In the
Hindu
Hindus (; ) are people who religiously adhere to Hinduism. Jeffery D. Long (2007), A Vision for Hinduism, IB Tauris, , pages 35–37 Historically, the term has also been used as a geographical, cultural, and later religious identifier for ...
epic
Mahabharata
The ''Mahābhārata'' ( ; sa, महाभारतम्, ', ) is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India in Hinduism, the other being the '' Rāmāyaṇa''. It narrates the struggle between two groups of cousins in the K ...
, ''Nakula'' (
Sanskrit
Sanskrit (; attributively , ; nominally , , ) is a classical language belonging to the Indo-Aryan languages, Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European languages. It arose in South Asia after its predecessor languages had Trans-cultural diffusion ...
: नकुल) was fourth of the five
Pandava brothers. Nakula and
Sahadeva
Sahadeva ( Sanskrit: सहदेव) was the youngest of the Pandava brothers, the five principal protagonists of the epic '' Mahabharata''. He and his twin brother, Nakula, were blessed to King Pandu and Queen Madri by invoking the twin god ...
were
twins blessed to
Madri, by
Ashwini Kumaras
The Ashvins ( sa, अश्विन्, Aśvin, horse possessors), also known as Ashwini Kumara and Asvinau,, §1.42. are Hindu twin gods associated with medicine, health, dawn and sciences. In the ''Rigveda'', they are described as youthful div ...
, the divine physicians. Their parents
Pandu and Madri - died early, so the twins were adopted by their step-mother,
Kunti and were trained by
Drona in
Hastinapura.
Skilled in ''
Ayurveda
Ayurveda () is an alternative medicine system with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent. The theory and practice of Ayurveda is pseudoscientific. Ayurveda is heavily practiced in India and Nepal, where around 80% of the population rep ...
'', sword fighting, and horse keeping, Apart from Nakula, Lord Krishna (Bhuvan Sundar) is regarded as the most handsome man in the Mahabharata. Nakul had two wives -
Draupadi
Draupadi ( sa, द्रौपदी, draupadī, Daughter of Drupada), also referred to as Krishnaa, Panchali, and Yagyaseni, is the main female protagonist of the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata,'' and the common consort of the five Pandava brothe ...
, the common wife of the five brothers, and
Karenumati
The ''Mahabharata'' is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India; it was composed by the sage Vyasa. The most important characters of ''Mahabharata'' can be said to include: Krishna; the Pandavas Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula ...
, daughter of the Chedi king
Shishupala. For Yudhishthira's
Rajasuya, he conquered the Sivis, the Rohitakas and other dynasties. After the game of dice, the Pandavas and Draupadi were sent into exile for 13 years with the last year being incognito. During the incognito, Nakula disguised himself as a horse trainer named Granthika. In the Kurukshetra War, Nakula killed many warriors, including Vrikasura,
Shakuni's son.
Etymology and other names
In Sanskrit, the word ''nakula'' means "mongoose" or "mongoose-colored."
Nakula and his brother Sahadeva are both also referred to in the epic as Āśvineya, Aśvinīsuta and Aśvisuta because they are the sons of the
Ashvins and as Mādravatīputra, Mādravatīsuta, Mādreya, Mādrinandana, Mādrinandanaka, Mādrīputra, Mādrīsuta, Mādrītanūja because they are the sons of Mādrī.
Birth and early years
Due to
Pandu's inability to bear children (because of the curse of Rishi
Kindama
Kindama ( sa, किन्दम) is a rishi featured in the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata''.
Legend
Once, the sage and his wife were mating in the form of a deer and a doe. King Pandu of Hastinapura
Hastinapur is a city in the Meerut distric ...
),
Kunti had to use the boon given by Sage
Durvasa
In Hindu scriptures, Durvasa ( sa, दुर्वासा, ) also known as Durvasas ( Sanskrit: दुर्वासस्), is a legendary rishi (sage). He is the son of Anasuya and Atri. According to some Puranas, Durvasa is a partial avat ...
to give birth to her three children. She shared the boon with
Pandu's second wife,
Madri, who invoked the
Ashwini Kumaras
The Ashvins ( sa, अश्विन्, Aśvin, horse possessors), also known as Ashwini Kumara and Asvinau,, §1.42. are Hindu twin gods associated with medicine, health, dawn and sciences. In the ''Rigveda'', they are described as youthful div ...
to beget Nakula and
Sahadeva
Sahadeva ( Sanskrit: सहदेव) was the youngest of the Pandava brothers, the five principal protagonists of the epic '' Mahabharata''. He and his twin brother, Nakula, were blessed to King Pandu and Queen Madri by invoking the twin god ...
. Nakula was known to be the most handsome person in the
Kuru
Kuru may refer to:
Anthropology and history
* Kuru (disease), a type of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy associated with the cannibalistic funeral practices of the Fore people
* Kuru (mythology), part of Meithei mythology
* Kuru Kingdom, ...
lineage.
In his childhood, Nakula mastered his skills in fencing and knife throwing under his father
Pandu and a hermit named Suka at the Satasringa ashram. Later,
Pandu lost his life when he attempted to make love with his wife,
Madri. The latter also immolated herself in her husband's pyre (
sati). Thus, Nakula along with his
brothers moved to
Hastinapura where he was brought up by
Kunti. Kunti loved him as much as her own sons.
Nakula greatly improved his archery and swordplay skills under the tutelage of
Drona. Nakula turned out to be an accomplished wielder of the sword. Along with the other
Pandava brothers, Nakula was trained in religion, science, administration, and military arts by the
Kuru
Kuru may refer to:
Anthropology and history
* Kuru (disease), a type of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy associated with the cannibalistic funeral practices of the Fore people
* Kuru (mythology), part of Meithei mythology
* Kuru Kingdom, ...
preceptors
Kripacharya and
Dronacharya. He was particularly skilled at horse-riding.
Skills
* ''Horse-keeping'': Nakula's deep understanding of
horse breeding and training is documented in the Mahabharata after the death of
Narakasura by Krishna. In a conversation with Virata, Nakula claimed to know the art of treating all illnesses of horses. He was also a highly skilled charioteer.
* ''Ayurveda'': Being a son of the physicians,
Ashwini Kumaras
The Ashvins ( sa, अश्विन्, Aśvin, horse possessors), also known as Ashwini Kumara and Asvinau,, §1.42. are Hindu twin gods associated with medicine, health, dawn and sciences. In the ''Rigveda'', they are described as youthful div ...
, Nakula was also believed to be an expert in
Ayurveda
Ayurveda () is an alternative medicine system with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent. The theory and practice of Ayurveda is pseudoscientific. Ayurveda is heavily practiced in India and Nepal, where around 80% of the population rep ...
.
* ''Swordsman'': Nakula was a brilliant swordsman and he showed his skills of a sword while killing the sons of
Karna
Karna (Sanskrit: कर्ण, IAST: ''Karṇa''), also known as Vasusena, Anga-raja, and Radheya, is one of the main protagonists of the Hindu epic '' Mahābhārata''. He is the son of the sun god Surya and princess Kunti (mother of the ...
on the 18th day of
Kurukshetra war.
Marriage and Children
When the Pandavas and their mother, Kunti were in hiding after the event of
Lakshagriha, Arjuna won
Draupadi's hand in marriage. Nakula married her along with his
brothers and had a son,
Shatanika who was killed by
Ashwatthama in the
Kurukshetra War.
He also married
Karenumati
The ''Mahabharata'' is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India; it was composed by the sage Vyasa. The most important characters of ''Mahabharata'' can be said to include: Krishna; the Pandavas Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula ...
, the daughter of
Shishupala, who bore him one son,
Niramitra.
Conquest for Rajasuya
Nakula was sent west by
Yudhisthira
''Yudhishthira'' ( Sanskrit: युधिष्ठिर, IAST: ''Yudhiṣṭhira'') is the eldest among the five Pandava brothers. He is mentioned in the ancient epic Mahabharata. He was sired by King Pandu of the Kuru Dynasty and his firs ...
to subjugate kingdoms for the
Rajasuya sacrifice, after crowning as the Emperor of
Indraprastha. Nakula set forth to the kingdom once dominated by
Vasudeva with a huge army. He first attacked the prosperous mountainous country of
Rohitaka. He defeated the Mattamyurakas of the land in a fierce encounter. In another battle with the sage Akrosha, Nakula subjugated the regions of
Sairishaka and
Mahetta. He also defeated many tribes and small dynasties, including the
Dasarnas, the
Sivis, the
Trigartas
Trigarta kingdom was an ancient kingdom in northern Indian region of the Indian subcontinent with its capital at Prasthala (modern Jalandhar), Multan and Kangra.
Trigarta was founded and ruled by the vrishni Dynasty.
Mention in Mahabharata
Tr ...
, the Amvashtas, the
Malavas
The Malavas (Brahmi script: 𑀫𑁆𑀫𑀸𑀭𑀯 ''Mmālava'') or Malwas were an ancient Indian tribe. Modern scholars identify them with the Mallian people (Malloi) who were settled in the Punjab region at the time of Alexander's invasion ...
, the five tribes of the
Karnatas, the
Madhyamakeyas, the
Vattadhanas and the Utsava-sanketas.
Exile
Yudhishthira's loss in the game of dice meant that all
Pandavas had to live in exile for 13 years. Once in exile,
Jatasura
Jatāsura (जटासुर) was a Rakshasa who disguised himself as a brahmin and carried Yudhishthira, Sahadeva, Nakula, and Draupadi. He was overtaken and killed by Bhima.
According to the Mahabharata (Book III: Varna Parva, Section 156), Jat ...
, disguised as a
Brahmin
Brahmin (; sa, ब्राह्मण, brāhmaṇa) is a varna as well as a caste within Hindu society. The Brahmins are designated as the priestly class as they serve as priests ( purohit, pandit, or pujari) and religious teachers ( ...
, kidnapped Nakula along with
Draupadi
Draupadi ( sa, द्रौपदी, draupadī, Daughter of Drupada), also referred to as Krishnaa, Panchali, and Yagyaseni, is the main female protagonist of the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata,'' and the common consort of the five Pandava brothe ...
,
Sahadeva
Sahadeva ( Sanskrit: सहदेव) was the youngest of the Pandava brothers, the five principal protagonists of the epic '' Mahabharata''. He and his twin brother, Nakula, were blessed to King Pandu and Queen Madri by invoking the twin god ...
and
Yudhishthira
''Yudhishthira'' ( Sanskrit: युधिष्ठिर, IAST: ''Yudhiṣṭhira'') is the eldest among the five Pandava brothers. He is mentioned in the ancient epic Mahabharata. He was sired by King Pandu of the Kuru Dynasty and his fir ...
.
Bhima rescued them eventually and in the fight that ensued, Nakula killed Kshemankara, Mahamaha, and Suratha. In the 13th year, Nakula disguised himself as an
ostler and assumed the name of ''Granthika'' (between themselves, the
Pandavas called him ''Jayasena'') at the
Kingdom of Virata. He worked as a horse-trainer who looked after horses in the royal stable.
Role in the Kurukshetra War
Nakula desired
Drupada to be the general of the Pandava army, but
Yudhishthira
''Yudhishthira'' ( Sanskrit: युधिष्ठिर, IAST: ''Yudhiṣṭhira'') is the eldest among the five Pandava brothers. He is mentioned in the ancient epic Mahabharata. He was sired by King Pandu of the Kuru Dynasty and his fir ...
and
Arjuna opted for
Dhristadyumna.
As a warrior, Nakula slew prominent war-heroes on the enemy side. The flag of Nakula's chariot bore the image of a
red deer
The red deer (''Cervus elaphus'') is one of the largest deer species. A male red deer is called a stag or hart, and a female is called a hind. The red deer inhabits most of Europe, the Caucasus Mountains region, Anatolia, Iran, and parts of ...
with a golden back. Nakula was the leader of one of the seven Akshahuni.
On the 1st day of the war, Nakula defeated
Dussasana
Dushasana ( sa, दुःशासन, , ), also spelled Duhshasana, Dussasana or Duhsasana, also known as Sushasana, is an antagonist in the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata''. He was second eldest among the Kaurava princes and the younger brother of ...
, sparing his life so that
Bhima could fulfill his oath.
On the 11th day, Nakula defeated
Shalya, destroying his chariot.
On the 13th day, his advance into
Dronacharya's formation was repulsed by
Jayadratha.
On the night of the 14th day, he vanquished
Shakuni.
On the 15th day, he was defeated by Duryodhana in a one-on-one duel.
On the 16th day, he was defeated and spared by
Karna
Karna (Sanskrit: कर्ण, IAST: ''Karṇa''), also known as Vasusena, Anga-raja, and Radheya, is one of the main protagonists of the Hindu epic '' Mahābhārata''. He is the son of the sun god Surya and princess Kunti (mother of the ...
.
On the 18th day, he killed
Karna
Karna (Sanskrit: कर्ण, IAST: ''Karṇa''), also known as Vasusena, Anga-raja, and Radheya, is one of the main protagonists of the Hindu epic '' Mahābhārata''. He is the son of the sun god Surya and princess Kunti (mother of the ...
's sons Chitrasena, Satyasena and Sushena.
Later life and death
After
the war,
Yudhishthira
''Yudhishthira'' ( Sanskrit: युधिष्ठिर, IAST: ''Yudhiṣṭhira'') is the eldest among the five Pandava brothers. He is mentioned in the ancient epic Mahabharata. He was sired by King Pandu of the Kuru Dynasty and his fir ...
appointed Nakula as the King of Northern
Madra and
Sahadeva
Sahadeva ( Sanskrit: सहदेव) was the youngest of the Pandava brothers, the five principal protagonists of the epic '' Mahabharata''. He and his twin brother, Nakula, were blessed to King Pandu and Queen Madri by invoking the twin god ...
as King of southern
Madra.
Upon the onset of
Kali Yuga and the departure of
Krishna
Krishna (; sa, कृष्ण ) is a major deity in Hinduism. He is worshipped as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and also as the Supreme god in his own right. He is the god of protection, compassion, tenderness, and love; and is on ...
, the
Pandavas retired. Giving up all their belongings and ties, the
Pandavas and
Draupadi
Draupadi ( sa, द्रौपदी, draupadī, Daughter of Drupada), also referred to as Krishnaa, Panchali, and Yagyaseni, is the main female protagonist of the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata,'' and the common consort of the five Pandava brothe ...
, along with a dog, made their final journey of pilgrimage to the
Himalayas
The Himalayas, or Himalaya (; ; ), is a mountain range in Asia, separating the plains of the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau. The range has some of the planet's highest peaks, including the very highest, Mount Everest. Over 10 ...
.
Except
Yudhishthira
''Yudhishthira'' ( Sanskrit: युधिष्ठिर, IAST: ''Yudhiṣṭhira'') is the eldest among the five Pandava brothers. He is mentioned in the ancient epic Mahabharata. He was sired by King Pandu of the Kuru Dynasty and his fir ...
, all of the
Pandavas grew weak and died before reaching heaven. Nakula was the third one to fall after
Draupadi
Draupadi ( sa, द्रौपदी, draupadī, Daughter of Drupada), also referred to as Krishnaa, Panchali, and Yagyaseni, is the main female protagonist of the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata,'' and the common consort of the five Pandava brothe ...
and
Sahadeva
Sahadeva ( Sanskrit: सहदेव) was the youngest of the Pandava brothers, the five principal protagonists of the epic '' Mahabharata''. He and his twin brother, Nakula, were blessed to King Pandu and Queen Madri by invoking the twin god ...
. When
Bhima asked
Yudhishthira
''Yudhishthira'' ( Sanskrit: युधिष्ठिर, IAST: ''Yudhiṣṭhira'') is the eldest among the five Pandava brothers. He is mentioned in the ancient epic Mahabharata. He was sired by King Pandu of the Kuru Dynasty and his fir ...
why Nakula fell,
Yudhishthira
''Yudhishthira'' ( Sanskrit: युधिष्ठिर, IAST: ''Yudhiṣṭhira'') is the eldest among the five Pandava brothers. He is mentioned in the ancient epic Mahabharata. He was sired by King Pandu of the Kuru Dynasty and his fir ...
replied that Nakula took pride in his beauty and believed that there was nobody equal to him in looks.
References
Sources
*
*
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{{authority control
Characters in the Mahabharata