The Divine Births of Pandavas

The Mahabharata recounts the extraordinary births of the five Pandava brothers, each birth a result of divine intervention and shaped by prophecy. These births, occurring through the blessings of various gods, highlight the unique qualities and destinies of the Pandavas and underscore the importance of dharma, strength, and valor within the Kuru lineage.

Yudhishthira: The Son of Dharma

• Yudhishthira's birth was a result of Kunti’s invocation of Dharma, the god of righteousness. Unable to conceive naturally with Pandu due to a curse, Kunti used the mantra given to her by Durvasa and summoned Dharma.
• He was born at an auspicious time when the sun was in the middle of the sky, and the moon was in conjunction with Abhijit.
• An invisible voice declared him 'supreme among those who uphold dharma,' establishing his inherent connection to righteousness and his future role as a just king. The prophecy stated he would be famous in the three worlds, radiant, and adherent to vows.

Bhima: The Mighty Warrior, Son of Vayu

• Bhima's birth is linked to the invocation of Vayu, the god of wind.
• He was described as 'mighty-armed' and terrifying in strength.
• An extraordinary event occurred sometime after his birth: he fell from his mother’s lap and shattered a mountain into fragments with his body, establishing his unparalleled strength. He would be the strongest among all those who are strong.
• Duryodhana was born on the same day as Bhima, foreshadowing their rivalry.

Arjuna: The Invincible Archer, Son of Indra

• Pandu desired a supreme son and, after consulting with maharshis, instructed Kunti to observe a sacred vow for one year.
• Pandu himself undertook rigorous austerities and meditation, standing on one leg for a year, to invoke Indra, the king of the gods.  
• Indra granted his wish, promising a son who was 'invincible, action-oriented,' and would destroy all his enemies.
• Arjuna's birth was marked by divine signs, including a thunderous roar and a shower of flowers. Prophecies foretold his future accomplishments, stating he would be like Kartavirya and Shibi in prowess and invincible like Indra. He would vanquish enemies, perform three yajnas, regain lost fortune, and was equal to Vishnu in valor.
• Arjuna’s birth was celebrated by a celestial gathering, including gods, gandharvas, apsaras, hermits, and powerful beings, with musical performances and dances.

The Twins Nakula and Sahadeva: The Sons of the Ashvins

• Madri, Pandu’s second wife, desired children and asked Pandu to speak to Kunti to arrange for her to have sons.
• Pandu asked Kunti to grant Madri children, and Kunti agreed to share the secret mantra to conceive through the gods. Kunti told Madri to think of a god and through him, she would obtain a son.
• Madri thought of the Ashvins and obtained twin sons: Nakula and Sahadeva.
• The twins' beauty was unmatched on earth. An invisible voice stated that they would be beautiful, brave, righteous, and possess qualities surpassing all men. The inhabitants of the Shatashringa mountains performed their birth rites.

Social Norms and Kunti's Refusal

• Despite the extraordinary nature of the births, social norms still played a significant role.
• After the birth of her three sons, Kunti refused Pandu’s desire for a fourth son, citing social dharma. She argued that bearing a fourth child would label a woman as promiscuous.
• She also felt deceived by Madri because she had been given the secret to be used once, but Madri used it to obtain two children and she was worried that Madri would get the better of her.

The births of the five Pandavas are more than mere events; they are cosmic occurrences shaped by divine favor, prophecies, and the importance of lineage. The births of Yudhishthira, Bhima, and Arjuna are particularly significant, as they are the result of specific austerities and divine interventions that set the stage for their future roles. The text emphasizes the significance of dharma, strength, and valor in the lives of the Pandavas, establishing the foundation for their future conflicts and triumphs. The births of Nakula and Sahadeva also establish their important place in the epic. Even within miraculous births, social norms and expectations of motherhood are clearly introduced and play a role in the narrative.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi