima asked Karna to take his son's body to perform funerals and later fight with Arjuna.

Bhadra and Madira

Bhadra and Madira were 3rd and 4th wives ofVasudeva.They were the daughters of Giribhanu/Sumukha and Padmavati/Pataladevi,and elder sisters ofYashoda.Bhadra's sons were Upanidhi, Gada and Keshi. Madira's sons were Nanda, Upananda, Kritaka and Shura. They cremated themselves with Vasudeva.

Bhadrakali

Main article:Bhadrakali

Bhadrakali is the fierce form of Devi. To destroy Daksha yajna, She appeared with Veerabhadra. She also mentioned in Shalya Parva, when she was the one of followers ofKartikeya.

Bhagadatta

Main article:Bhagadatta

Bhagadattawas the son ofNaraka,king of thePragjyotisha Kingdomand second in a line of kings ofNaraka dynasty.He sided withKauravain the Mahabharata war as he was an enemy of Krishna and father in law of Duryodhan. He was killed by Arjuna on the 12th day of battle.

Bharadvaja

Main article:Bharadwaja

Bharadvaja was a sage with divine powers. He was one of the sons of godBrihaspatiand the father ofDronaand Shrutavati. Bharadvaja trained his son and his other disciple,Drupada.

Bharata

Main article:Bharata (Mahabharata)

Bharata is an ancestor of thePandavasand theKauravas.According to the epic, Bharata was the son of Dushyanta and was aChakravartin.

Bhima

Main article:Bhima

Bhima is the second born of thePandavasand son ofVayu.Bhima was considered one of the strongest warriors and slayed prominent figures like demonsBakasura,Hidimbasura, Kirmira, Jatasura; warriors likeJarasandhaandKichaka.InKurukshetrawar, Bhima alone killed 100Kauravabrothers.

Bhima of Vidarbha

In the Vana Parva of the epic, sageMarkandeyanarrated the story ofNalaandDamayanti.Bhima was the king of Vidarbha and the father ofDamayanti.

Bhishma

Main article:Bhishma

Originally named 'Devavrata', he was the eighth son of theKuruKingShantanuand the river goddessGanga.Bhishma was blessed with a boon from his father that he could choose the time of his death or he may remain immortal till he desires. He was related to both thePandavasand theKauravasthrough his half-brother, Vichitravirya (son of Satyavati). He was the commander in chief of the Kaurava army for the first 11 days.

Bhrigu

Main article:Bhrigu

Sauti said in the Pauloma Parva that Bhrigu was the son ofBrahma.He was married to Puloma, who gave birth to Chyavana. When the demon Puloma was carrying off his wife Puloma, she gave birth to his son, Chyavana, by whose brightness the demon was burnt into ashes. When Bhrigu saw his wife crying, he asked the reason. Puloma stated that Agni had said to the demon Puloma that I was the girl with whom Puloma was betrothed. In anger, Bhrigu cursedAgnito engulf everything whether pure or impure.

Bhurishravas

Main article:Bhurishravas

Bhurishravas was the son of Somadatta and the grandson of Bahlika, hence making him the cousin of Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidura. Bhurishravas had two brothers – Bhuri and Shala. Bhurishravas, in theKurukshetra War,is known to have a rivalry withYadavageneralSatyaki.Bhurishravas is eventually killed by Satyaki in the War.

Budha

Main article:Budha

Budha is the illegitimate son ofChandra,the moon god, andTara,wife of Brihaspati and foster son ofBrihaspati.He metIlāand married her. From their union, a son was born, who was known asPururava.Pururavas founded the greatlunar dynasty.

Brihaspati

Main article:Brihaspati

Brihaspati is the son ofAngirasa,and husband ofTara.He is the father ofBharadvajaand his descendants areDronaandAshwatthama.He is the foster father ofBudha.He is the guru of the devas.

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Chandra

Main article:Chandra

Chandra is the moon god. He is the son ofAnusuyaandAtri.TheChandravamsha(lunar dynasty) is named after him. Chandra had an affair withTara,Brihaspati's wife. From their union, Tara became pregnant with Chandra's son,Budha.Budha's son,Pururavas,was the first king of the lunar dynasty. Later, Chandra marriedRohiniand a son namedVarchaswas born.

Chandravarma Kamboja

Chandravarma Kamboja is the firstKambojaking mentioned by name in theMahābhārata.He was an ancestor of Duryodhana's wife Bhanumati.He appears to have been an ancient very powerful and renowned (vikhyaat) ruler of the Kambojas. He finds mention in the Adiparva section of theepicMahābhārata,where he is stated to be an Asura or ademonicruler.

Chitrasena

Main article:Ghoshayatra

Chitrasena was a son of Kashyapa and Arishta/Pradha and the King of the Gandharvas who prevented the Kauravas from putting up their camp near the pond where he himself had encamped.

Chitrasena was also introduced in the epic in the Vana Parva, as a teacher of music byIndra.Indra foresaw that Arjuna would have to spend one year at KingVirata's palace as a eunuch, during which time he would need the knowledge of music and dance. He wanted Arjuna to be trained by the king of the Gandharvas, Chitrasena. Chitrasena began his classes soon and the two also became good friends.WhenUrvashicursed Arjuna to remain a eunuch for life, it was Chitrasena along with Indra who mediated with her to reduce the tenure of her curse to a single year. Chitrasena was able to achieve this by narrating to her the story of thePandavasand the bravery of Arjuna.

Chekitana

Chekitana was the son of Kekaya king Dhrishtaketu and Queen Shrutakirti, a Yadava. Chekitana was described to be a valorous warrior, who fought with warriors likeSusharma,KripacharyaandDronacharya.He also rescuedNakulafrom the clutches ofDuryodhana.On the 18th day, he was killed by Duryodhana.

Chitra and Chitrasena

Chitra and Chitrasena were brothers and the two kings of the Abhisara Kingdom. Both of them sided with the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra War. Chitra was killed byPrativindhyaon the 16th day, whereas Chitrasena was killed byShrutakarmaon the same day.

Chitrāngada

Main article:Chitrāngada

Chitrāngada was a king in ancient India. In theMahabharata,he is the elder son of Shantanu and Satyavati, ascending the throne of Hastinapura after his father's death. However, he is killed by a Gandharva named Chitrāngada soon after that.

Gandharva Chitrāngada

Chitrangada was a Gandharva, who was jealous of Shantanu's sonChitrāngada,for sharing a name. One day, the Gandharva challenged the prince and killed him.

Chitrāngada of Kalinga

Chitrāngada was the king of the Kalinga kingdom. In theShanti Parvaof the epic,Naradanarrated that Chitrangada's daughter (Bhanumati) with Kaurava Duryodhana. After him,Srutayudhabecame the king of Kalinga as he had no son. Possibly, his wife was Chandramudra.

Chitrāngadā

Main article:Chitrāngadā

Chitrāngadā was the warrior princess ofManipura.She was the only heir of king Chitravahana and one ofArjuna's consorts. She had a son namedBabhruvahanawith him. Later, Babhruvahana unknowingly killed his father but was revived byUlupi,Chitrāngadā's friend, and co-wife.

Chitravahana

He was the king ofManipuraand the father ofChitrangadaa.He was also the grandfather ofBabruvahana.His wife was Queen Vasundhara.

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Damayanti

Main article:Damayanti

Damayanti is a character in a love story found in theVana Parvabook of theMahabharata.She was a princess of the Vidarbha Kingdom, who married KingNalaof the Nishadha Kingdom. Her story is set long before the Kurukshetra War.

Dantavakra

Main article:Dantavakra

Dantavakra was the king ofKarushaaccording to theMahabharataand thePuranas.

Danda and Dandadhara

Danda and Dandadhara is the two princes ofMagadha Kingdom.They fought the side of Kauravas and killed byArjunaduring Kurukshetra war.

Dasharaja

Dasharaja was the fisherman chieftain of Hastinapura and the father ofSatyavati.He was the one who asked Satyavati's heir to be the ruler of Hastinapura, due to whichBhishmatook a vow of celibacy and a vow not to rule Hastinapura.

Darada

Darada is the king of Bahlika Kingdom. Shushipala eulogized him when he was born the earth was cleaved because of his weight.

Devaki

Main article:Devaki

Devaki was the daughter of Devaka, the cousin ofKamsa,wife ofVasudeva Anakadundubhi,the biological mother of Krishna.

Devayani

Main article:Devayani

Devayani was the daughter ofShukra,the guru of theAsuras.She was married to Yayati and gave birth to two sons—YaduandTurvasu,and a daughter—Madhavi. Before her marriage, she once fell in love with Brihaspati's son,Kacha.However, Kacha later refused to marry her. She had a friend namedSharmishthawho was secretly in relationship with her husband Yayati.

Devika

Devika is a minor character in theMahabharata.She was the daughter of Govasena, the king of the Sivi Kingdom, and the second wife ofYudhishthirathey got married in a self choice ceremony. They had a son called Yaudheya.

Dhrishtadyumna

Main article:Dhrishtadyumna

Dhrishtadyumna was the son of Drupada and the brother of Draupadi, Shikhandi, and Satyajit in the epicMahabharata.He had four sons – Kshatradharman, Kshatravarman, Kshatranjaya, and Dhrishtaketu. He was the commander-in-chief of the Pandava army during the entire Kurukshetra War i.e. for 18 days. Dhrishtadyumna killed Drona, the royal guru, when he was meditating which was against the rules of engagement.

Dhritrashtra

Main article:Dhritarashtra

In the epicMahabharata,Dhritarashtra is the King ofKuru Kingdomwith its capitalHastinapur.He was born toVichitravirya's first wifeAmbika.Dhritarashtra was born blind and became father to 100 sons and one daughter Dushala by his wifeGandhari(Gāndhārī), and another sonYuyutsuby Sughada, his wife's maid. These children, including the eldest sonDuryodhana,came to be known as theKauravas.

Dhrishtaketu of Chedi

Dhrishtaketuwas the son of Chedi kingShishupala,who was a cousin of Krishna. Dhrishtaketu became the king ofChediafter his father's death and became an ally of thePandavas.His sister Karenumati was married toNakula.Dhrishtaketu and his brothers and sons participated in theKurukshetra War,where they all were killed.

Dhrishtaketu of Kekeya

Dhrishtaketu was the ruler ofKekeya,and his wife was Shrutakirti, a Yadava who was the daughter ofShurasena.Many of Dhrishtaketu's sons participated in the Kurukshetra War, participating on both sides. Vrihadkshatra and Chekitana were two of his notable sons. Dhrishtaketu's daughter Bhadra was married to Krishna, who bore him many sons.

Draupadi

Main article:Draupadi

Draupadi also referred to as Panchalī, is the most important female and one of the most important characters inMahabharata.She was born from a yajna organized by Panchala King Drupada and is described to be the most beautiful woman of her time. She was the common wife of thePandavas,who fought their cousins, theKauravasin the greatKurukshetra War.She had five sons from each Pandava, who were collectively addressed as theUpapandavas.

Drona

Main article:Drona

In the epicMahabharata,Droṇa or Droṇāchārya was the royalpreceptorto theKauravasandPandavas.He was the son of rishiBharadvajaand a descendant of sageAngirasa.He was a master of advanced military arts, including the divine weapons orAstras.He was also the second commander-in-chief of kaurava army from 11th day to 15th day. He was beheaded byDhrishtadyumnawhen he was meditating to release his soul on the battlefield.

Drupada

Main article:Drupada

Drupada was the son of King Prishata. He was the king of the land of SouthernPanchala.His capital was known asKampilya.He was father ofShikhandi,Satyajit,DhrishtadyumnaandDraupadi.He was friend turned rival of Droṇa and rivalry developed when he humiliated Droṇa in front of his ministers. Later, with the help of Arjuna, Droṇa took half of Drupada's kingdom. This led Drupada to perform a yajna from which Draupadi and Dhrishtadyumna emerged. He was killed by Droṇa during the Kurukshetra War.

Durmasena

Durmasena was the son ofDushasana.He helped his father many times in the Kurukshetra war. He was also present inside the Chakra Vyuha on the thirteenth day of the war. He was deprived of his chariot by Abhimanyu and saved by Ashwatthama by cutting Abhimanyu's arrow in mid air. After that, Durmasena killed brutally injuredAbhimanyuin a mace duel. On 14th day, Durmasena was brutally killed by Draupadi's sons, theUpapandavas,in revenge for Abhimanyu.

Duryodhana

Main article:Duryodhana

Duryodhana also is known as Suyodhana, is a major antagonist inMahabharataand was the eldest of theKauravas,the hundred sons of a blind kingDhritarashtraand QueenGandhari.Being the firstborn son of the blind king, he was the crown prince ofKuru Kingdomand its capitalHastinapuraalong with his cousinYudhishtrawho was older than him.Karnawas Duryodhana's closest friend and his brother, he died at bhima 's hands at the 18th day of the war.

Duryodhana's wife (Bhanumati)

Main article:Bhanumati (wife of Duryodhana)

Duryodhana's wife—named Bhanumati in later retelling—is a minor character is inMahabharata,and mainly appears in the folk tales.She is unnamed in the epic, but it is described that she was the princess ofKalingaKingdom and was the daughter ofChitrangada.She was abducted by Duryodhana with the help of his friendKarna.FromDuryodhana,she is the mother of a son,Laxman Kumara,and daughter,Lakshmanaa.Bhanumati's mother-in-lawGandharidescribed her toKrishnain the posterior to thebattle of Kurukshetra.

Durga

Main article:Durga

Goddess Durga is also mentioned in the Mahabharata. InVirata Parvaand Bhishma Parva of the epic, she was eulogized byYudhishthiraandArjuna.

Dushala

Main article:Dushala

Dushala was the daughter ofDhritarashtraandGandhari,the sister of theKauravasand the wife of the king of Sindhu, Jaydrath. She was the only daughter of Gandhari from the 101 children. She had a son named Suratha, who succeeded his father, after Jayadratha was killed by Arjuna in the Mahabharata War. Suratha was slewn by Arjuna during his campaign in Sindhu.

Dushasana

Main article:Dushasana

Dushasana was aKauravaprince, the second son of the blind kingDhritarashtraandGandhariand the younger brother ofDuryodhanain theHindu epicMahabharata.Dushasana married the princess of the Trigarta Kingdom. In a later retelling, she is known as Chandramukhi.They had a son named Drumasena.

Dushyanta

Main article:Dushyanta

Dushyanta was an ancestor of Shantanu and a king of Hastinapura. He was the husband ofShakuntalaand the father of theEmperor Bharata.

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Ekalavya

Main article:Ekalavya

Ekalavya (English: एकलव्य, ékalavya) is a character from the epic theMahābhārata.He was a young prince of the Nishadha, a confederation of jungle tribes (Adivasi) in Ancient India.

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Gandhari

Main article:Gandhari (Mahabharata)

Gandhari is one of the prominent characters in theIndianepic theMahabharata.She was a princess ofGandhara(modern-day Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa) and the wife ofDhritrashtra,the blind king ofHastinapura,and the mother of a hundred sons, theKauravas.

Gandhari's maid

The chief maid of Gandhari—named Sughada in later retelling—was the mother ofYuyutsu.When Gandhari was pregnant for more than nine months, Dhritrashtra, in fear that there would be no heir, impregnated the maid. Later Gandhari gave birth to the 100 Kauravas and Sughada gave birth to Yuyutsu.

Ganesha

Main article:Ganesha

Ganesha is the god of beginnings. He is the son ofShivaandParvati.The epic poemMahabharatasays that the sageVyasaasked him to serve as his scribe to transcribe the poem as he dictated it to him. Ganesha agreed but only on the condition that Vyasa recites the poem uninterrupted, that is, without pausing. The sage agreed but found that to get any rest he needed to recite very complex passages so Ganesha would have to ask for clarifications.

Ganga

Main article:Ganga in Hinduism

In theMahabharata,Ganga was the first wife ofShantanu,and the mother of heroic warrior-patriarch,Bhishma.When she met Shantanu for the first time, Shantanu asked her to become his wife. She agreed on the condition that he would not ask her a single question. Later, she gave birth to 8 children, who wereVasusreborn as mortals due to a curse. Ganga drowned her seven sons as the Vasus requested her to do so. However, Shantanu stopped her from drowning their eighth son, who was Bhishma, and asked her questions. Ganga's condition was broken and she left Shantanu. However, she promised him to return his son. When Bhishma is mortally wounded in theKurukshetra War,Ganga came out of the water in human form and wept uncontrollably over his body.

Ghatotkacha

Main article:Ghatotkacha

Ghatotkacha was the son of thePandavaBhimaandHidimbi.His name comes from the fact that his head was hairless (utkaca) and shaped like aghatam.He died inKurukshetra Warin the hands of Karna.

Ghritachi

Ghritachi is one of the prominentApsara.In theMahabharata,she appeared in Adi Parva. According to the story, she was bathing in a river. Bharadvaja was passing by, then he saw her. He was filled with desire and discharged his seed. It fell into a pot and Drona was born.

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Hanuman

Main article:Hanuman

UnlikeRamayana,lord Hanuman does not have a large role inMahabharata.He appears during the exile of Pandavas. In the story,Bhima,Hanuman's celestial brother, performed a penance to gain more strength. Hanuman wanted to test Bhima and appeared as a normal monkey in front of him. The monkey asked Bhima to lift his tail if he believed in his strength. But, Bhima was not able to lift the tail. Later, he realised who the monkey was and apologized.Hanuman taught battle-skills to Bheema for some time.

Hayagriva

Main article:Hayagriva

Hayagriva was a horse headed avatar of Vishnu. He incarnated to slay the demons named Madhu and Kaitabha and brings the Vedas to Brahma.

Hidimb

Main article:Hidimb

Hidimba was aRakshasaand the brother of Hidimbi. He was killed byBhima,who later married his sister.

Hidimbi

Main article:Hidimbi

Hiḍimbī or Hiḍimbā was a Rakshasi in theMahābhārata.Hidimbi, along with her brother, Hidimba, tried to eat the Pandavas, when they entered their forest. But when she met Bhima, she fell in love with him and told them the plan. AfterBhimakilled Hidimba, Hidimbi married Bhima and gave birth toGhatotkacha.

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Ila

Main article:Ila (Hinduism)

Ila or Ilā was a character fromMahabharatawho could change his/her gender. As a woman, she marriedBudha,son of Chandra, and had a son namedPururavas.Pururavas's descendants founded thelunar dynasty.

Indra

Main article:Indra

In the epic, Indra appears numerous times. He is son ofKashyapaandAditi.He is the spiritual father ofArjuna.He was the reason for the separation ofUrvashiandPururavas.During his temporary absence,Nahushatook his place as the king. He is called byKuntiafterDharmarajand Vayu. Later in the epic, he is shown protecting Takshaka's forest from Arjuna. ThePandavasnamed their capital,Indraprastha,after him. During the exile of Pandavas, Arjuna came to meet him. During the Kurukshetra war, he took the indestructible armor and earrings fromKarnaand gave him a powerful weapon. These were some of his appearances in the epic.

Iravan

Main article:Iravan

Iravan also is known as Aravan and Iravatis a minor character inMahabharata.He was a son ofPandavaprinceArjuna(one of the main heroes of the Mahabharata) and theNagaprincessUlupi,Iravan is the central deity of the cult ofKuttantavarwhich is also the name commonly given to him in that cult—and plays a major role in the cult ofDraupadi.Iravan played a huge role in theKurukshetra War.On the 7th day, he massacred the Kaurava army and killed many brothers ofShakuni.However, on the 8th day, in a battle of many illusions and magical powers, Iravan is beheaded by the demon Alambusha.

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Jambavati

Main article:Jambavati

Jambavati is second of theAshtabharya,the eight principal queen-consorts ofKrishna.She was the only daughter of the bear-kingJambavan.Krishna married her, when he defeated Jambavan to retrieve the stolenSyamantakajewel.

Janamejaya

Main article:Janamejaya

Janamejaya was a Kuru king and a descendant ofArjuna.He was the son ofParikshitand the grandson ofAbhimanyuandUttarā.He performed a snake sacrifice calledSarpa Satrato avenge his father's death, who was killed byTakshaka,Arjuna's naga enemy.Astika,son ofManasa,stopped the sacrifice.

Janapadi

Janapadi is anApsara,who once roamed in the forests. One day, upon seeing her, Shardavan, son ofGautama Maharishidischarged his seed. From his seed,KripaandKripiwere born.

Jara

Jara was a demoness. When King Brihadratha's queen threw away their half-born child, Jara joined the two halves. The child was namedJarasandha.

Jarasandha

Main article:Jarasandha

According to the Hindu epicMahabharata,Jarasandhawas a powerful king ofMagadha.He was a descendant of a kingBrihadratha,the creator of the Barhadratha dynasty of Magadha. He was killed by second PandavaBhima.

Jaratkaru

Main article:Jaratkaru

Jaratkaruwas a sage who wandered all over the earth and remained unmarried. He encountered his ancestors who hung upside down, leading to hell for he did not have any son. This led to his marriage with the snake goddess, Manasa. They gave birth to Astika who saved the snakes from being burnt during the snake sacrifice.

Jatasura

According to the Vana Parva of Mahabharata, Jatasura was a demon. He attacked the Pandavas in there exile. Then Bhima killed him.

Jayadratha

Main article:Jayadratha

Jayadrathawas King of Sindhu Kingdom. He was the son of King Vridhakshtra. He was married toKauravas' only sister and only daughter ofDhritarashtraandGandhari,Dushala. He kidnappedDraupadionDuryodhana's order but was stopped byArjunaandBhima.His hairs were cut off as a punishment. He was the biggest reason forAbhimanyu's death. Abhimanyu's fatherArjunaswore to kill Jayadratha and he fulfill his oath.

Jayatsena

Jayatsena is the son ofJarasandhaand king ofMagadha.He is stated as one of the powerful kings of the time, who could be summoned to the cause of thePandavas,before Kurukshetra war. He accepted that and came with an Akshauhini on the side of Pandavas.

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Kadru

Main article:Kadru

Kadru was the daughter ofDakshaand wife ofKasyapa.She was the mother of thousandnāgas.She even cursed her children for not obeying her to be burnt in the snake sacrifice.

Kaalvakra

He was the most loyal companion, commander-in-chief and main bodyguard ofKamsa.He was always appreciated by Kamsa. He was also cruel like Kamsa. WhenKrishnawas killing Kamsa,Balaramakilled him by beating him and cutting his head with hands.

Kalaratri

Main article:Kalaratri

Kalaratri is the seventh among the Navadurgas. She is stated in Sauptika Parva. When she appears to thePandavasoldiers in dreams, she appears amidst the fighting during an attack byDrona's sonAshwatthama.

Kalki

Main article:Kalki

Kalki is the final incarnation of the preserver deity,Vishnu.He is stated inVana Parvaof the epic, to incarnate at the end of theKali Yugaand protect dharma, by destroying the sinners andMlecchas.

Kacha

Main article:Kacha (sage)

Kacha's story is mentioned inMahabharata's Adi Parva. He was the son ofBrihaspatiandTara.He was sent by Devas to Sukracharya's ashram to learn about Mrita Sanjeevani mantra. Sukra's daughter Devyani fell in love with him. However, Kacha later refused to marry her.

Kamsa

Main article:Kamsa

Kamsa or Kamsa was the tyrant ruler of theVrishnikingdom with its capital atMathura.He is the brother ofDevaki,the mother of the godKrishnawho later slew Kamsa.

Kanika

Kanika was a sage ofHastinapur.He acted as a counselor toDhritarashtra.WhenYudhisthirawas announced the crown prince, Dhritarashtra became sad for his sons were deceived. And at this time Kanika was summoned to counsel the king, who advised Dhritarashtra not to resort to fight but remove his foes secretly. Unethical methods may also be adopted for killing a foe, was his advice. Then he narrated a story of a jackal, who deceived his companions (tiger, mongoose, wolf, and mouse) by tricking them. Influenced by his counsels Dhritarashtra exiled the Pandavas to Varanavata and constructed the house of lac.

Karenumati

Karenumati was the daughter of Damaghosha,and Srutashrava. And the sister ofChedikingShishupala,andDhrishtaketu.She was the wife ofPandavaNakulaand begot him a son, Nirumitra. Nirumitra succeeded his father Nakula to the throne of the Northern Madra Kingdom.

Karna

Main article:Karna

In the epic, Karna is one of the main protagonists, he was the spiritual son ofSurya(the Sun deity) and son of princessKunti(later the Pandu's queen). He was raised by fosterSutaparents named Radha and Adhiratha. Adhiratha was the charioteer and poet profession working for kingDhritarashtra.Karna grows up to be an accomplished warrior, a gifted speaker and becomes a loyal friend ofDuryodhana.He is appointed the king ofAnga(Bengal) by Duryodhana. Karna joined the Duryodhana's side in theKurukshetra Warand defeated many warriors like Bhima, Yudhishthira, Nakula, Sahadeva, Bhagadatta, Jarasandha, Ghatotkacha. He was Maharatha (an equal to more than 5 maharathi). Karna fought valiantly after the fall of Bhishma, and killed various worriers on the Pandava side, he was born with a natural armour and earrings, though he was loved by the Pandavas towards the end of his life, he was killed by Arjuna on the 17th day of fighting when his wheel was stuck in the mud. Karna had only one curse in during his lifetime, he was the one who criticized the disrobing of Draupadi despite her calling him a charioteer's son. Karna was also considered an exemplary devotional and donated his things to needy people.

Karna's adoptive brothers

AdhirathaandRadha,the adoptive parents ofKarna,had some biological children. Karna's adoptive brothers were killed during theKurukshetra War.In later retelling, one of them is named Shona, who was killed byAbhimanyuon the 13th day of Kurukshetra War.

Karna's wives

Main article:Wives of Karna

In the originalMahabharata,there are some mentions of Karna's wife. Her name is not revealed, sometimes assumed as Vrushali.It is described that she belonged to Suta (charioteer) community.The names and stories appear in later texts and interpolation.

