While Mahabharata is essentially a storehouse of powerful storytelling, the central characters oft dominate the discussions. Lesser-known women, however, dot the epic, stories which are equally compelling, as some of them played quite a role in shaping the course of things. Let’s look at the lives of some of the amazing women and their roles in the epic.
1. Ulupi- The Naga Princess
Ulupi is a Naga princess, lesser known but very important in Arjuna’s life. After Arjuna was exiled for breaking a marital vow, Ulupi rescued him when he was drowning in the Ganges. She fell in love with him and later married him. Their union produced a son, Iravan, who played a crucial role in the Kurukshetra war.
Ulupi’s wisdom and devotion were evident when she later revived Arjuna from a curse, showcasing her determination and loyalty. Despite being a minor character, her actions had lasting impacts on the Pandavas’ journey.
2. Hidimba – The Rakshasi Queen
Another interesting character whose story is mostly neglected is Hidimba. Born a Rakshasi, she married Bhima after being attracted to his strength and bravery. Ghatotkacha, the son born out of this union, became a vital ally to the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra war.
Hidimba’s life was a testament to her courage and love. She willingly accepted separation from Bhima to let him fulfill his duties, dedicating her life to raising their son. Her story highlights themes of sacrifice and unconditional love.
3. Subhadra – The Warrior Princess
While it’s usual for the sisters of the heroes to be less illustrious, Subhadra was a princess, warrior, and strategist in her own right. Her contribution to training Abhimanyu in warfare and aiding the Pandavas in exile underscores the strength and resourcefulness of the character.
4. Madri – The Queen Who Sacrificed
Madri, Pandu’s second wife, is a very emotional figure in the Mahabharata. Her devotion to her husband and her selfless love for children, Nakula and Sahadeva, makes her story inspiring and tragic at the same time. She chose to immolate herself on the funeral pyre of her husband, Pandu, giving her children to Kunti. Her sacrifice represents her strong sense of duty and love.
5. Gandhari – The Blindfolded Queen
Although Gandhari is somewhat of a familiar figure, her story is often limited to being the wife of Dhritarashtra. Her choice to blindfold herself for life as a sign of solidarity with her blind husband speaks to both her loyalty and silent suffering.
The deep sense of dharma in Gandhari and her curse on Krishna after the Kurukshetra war underscores her influence on the epic’s moral fabric. Her story is a reminder of the pain endured by those caught in the crossfire of ambition and conflict.
Legacy of These Women
The lesser-known women of the Mahabharata tell tales that bring out the range and depth of female characters within the epic. Their stories of courage, sacrifice, and wisdom add much to the storyline, even though they appear in the background.
By revisiting these stories, we actually add a richness to understanding the Mahabharata but also celebrate unsung heroines who shaped it. Their lives inspire us into realizing strength and resilience in women beyond societal roles or circumstances.