Kauravas

Main article:Kaurava

Kauravas were the 102 sons of Dhritarashtra. Out of which, 101 were his legitimate children from his wifeGandhari.He had one illegitimate son namedYuyutsu,who was conceived through a maid during Gandhari's two-year-long pregnancy. Out of these children,Dushalais the only girl. The names of the 102 Kauravas are:

• Duryodhana
• Yuyutsu
• Dushasana
• Duhsaha
• Duhshal
• Durmukha
• Vivinsati
• Vikarna
• Jalasandha
• Sulochna
• Vinda
• Anuvinda
• Durdharsha
• Suvahu
• Dushpradharshana
• Durmarshana
• Dushkarna
• Karna
• Chitra
• Vipachitra
• Chitraksha
• Charuchitra
• Angada
• Durmada
• Dushpradharsha
• Vivitsu
• Vikata
• Sama
• Urananabha
• Padmanabha
• Nanda
• Upanandaka
• Sanapati
• Sushena
• Kundodara
• Mahodara
• Chitravahu
• Chitravarman
• Suvarman
• Durvirochana
• Ayovahu
• Mahavahu
• Chitrachapa
• Sukundala
• Bhimavega
• Bhimavala
• Valaki
• Bhimavikrama
• Ugrayudha
• Bhimaeara
• Kanakayu
• Dridhayudha
• Dridhavarman
• Dridhakshatra
• Somakirti
• Anadara
• Jarasandha
• Dridhasandha
• Satyasandha
• Sahasravaeh
• Ugrasravas
• Ugrasena
• Kshemamurti
• Aprajita
• Panditaka
• Visalaksha
• Duradhara
• Dridhahasta
• Suhasta
• Vatavega
• Suvarchasa
• Adityaketu
• Vahvasin
• Nagadatta
• Anuyaina
• Nishangi
• Kuvachi
• Dandi
• Dandadhara
• Dhanugraha
• Ugra
• Bhimaratha
• Vira
• Viravahu
• Alolupa
• Abhaya
• Raudrakarman
• Dridharatha
• Anadhrishya
• Kundaveda
• Viravi
• Dhirghalochana
• Dirghavahu
• Mahavahu
• Vyudhoru
• Kanakangana
• Kundaja
• Chitraka
• Dushala

Kauravya

He was the father ofUlupiand grandfather ofIravan.His wife was Vishvahini.

Kichaka

Main article:Kichaka

Kichaka was the general of the Matsya kingdom. He was the brother ofSudeshna,queen of Matsya. He was very powerful and feared byVirataand the citizens of the kingdom. He was killed byBhimawhen he tried to force himself onDraupadi.

Kirmira

Main article:Kirmira

Kirmira was a demon and younger brother of demonsBaka.WhenPandavasandDraupadiwentKamyaka Forest,Kirmira encountered them and challengedBhimafor a fight as Bhima killed his brother Baka. After a tough fight, Bhima beheaded Kirmira.

Kratha

Kratha is the Kshatriya king and the reincarnation ofRahu.He fought the side of Kauravas and killed by a Kulinda king during Kurukshetra war.

Kripa

Main article:Kripa

Kripa was the son of Śaradvān and Jānapadī, born in a particularly extraordinary manner. He was the grandson ofMaharishi Gautama.He was a descendant of sageAngiras.He along with his sister Kripi were adopted by KingShantanu.Later on Kripa became anacharya,teacher of the royal children, giving him the honorificKripacharya.His twin sister Kripi marriedDrona.Kripa was among the Maharathis who fought on the Kauravas's side against the Pandavas in theKurukshetra warin theHinduepic of theMahabharata.

Kripi

Kripi was the sister ofKripa.She and her brother were adopted by theRajguruof KingShantanu.Her actual parents were Saradvan and Janapadi. She marriedDronacharya,who was poor at that time. When they wanted a powerful son, they prayed to Shiva, and a son namedAshwathamawas born.

Krishna

Main articles:KrishnaandKrishna in the Mahabharata

Krishna is a Hindu deity. He is also a major character in epicMahabharata.He was an eighth avatar of Vishnu. He was born toDevakiand her husband,Vasudevaof theYadavaclan inMathura.During theKurukshetra War,he became strategist of Padavas and charioteer ofArjuna.At the start of theDharmaYudhha(righteous war) betweenPandavasandKauravas,Arjuna is filled withmoraldilemmaand despair about the violence and death the war will cause in the battle against his own kin. He wonders if he should renounce and seeks Krishna's counsel, whose answers and discourse constitute theBhagavad Gita.Krishna counsels Arjuna to "fulfill hisKshatriya(warrior) duty to uphold theDharma"through" selfless action ".

Kritavarma

Main article:Kritavarma

Kritavarma was one of theYadavawarriors and chieftain, and a contemporary ofKrishna.During Kuruksetra war, Kritavarma fought for Kauravas along with Krishna's Narayani sena and was one of survivors of the war.

Kunti-Bhoja

In Mahabharata,Kunti-Bhoja(orKuntibhoja) was the adoptive father ofKuntiand cousin ofShurasena.He was the ruler of theKunti Kingdom.Kunti was a daughter of KingShurasenabut was later given to Kuntibhoja since he was devoid of children.Kuntibhoja raised her as his own daughter and loved her.She was very beautiful and intelligent and later marriedPandu.When Kunti was a young girl, the sageDurvasavisited Kuntibhoja one day and sought his hospitality. The king entrusted the sage to Kunti's care and tasked Kunti with the responsibility of serving the sage and meeting all his needs during his stay with them.Eventually, the sage was gratified. Before departing, he rewarded Kunti by teaching herAtharvavedamantraswhich enabled her to invoke anygodof her choice to beget children by them.His son Visharada succeeded him who was killed byDuryodhanaon the eighth day.

Kunti

Main article:Kunti

Kunti or Pritha was the daughter ofShurasena,and the foster daughter of his cousinKuntibhoja.She was married to KingPanduofHastinapurand was the mother ofKarnaand the PandavasYudhishthira,Bhima,Arjuna.She was the paternal mother in law ofKrishna,Balarama,andSubhadra.She was the step mother ofNakulaandSahadeva.She was very beautiful and intelligent.

Kuru

Kuru is the name of the ancestor of the clan of the Kurus in theMahabharata.He was the son ofSamvaranaand ofTapati,the daughter of the Sun.

In the literature, Kuru is an ancestor ofPanduand his descendants, thePandavas,and also ofDhritarashtraand his descendants, theKauravas.This latter name derived as apatronymfrom "Kuru", is only used for the descendants of Dhritarashtra.

King Kuru had two wives named Shubhangi and Vahini. He had a son named Viduratha with Shubhangi, and five sons with Vahini, named Ashvavat, Abhishyat, Citraratha, Muni, and Janamejaya.Due to his merits and great ascetic practices the region "Kurujangal" was named after him. It has also been known asKurukshetrasince ancient Vedic times.

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Lakshmana Kumara

Main article:Laxman Kumara

In the Hindu epicMahabharata,Laxman Kumara or simply Laxman (Lakshman(a)) is the son of Duryodhana, and grandson of Dhritarashtra. He had a twin sister called Lakshmanaa who was kidnapped by Samba (Krishna's son). Not much is revealed about Laxman in the Mahabharata, He was beheaded by Abhimanyu.

Lakshmanaa

In theBhagavata Purana,Lakshmanaa (also spelled Laxmanaa or Lakshmanā), also known as Lakshana, is the daughter of Duryodhana. Little is revealed about Laxmanaa in the text other than her marriage to Krishna's sonSamba.

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Madanjaya

He was Prime Minister of Kuru Kingdom beforeVidura.WhenBhishmagave his post to Vidura, he tried to kill Vidura but he fought and was beheaded by Bhishma.

Madranjaya

He was eldest son ofShalyaand Avantini who was killed on second day of war byVirata.

Madrasena

He was younger brother ofShalyaand elder brother of Madri. He was uncle ofNakulaandSahadeva.He was unmarried and was killed byYudhishthiraalong with Shalya on the last day of war.

Madri

Main article:Madri

In theMahabharataepic, Madri, was sister ofShalya,princess of theMadra Kingdom,second wife ofPanduand the mother of two sons:NakulaandSahadeva.One day, Pandu and Madri made love; this led Pandu to die due to his curse and Madri to commit suicide.

Malini

She was maid ofDraupadimarried to a Kshatriya soldier Pralanksena. Her son Nakusha was Bodyguard ofDrupada.Her husband and son were killed byDronabefore Drupada's death on the 15th day of war.

Manasa

Main article:Manasa

In theMahabharata,NagaGoddess Manasa is the wife ofJaratkaru.They had a son,Astika,who saved the serpents includingTakshakafromSarpa Satraorganised by kingJanamejayato avenge hisfather'sdeath.

Manimat

Manimat or Maniman is the king who was the rebirth of Vritra, the son of Danayu. He fought the side of Pandavas and killed byBhurishravasin the Kurukshetra war.

Marisha

Shurasenawas married to aNāga(or serpent) woman named Marisha. She bore all of his children and was the cause forVasuki’s boon to Bhima.after whom theSurasena Kingdomor mahajanpada and the Yadava sect ofSurasenaswere named. She was the mother ofKuntiandVasudevaas well.

Markandeya

Main article:Markandeya

Markandeya was blessed by Shiva to remain young till the end ofKali Yuga.In the Mahabharat, Markandeya visits the Pandavas during their exile and tells them the story ofNalaandDamayanti,Savitri and Satyavan,etc.

Meghavarna

He was the son ofGhatotkachandMaurvi.He was the grandson ofBhimaandHidimbi.He was the brother of Anjanaparvana. He did not fight the War, and hence, was the only alive son of Ghatotkacha.

Menaka

Main article:Menaka

Menaka was a beautiful apsara. She was sent by Indra to fill Vishwamitra with lust and destroy his penance. Upon seeing her, Vishwamitra was filled with desire and from their union,Shakuntala,mother of great king Bharat, was born. Menaka left Shakuntala and Vishwamitra again started to meditate. Shakuntala was left with sage Kanva.

Muchukunda

Main article:Muchukunda

Muchukunda, son ofKing Mandhata,and brother of equally illustriousAmbarisha,was born in theIkshvakudynasty. He later became a sage and his divine powers killedKalyavana.

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Nala

Main article:Nala

Nala is the main character of alove storyin theVana Parvaof Mahabharata. He was king of Nishada. He fell in love withDamayantiand married her. But they struggled a lot after their marriage. His story is set long before the Kurukshetra war.

Nahusha

Main article:Nahusha

Nahusha was a king from lunar dynasty and an ancestor ofShantanu.He was the son Ayu and Prabha. He was equal toIndrain every way and was made the ruler of Swarga in Indra's absence. He marriedAshokasundari/Viraja,the daughter of Devi Parvati and Shiva, and had a son namedYayati.He was removed from his position as the king because of his arrogance and cursed to a snake. His curse was over when he metYudhishthirain a forest.

Nakula

Main article:Nakula

Nakula was fourth of the fivePandavabrothers. Nakula andSahadevawere twins born toMadri,who had invoked theAshwini Kumaras.Nakula and his brotherSahadeva,are both called asAshvineya(आश्विनेय), as they were born from Ashvinas. Nakula was said to be a skilled master in sword-fighting. On the 18th day of Kurukshetra War, Nakula had killed three sons of Karna.

Nand

Main article:Nand Baba

Nand was the head of the Gopas tribe of Yadava cowherds referred as Holy Gwals. He was a friend ofVasudev,spouse ofYashodaand the foster father ofKrishna.

Narakasura

Main article:Narakasura

Narakasura was the son ofBhumi,the earth goddess. He gained a boon that only his mother could kill him. He captured and married women forcefully. Krishna andSatyabhama(the human incarnation of Bhumi) killed him.

Niramitra

In theHinduepicMahabharata,Niramitra(Sanskrit:निरमित्र,lit. 'he who has no enemies') was the son ofNakulaand his wifeKarenumati.

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Padmavati

Padmavati is the goddess who mentioned in Tantras.She also mentioned in Shalya Parva of the epic, as one of the followers of Kartikeya.

Parashara

Main article:Parashara

Parashara was a sage. He was the grandson ofVasishtha,the son ofŚakti Maharṣi,and the father ofVyasa.BeforeSatyavatimarried Shantanu, she had an affair with Parashara. During that time, she was known as Matsyagandha. Later they had a child named Vyasa. However they parted away but before leaving, Parashara restored Matsyagandha's virginity and gave her an enchanting scent.

Parashuram

Main article:Parashuram

Parashuram is thesixth avatarofVishnuinHinduismand he is one of the chiranjeevis who will appear at the end of theKali Yuga.He was born to destroy evil Kshatriya, who had begun to abuse their power.Parashuramais also the Guru ofBhishma,Dronacharya,andKarna.

Parikshit

Main article:Parikshit

Parikshit was a king from kuru lineage. He was the son ofAbhimanyu(Arjuna'sson) andUttarā.When he was in his mother's womb, he was attacked and killed byAshwatthamausingBrahmastra.However Shri Krishna revived him and named him Parikshit. After the Pandavas and Draupadi retired for heaven, he was crowned as the new king. Later,Kali (demon)manipulated Parikshit and he placed a dead snake on a meditating rishi. The Rishi's son saw it and cursed him to die by a snakebite. After he was bitten and killed byTakshaka,his sonJanamejayaperformedSarpa Satra.This is where he hears the story of his great-grandfathers.

Pandu

Main article:Pandu

Pandu was the king ofHastinapur,the son ofAmbalikaandVichitravirya.He is popularly known as the father of thePandavas,who were called so after him. Pandu was responsible and a great warrior, who expanded his kingdom during his rule. He had two wives named Kunti and Madri. He died early due to a curse of a sage.

Pandya

He is the king of Pandya Kingdom. He came to help thePandavaswith an army and also an maharathi on the side of Pandavas.

Paurava

Paurava is a king and the rebirth of Asura Sarabha. He fought the side ofKauravasand killed by Arjuna during Kurukshetra war.

Prabha

Prabha, sometimes Indumati, was the daughter of AsuraSvarbhanu,who later becameRahuandKetu.She marriedAyu,son ofPururavasoflunar dynasty,and had a son namedNahusha.

Pradyumna

Main article:Pradyumna

Pradyumna was the son ofKrishnaandRukmini.He is the reincarnation ofKamadeva,who was burnt byShivafor shooting arrow of love at him. After his birth, he was kidnapped bySambaraand thrown into water. However, he survived and was raised by Mayawati (reincarnation of deviRati). Later, he defeated Sambara and returned toDvaraka.He married Mayawati, Prabhavati andVidarbhaprincess Rukmavati, and had a sonAniruddha.

Pratipa

Main article:Pratipa

Pratipa was a king in theMahabharata,who was the father ofShantanuand grandfather ofBhishma.

Prativindhya

Prativindhya was the son ofYudhishthiraandDraupadi.He was the eldest brother amongUpapandavas.

Prishati

Prishati (lit. daughter-in-law of Prishata) was the wife of KingDrupadaand the mother ofShikhandini,Dhrishtadhyumna,Draupadi(Panchali) and the sister-in-law of Satyajit, Drupada's younger brother. After Drupada performed ayajna(fire-sacrifice) to obtain a powerful son, she was asked by the sages to consume the sacrificial offering to conceive a child. However, Prishati had perfumed saffron in her mouth and requested the sages to wait till she had a bath and washed her mouth. The sages criticised her untimely request and poured the offering into the flames of the yajna, from which Dhrishtadhyumna and Draupadi emerged. Overwhelmed by their arrival, Prishati requested the sages to declare her as the mother of Dhrishtadhyumna and Draupadi.

Purochana

Purochana was the builder of theLakshagraha.However, he, along with his wife and her sons, perished in the fire. He was the royal chief architect in Hastinapura. He was a friend of Shakuni and Duryodhana. Purochana built the Lakshagraha palace and burnt it. He was killed by Bhima in the Lakshagraha palace. Purochana had a wife and many sons. In his last life, Purochana had been Prahasta, Ravana's uncle and commander-in-chief of his army. Shakuni and Duryodhana made another plan to kill the Pandavas. Shakuni told Purochana to build a really beautiful palace in Varnavrata out of only materials that can catch and spread fire easily. Purochana quickly did as Shakuni had said. Purochana called the palace Lakshagraha. It was made out of materials such as wax and twigs. After some time, Shakuni convinced the Pandavas and Kunti to visit Lakshagraha. Purochana and his wife welcomed the Pandavas and Kunti grandly. After 10 days, during the night, Purochana set fire on the palace. The Pandavas woke up and realized that this had been another one of Duryodhana and Shakuni's evil schemes. Bhima got really mad. While Purochana and his sons and wife were trying to escape, Bhima killed all of them, including Purochana. The Pandavas barely managed to escape the fire.

Pururavas

Main article:Pururavas

Pururavas was the first king from the lunar dynasty. He was the son ofBudhaandIla.He marriedUrvashibut she left him. He was succeeded by his son, Ayu.

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Radha

Radha was thefostermother ofKarna,one of the central characters in theHindu epicMahabharata.She was the wife ofAdhiratha,the charioteer ofBhishma.Radha also bore a son namedShon.The youngKuntiused amantrato beget a son from the Sun godSurya.Afraid of the taint of being an unwed mother, she placed the baby in a basket and set him afloat a river. The child later known as Karna was found and adopted by Radha and Adiratha, who raised Karna as their own. Karna is known by the matronymicRadheya.Karna, once he knows from Krishna and Kunti about his birth secret, having done so much harm to his brothers Pandavas, was in no position to abandon Duryodhana.

Revati

Main article:Revati

InMahabharata,Revati was daughter of King Kakudmi and consort ofBalarama,the elder brother ofKrishna.

Rohini (wife of Vasudeva)

Main article:Rohini (wife of Vasudeva)

She was the wife ofVasudevaand mother ofBalrama.She looked afterBalaramin his childhood. After Vasudeva andDevakiwere released, she started living with them. After the passing of Vasudeva in the Yadu massacre, Rohini cremates herself on Vasudeva's pyre along with his other wives Devaki, Bhadra and Madira.

Rochamana

Rochamana was Kshatriya king of Aswamedha kingdom. He was a warrior on the side ofPandavasand killed by Karna in the Kurukshetra war.

Rukmi

Main article:Rukmi

Rukmi was the ruler of Vidarbha. He was the son of king Bhishmaka and elder brother of Rukmini.

Rukmini

Main article:Rukmini

Rukmini was the first and chief queen consort ofKrishna.She was an avatar of goddess Lakshmi. She was the daughter of king Bhishmaka, sister of Rukmi and the princess of Vidarbha.

Ruru

Ruru was a rishi(sage) of the epicMahabharata.He was the son of Pramati and Ghritachi, the celestial dancer and a descendant of Bhrigu. Ruru married Pramadvara, foster-daughter of sage Sthulakesha. He was the father of Sunaka.

S

Sahadeva

Main article:Sahadeva

Sahadeva was the youngest of the fivePandavabrothers.Nakulaand Sahadev were twins born toMadriwho had invoked theAshvins.Sahadeva had two wives, Draupadi and Vijaya. Draupadi was the common wife of Pandavas, while Vijaya was the beloved wife of Sahadeva. Similar to his twin brother Nakula, Sahadeva was also accomplished in swordsmanship. On the 18th of war, Sahadeva had killedShakuniwho was mainly responsible for the Kurukshetra War.

Sahadeva of Magadha

Main article:Sahadeva of Magadha

Sahadeva was the son of powerful kingJarasandha.When Bhima slew his father, Krishna declared him to be the new ruler of Magadha. Sahadeva is a frequent ally of the Pandavas, and attended the rajasuya of Yudhishthira. During the Kurukshetra War, he fought on the side of Pandavas, and was slain by Karna.

Sakradeva

He was son of KingSrutayudhaand Queen Sakrayani ofKalinga.He was theyuvaraja(crown prince) of Kalinga. He was killed byBhimaon the second day of war along with many soldiers, and two generals, Satya and Satyadeva.

Samba

Main article:Samba (Krishna's son)

Samba is the mischievous son ofKrishnaand his second wife,Jambavati.He was born as a boon of Shiva. Samba was the husband ofLakshmana,Duryodhana's daughter. Later in the epic, his mischief becomes the reason for the destruction of Krishna's Yadu clan, owing to the curse ofGandhari.

Samudrasena

Samudrasena is a king. Once, Bhima defeated Samudrasena and his son, Chandrasena, during his war of conquest. In the Kurukshetra War, he fought on the side of the Pandavas and was killed by the Kaurava army.

Shamika

Shamika is a sage featured in the epic. One day, while hunting, Parikshit had wounded a deer, but lost it in the woods. Searching for it, fatigued, he asked the meditating Shamika about the deer. The sage did not answer as he was observing the vow of silence. This angered the king, who placed a dead snake on Shamika's shoulder. Sringin, the son of Shamika, enraged by this act, cursed Parikshit to be killed byTakshaka(snake) within seven days.

Samvarana

Main article:Samvarana

Samvarana was a king from the Lunar dynasty and an ancestor of Shantanu. He marriedTapati,daughter of Surya, and had a child namedKuru.

Sanjaya

Main article:Sanjaya

Sanjaya wasDhritarashtra's advisor and also hischarioteer.Sanjaya was a disciple of the sageVyasaand was immensely devoted to his master, KingDhritarashtra.Sanjaya – who has the gift of seeing events at a distance (divya-drishti) right in front of him, granted by the sage Vyasa – narrates to Dhritarashtra the action in the climactic battle ofKurukshetra,which includes theBhagavad Gita.

Sarama

Main article:Sarama

Sarama, according to theMahabharata,is a celestial female dog. Janamejaya and his brothers beat one of her sons without any reason when the dog arrives at an occasion of sacrifice. This angers Sarama, and she curses the princes and Janamejaya that evil may happen to them.

Satrajit

Main article:Satrajit

Featured in theMahabharataand theBhagavata Purana,Satrajit was aYadavaking who was a great devotee ofSurya,the Sun god. He is famous for his role in the story ofSyamantakagem. He was the father ofSatyabhama,who becameKrishna'sthird wife.

Satyabhama

Main article:Satyabhama

Satyabhama is the third consort of Krishna. She is believed to be an avatar of Bhumi, the goddess of the Earth. According to some traditions, she is regarded to have aided Krishna in defeating the demon Narakasura. She visited the Pandavas during their exile and had a conversation with Draupadi.

Satyajit

Satyajit was the brother of KingDrupadaand brother-in-law of Queen Prishati and the younger paternal uncle ofShikhandini/Shikhandi,Dhrishtadyumna,andDraupadi.Not much is written about him in the epic, but he acted as a regent while his brother, the king, was away for some time for summoning the sages Yaja and Upayaja for a powerful penance to beget children.

Satyaki

Main article:Satyaki

Yyudhana, also known as Satyaki, was a powerful warrior belonging to theVrishniclan of theYadavas,to whichKrishnaalso belonged. Satyaki was also a student of Arjuna, due to which he fought on the Pandavas's side.

Satyavati

Main article:Satyavati

Satyavati is a matriarch of the Kuru dynasty in theMahabharata.She was a fisherwoman before her marriage withShantanu.She, along with her father, Dasharaja, proposed the conditions that ledBhishmato take his vow of celibacy. Married to Shantanu, she became the mother ofChitrangadaandVichitravirya.She is also the mother of theVyasa,the author of the epic, whom she called to engage inniyogawhen Vichitravirya died without leaving an heir.

Savitri and Satyavan

Main article:Savitri and Satyavan

In theMahabharata,Savitri and Satyavan are characters appearing in theVana Parvaof the epic. Savitri is a princess born by the boon ofSavitr.Described to be wise and beautiful, she fell in love with and married Satyavan, a prince who was destined to die at a very young age. The latter part of the story describes Savitri's love, and her wit, which saves her husband fromYama,the god of death.

Senavindu

Senavindu, also called as Senabindu, is a king and the rebirth of the asura Tuhunda. Arjuna twice defeated this king during hisdigvijaya.He is stated by Drupada as one of the kings who could be summoned to the cause of the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra War. He was killed by the Kauravas in the war.

Shakuni

Main article:Shakuni

Shakuni was the prince ofGandhara Kingdomin present-dayGandhara.He is a major antagonist in the epic. He was the brother ofGandhariand henceDuryodhana's maternal uncle. Shakuni was killed by Sahadeva on the 18th day of the Kurukshetra War.

Shakuntala

Main article:Shakuntala

Shakuntala was the wife ofDushyantaand the mother ofEmperor Bharata.Her story is told in theMahabharataand dramatized by many writers, the most famous adaption beingKalidasa's playAbhijñānaśākuntala(The Sign of Shakuntala).

Shalva

Shalva was the king of theShalvakingdom. He andAmba,the princess of Kashi, fell in love, and Amba decided to choose him during her svayamvara. However,Bhishmawon the princesses for his brother Vichitravirya. When Amba told Bhishma about her love, he sent her with honour to Shalva. But Shalva rejected her and told her that he would not be able marry her as she had been won by Bhishma.

Shalya

Main article:Shalya

In the epicMahabharata,King Shalya was the brother ofMadri(mother ofNakulaandSahadeva), as well as the ruler of theMadrakingdom. A powerful spear fighter and a formidable charioteer, he was tricked byDuryodhanato fight the war on the side of theKauravas.On the last day of the Kurukshetra War, Yudhishthira killed him during a spear fight.

Shankha

Shankha was third son of KingVirata.He was killed byBhishmaon the very first day of the war.

Shantanu

Main article:Shantanu

Shantanu was aKuruking ofHastinapurain the epicMahabharata.He was a descendant of theBharatarace, of the Lunar dynasty, and great-grandfather of thePandavasandKauravas.He was the youngest son of KingPratipaof Hastinapura and had been born in the latter's old age. He was the husband ofGangaandSatyavati.He was the father of Devavrata (Bhishma),Chitrāngada,andVichitravirya.

Sharmishtha

Main article:Sharmishtha

Sharmishtha was an asura princess and a spouse of Yayati, an ancestor of Shantanu.

Shatanika

Shatanika was the son ofNakulaandDraupadi.He was the third brother among theUpapandavas.

Shaunaka

Shaunaka headed the sages during their conclave at his twelve-year sacrifice, whereUgrashravasSauti recited theMahabharata.

Shikhandi

Main article:Shikhandi

Shikhandi was born as a girl named Shikhandini, toDrupada,the king ofPanchala.She changed her sex with ayakshaand took the name Shikhandi. He fought in the Kurukshetra War for thePandavasalong with his father Drupada and brotherDhristadyumna.He was the princessAmbain his previous birth.

Shishupala

Main article:Shishupala

Shishupala was the son of Damaghosha. He was slain by his cousinKrishna,at the great coronation ceremony ofYudhishthiraas punishment for his exceeding insults against the deity. He was also called Chaidya, being a member of the Chedi kingdom.

Shrutakarma

Shrutakarma was the son ofArjunaandDraupadi.He was the youngest brother among theUpapandavas.

Shrutasena

Shrutasena was the son ofSahadevaandDraupadi.He was the fourth brother amongUpapandavas.

Shukra

Main article:Shukra

Shukra is the son of sageBhriguand his wifeKavyamata.After the devas killed his mother (who was later revived), Shukra developed a deep hatred towards the devas and became the guru of the asuras. He had a daughter namedDevayani,who was married to the kingYayati.But Yayati had an affair with Devayani's maid,Sharmishtha.This led Shukra to curse Yayati to lose his youth.

Shveta

He was the second son ofVirata,also called Shvetavarman. He was killed on the first day of the war byShalya.

Shvetaki

Shvetaki was a king who performed numerous yajnas. He is the reason of the destruction of the Khandava forest (Khandava Dahana).

Sons of Karna

Great Karna's sons wereVrishasena,Vrishaketu,Banasena,Chitrasena, Satyasena, Sushena, Shatrunjaya, Dvipata, and Prasena. All except for Vrishaketu were killed in the war.

Sons of Shalya

Shalyaand Avantini's three sons were Madranjaya, Rukmanagada, and Rukmanaratha. Madranjaya was the eldest than other two with a gap of 10 years. Rukmanagada and Rukmanaratha were twins. Madranjaya was killed on 2nd day of war byVirataand other two were killed byAbhimanyuinside the chakravyuha on 13th day.

Sons of Shishupala

The four sons ofChediKingShishupalawere Dhrishtaketu, Mahipala, Suketu, Sarabha. They had a sister namedKarenumatiwho was younger than Dhrishtaketu but elder than other three. Dhrishtaketu succeeded the throne of Chedi after Shishupala's death. Dhrishtaketu was killed by Drona on 6th day of war and other three were killed by Shakuni's son Vrikasura.

Shreniman

Shreniman was a king. He ruled the Kumaradesa.Nakuladefeated him during his digvijaya. In the Kurukshetra War, he fought on the side of the Pandavas and was killed by Drona.

Subala

Subalawas the father ofShakuniandGandhari.He was the King of Gandhara and he was the husband of Sudharma.

Subhadra

Main article:Subhadra

In the epic, she is the sister ofKrishnaandBalarama,wife ofArjunaand mother ofAbhimanyuand grandmother ofParikshit.She is the daughter ofVasudevaandRohini.When Arjuna visited Dvaraka, he fell in love with Subhadra and ran away with her.Hindusbelieve Subhadra to be a form of the goddess namedYogamaya.

Sudakshina

Main article:Sudakshina

Sudakshina was a king of the Kambojas, and fought on the side of the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra War. She was so beautiful in all order

Sudeshna

Main article:Sudeshna

Sudeshna was the wife of King Virata, at whose court the Pandavas spent a year in concealment during their exile. She was the mother ofUttara,Uttarā,Shveta, and Shankha. She had a younger brother namedKichakaand a brother-in-law named Sahtanika.

Sunaka

Sunaka was the son of Sage Ruru and Pramadvara. This royal sage was a member of Yudhishthira's assembly. He received a sword from King Harivamsha and presented it to the king Ushinara.

Surya

Main article:Surya

Surya is the god of the Sun. He is a son ofAditiandKashyapa.He is the consort ofSaranyu.In the epic, he was the first god called byKuntiusing the mantra given by the sageDurvasato obtain a child. She did it out of curiosity and gave birth toKarna,who was born with indestructible armour and earrings. During that time, as she was not married, she had to abandon the child. Later in the epic, Surya gave theAkshaya PatratoYudhishthira.

Susharma

Susharma was the king of the Trigarta Kingdom. He supported the Kauravas in the war. He was a friend of Duryodhana. He was killed by Arjuna on the fourteenth day of the war.

Sutasoma

Sutasoma was the son of Bhima and Draupadi. He was the second brother among the Upapandavas.

Svaha

Main article:Svaha

Svaha is the daughter of PrajapatiDakshaand the wife ofAgni.In the Vana Parva, the sageMarkandeyanarrated her story to thePandavas.As per the story, Agni visited theashramof the sevenSaptarshiand saw their wives. He was attracted towards them, but controlled his lust. Svaha was attracted to Agni, and wishing to sleep with him, she assumed the form of the wives of sages (exceptArundhati), slept with Agni six times, later becoming his consort.

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Takshaka

Main article:Takshaka

Takshaka was the king of nagas. He lived in a city named Takshasila, which was the new territory of Takshaka after his race was banished by Pandavas led by Arjuna from the Khandava Forest and Kurukshetra, where they built their new kingdom. Because of this, he made a fierce rivalry with Arjuna. During the Kurukshetra war, he sat on an arrow of Karna which was shot at Arjuna. However Krishna saved Arjuna. After his failure, Takshaka vowed to end Arjuna's lineage. After the Pandavas and Draupadi left for heaven, Takshaka killed Parikshit.

Tapati

Main article:Tapati

Tapati is a river goddess. She is daughter ofSuryaandChhaya.She marriedSamvaranaand had a child namedKuru.Kuru was an ancestor of Shantanu.

Tilottama

Main article:Tilottama

In the Hindu epicMahabharata,Tilottama is described to have been created by the divine architectVishwakarma,atBrahma's request, by taking the best quality of everything as the ingredients. She was responsible for bringing about the mutual destruction of the Asuras,Sunda and Upasunda.Even gods like Indra are described to be enamoured by Tilottama. Her story was told by sageNaradato thePandavasas he wanted to tell them how a woman can lead to rivalry between brothers.

Tara

Main article:Taraka (goddess)

Tara is the goddess of felicity. She is spouse ofBrihaspati,a guru of gods and mother ofKacha.Brihaspati often ignored Tara and she started to have an affair withChandra,the moon god and eloped with him. From their union,Budhawas born, whose son,Pururavas,founded the lunar dynasty.

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Usha

Main article:Uṣā

Uṣā or Usha was daughter ofBanasura,powerful king of Sonitpur and a devotee of Shiva. Later Usha was married toAniruddha,grandson of Krishna.

Ugrasena

Main article:Ugrasena

Ugrasena (Sanskrit:उग्रसेन) is a Yadava king inMahabharataepic. He was the king of Mathura, a kingdom that was established by the powerful Vrishni tribes from Yaduvanshi clan. Krishna was the grandson of Ugrasena. He established his grandfather as the ruler of Mathura again after defeating his uncle, King Kamsa who was a cruel and greedy ruler. Before this, King Ugrasena was overthrown from power by his own son Kamsa and was sentenced to prison along with his daughter Devaki and son in law Vasudeva to prison. Devki and Vasudev were parents of Krishna.

Ugrashravas Sauti

Main article:Ugrashravas

Ugrashravas Sauti was the son of Lomaharsana. He was the Lomaharshana. He was a disciple ofVyasa.He was the narrator ofMahabharataand severalPuranasbefore the gathering of the sages inNaimisha Forest.

Uluka

Main article:Uluka

Uluka was eldest son ofShakuniand Arshi. He was sent as messenger toPandavasbyDuryodhana.He was killed bySahadevaon 18th day of war before his father's death.

Ulupi

Main article:Ulupi

Ulupi was daughter of Kauravya, theking of Nāgas,she was among the four wives ofArjuna.She had a son namedIravan.

Urvashi

Main article:Urvashi

Urvashi was a celestial maiden in Indra's court and was considered the most beautiful of all the Apsaras. She was the consort ofPururavas,an ancestor of Pandavas and Kauravas. Later she left him and returned to heaven.When Arjuna came to heaven to meet Indra, she fell in love with him. But Arjuna refused her as he thought her as his mother.

Uttamaujas

Main article:Uttamaujas

In the epicMahabharata,Uttamaujas was a powerful Panchala warrior. He is described to be a protector ofArjuna.With his brother Yudhamanyu, they fought a battle againstDuryodhana.He was killed during Ashwatthama's night raid. Sometimes, he is described to be Drupada's son and identified withSatyajit.

Uttanka

Main article:Uttanka

In theMahabharata,Uttanka is described as the disciple of the sageGautama.In both legends, he is a learned sage who goes through many hurdles in procuring the earrings demanded by his guru's wife as the fee for the teacher (gurudakshina).

Uttara

Main article:Uttara (Mahabharata)

Uttara or Uttara Kumara was the prince ofMatsya Kingdomand the son of KingVirata,at whose court thePandavasspent one year in concealment during their exile. His sisterUttarāwas given in marriage toAbhimanyu,son ofArjuna.

Uttarā

Main article:Uttarā (Mahabharata)

Uttarāwas the daughter of KingVirata,at whose court thePandavasspent a year in concealment during their exile. She was sister of PrinceUttara.She was wife ofAbhimanyuand mother ofParikshit.

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Vajra

Main article:Aniruddha § Children

He was the son ofAniruddha.Vajra was crowned as the King ofIndraprasthaon the request of Krishna by thePandavasafter theYadava fratricidejust before thePandavas' exile.

Vajranabh

Vajra in theVayu Puranaand theHarivamsa,described as the son ofBhanu,the eldest son ofKrishnaandSatyabhama.He had a sister named Bhanusammati.

Valandhara

Valandhara was the princess of theKashi Kingdom,daughter of King Devesha and wife ofBhima.They both had a son Sarvaga, who became the King of Kashi after theKurukshetra War.Sarvaga's granddaughter Vapusthama marriedJanamejaya,the great-grandson ofArjuna,and bore him two sons – Shatanika and Sahashranika.

Vapusthama

Vapusthama was the princess ofKashi,the daughter of Subarnavarma,the granddaughter of King Sarvaga and great-granddaughter ofBhima,the secondPandava.Vapusthama was married toArjuna's great-grandsonJanamejaya,and bore him two sons – Shatanika and Sankukarna.

Varaha

Main article:Varaha

Varaha is the boar-incarnation of Vishnu. He is stated inVana Parvaof the epic, when he rescued Bhumi during theMahapralaya(great-flood).

Vasudeva

Main article:Vasudeva

Vasudeva the father of the Hindu deitiesKrishna,BalaramaandSubhadra.He was a member ofVrishnisand aYadava.He was the son-in-law of the Yadava kingShurasena.His sisterKuntiwas married toPandu.

Vasundhara

She was the queen ofManipuraand the mother ofChitrangada.She was also the grandmother ofBabruvahana.Her husband was King Chitravahana.

Vayu

Main article:Vayu

Vayu deva is the god of wind. He is son of Aditi and Kashyapa. In the epic, he is the spiritual father ofHanumanand the Pandava,Bhima.He was the second god called byKuntiafter her marriage using a mantra as her husband could not conceive due to a curse.

Veerabhadra

Main article:Virabhadra

Veerabhadra was the fierce god who incarnated from Shiva to destroy Daksha's yajna. He is also stated in Shanti Parva of the epic Mahabharata.

Vichitravirya

Main article:Vichitravirya

Vichitravirya (Sanskrit: विचित्रवीर्य, vicitravīrya) was a king and the younger son of queen Satyavati and king Shantanu and grandfather of the Pandavas and Kauravas.

Vidura

Main article:Vidura

In the epicMahabharata,Vidura is described as theprime ministerof theKuru Kingdomand also the uncle of thePandavasandKauravas.He was born from Niyoga- between sageVyasaand Parishrami, a handmaiden to the queens-AmbikaandAmbalika.

Vidura's wife (Sulabha)

The wife ofVidura,the half-brother of KingDhritarashtraand the Prime Minister ofHastinapur.She was also a chaste woman of supreme order. She too had a high degree of devotion and abdication. WhenKrishnavisitedHastinapuras an emissary ofPandavas,he had not acceptedDuryodhana'srequest to stay in his palace but instead he chose to stay atVidura'shome and accepted a simple meal there. She is named Sulabha in later versions of the Mahabharata.Sulabha was a great devotee ofKrishna.One day he came to her home for a surprise meal. She was enchanted by his glowing face. In absence of her husband, she offered him peels of banana instead of the fruit. And he ate them respecting herbhaktinote.

Vijaya

In theHinduepicMahabharat,Vijayawas the daughter of king Dyutimata of Madra (Bahalika) and wife ofSahadeva.They got married in aself choice ceremony.Vijaya wasNakula's maternal uncle's daughter. They had a sonSuhotra.After the Kurukshetra War, Vijaya lived in Madra, when Sahadeva was appointed as the king of Madra Kingdom.

Vijayasiddhasena

Vijayasiddhasena"(In Sanskrit विजयसिद्धसेन) According to Mahabharata 1988 – 1990 TV Series, Vijay Siddha Sen was Barbarika's GURU. Barbarika is not mentioned in Mahabharata. But the story of Barbatika is mentioned in Skanda Purana

Vikarna

Main article:Vikarna

Vikarna was thirdKaurava,son ofDhritarashtraandGandhariand a brother to thecrown princeDuryodhana.Vikarna is universally referred to as the third-most reputable of Kauravas. Usually, he is also indicated as the third-oldest son, but in other sources, the "third-strongest" reputation remained and it is implied that Vikarna is just one of Gandhari's 99 children (afterDuryodhanaandDussasana). Vikarna was the onlyKauravawho questioned the humiliation ofDraupadi,the wife of his cousinPandavasafter they lost her in a game of dice to Duryodhana.

Vinata

Main article:Vinata

Vinata, was the mother ofArunaandGaruda(the birds). She was also the daughter ofDakshaand wife of sageKasyapa.

Vinda and Anuvinda

Vinda and Anuvinda were brothers, and the two kings ofAvanti.They were the sons of Jayasena and Rajadhidevi. They also had a sister, Mitravinda, who marriedKrishna.They were good friends ofDuryodhana,and fought for his cause in theKurukshetra War.

Viraja

In the Harivamsa, (an appendix ofMahabharata), the spouse ofNahushais mentioned to be Viraja, the daughter ofPitrs.Later, she was replaced byAshokasundari,the daughter of goddess Parvati and Shiva.

Virata

Main article:Virata

In the epic, Virata was the king ofMatsya Kingdomwith itsVirata Kingdom,in whose court thePandavasspent a year in concealment during their exile. Virata was married to QueenSudeshnaand was the father of PrinceUttaraand PrincessUttarā,who marriedAbhimanyu,the son ofArjuna.

Vishoka

Vishoka was the charioteer of Pandava Bhima during the Kurukshetra War.

Vrihanta

Main article:Vrihanta

Vrihanta was king of the Ulukas. His name appears at several places in theMahabharata.

Vridhakshtra

He was former king ofSinghuKingdom. He was father ofJayadrathaand Vijayadratha. He later became a rishi. WhenArjunabeheaded his son Jayadratha, his head came on his lap while he was doing tapa and when he stood up and Jayadratha's head blasted, killing Vridhakshtra.

Vrishaketu

Main article:Vrishaketu

Vrishaketu is a figure in the Sanskrit epic Mahabharata. He was the youngest and only surviving son ofKarnaand Arjuna teaches him many more skills of great warrior. Later, he becomes King of Anga.

Vrishasena

Main article:Vrishasena

Vrishasena was the son of Karna and Vrishali. With his father, he entered battle field on the 11th day of Kurukshetra war and fought for Kauravas. He was killed by the pandavas, his uncles to avenge abhimanyu's death,who later blessed him on his deathbed.

Vyasa

Main article:Vyasa

Vyasa was the author of epicMahabharata.According to theMahabharata,the sage Vyasa was the son ofSatyavatiandParashara.He was also the surrogate father of Dhritarashtra, Pandu and Vidura. They were born throughNiyoga.Later, he helped in birth of 101 children of Dhritarashtra and Gandhari. He also helped the Pandavas many times.

Y

Yama

Main article:Yama (Hinduism)

In the epic, the death godYama—often identified with the god Dharma—is the spiritual father ofYudhishthira.He was the first god invoked byKuntiafter her marriage using a mantra as herhusbandcould not conceive. Yama also appeared in the tale ofSavitri and Satyavan.In the story, he tried to take Satyavan's soul during his predestined time of death, but Savitri was able to persuade the deity to let her husband live. Dharma, later in the epic, appears testing Yudhishthira by taking form of a yaksha. When the Pandavas and Draupadi departed to heaven, he accompanied them by taking the form of a dog and was the only survivor left, along with Yudhishthira. In the end, he showed his true form to Yudhishthira.

Yamuna

Main article:Yamuna in Hinduism

Yamuna or Yami is a river goddess. She is the daughter ofSuryaandSaranyuas well as the twin ofYama.In the epic, she appears as Kalindi, becoming one ofKrishna's eight wives.

Yashoda

Main article:Yashoda

Yashoda is the wife ofNanda(head of Gokulam) and the foster-mother of Krishna andBalarama.Krishna and Balarama spent their childhood with Yashoda and Nanda, and the couple took care of them. Her daughter, who was Vishnu'sYogamaya,was swapped byVasudevawith Krishna during the birth of the deity.

Yaudheya

Yaudheya was the son of Yudhishthira and Devika, and the grandson of Govasena, who was the king ofSivi Kingdom.Yaudheya succeeded his grandfather after his death in theKurukshetra War.

According to theMatsya Purana,Yaudheya is also the name of the eldest son ofPrativindhyaand his first wife Subala, however he does not succeed Yudhishthira to the throne of Hastinapura as he inherits his maternal kingdom.

Yayati

Main article:Yayati

Yayati was an ancestor ofShantanuand the son of kingNahushaandAshokasundari,the daughter of goddessParvati.He had two wives,DevayaniandSharmishtha.

Yogamaya

Main article:Yogamaya

Yogamaya or Vindhyavasini is a goddess who is the personified divine energy of the deity Vishnu. She was the daughter ofYashodaandNanda,the foster parents ofKrishna.Krishna and Yogamaya were born onthe same day.They were exchanged by their parents to save Krishna fromKamsa.Many believe thatSubhadrawas her reincarnation.

Yudhishthira

Main article:Yudhishthira

Yudhishthira was the first among the fivePandavas,granted by death god Yama toPanduandKunti.He became the king ofIndraprasthaand later ofHastinapura(Kuru). He was the leader of the successfulPandavaside in theKurukshetra War.At the end of the epic, heascended to heaven.He was also blessed with the spiritual vision of second sight by a celestialrishias a boon.

Yuyutsu

Main article:Yuyutsu

Yuyutsu was the illegitimate son ofDhritarashtrawith a Vaishya woman who his wifeGandhari's maid. He was the paternal half–sibling to Gandhari's children:Duryodhanaand the rest of the hundred Kaurava brothers and their sisterDushala.He was the only son of Dhritarashtra who survived theKurukshetraWar.

Sources

• Mani, Vettam (1975).Puranic encyclopaedia: a comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature.Robarts – University of Toronto. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass.ISBN9780842608220.
• Chakravarti, Bishnupada (2007-11-13).Penguin Companion to the Mahabharata.Penguin UK.ISBN978-93-5214-170-8.
• Dalal, Roshen (2014-04-18).Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide.Penguin UK.ISBN978-81-8475-277-9.