Roll of Dhritarashtra in Mahabharata

 Roll of Dhritarashtra in Mahabharata

Blind King: Dhritarashtra was born blind, and due to his blindness, he couldn't ascend the throne of Hastinapura. Instead, his younger brother Pandu became the king.

Father of Kauravas: Dhritarashtra fathered one hundred sons, known as the Kauravas, with his wife Gandhari. The most well-known among them were Duryodhana and Dushasana.

Regent during Pandu's Absence: Dhritarashtra acted as the regent of Hastinapura when his brother Pandu went into exile. During this time, Dhritarashtra made decisions on behalf of Pandu's sons, the Pandavas.

Blindness as a Symbol: Dhritarashtra's physical blindness is often interpreted as a metaphor for his moral and spiritual blindness. He often struggled to see the right course of action and allowed his love for his eldest son, Duryodhana, to cloud his judgment.

Concern for Duryodhana: Throughout the Mahabharata, Dhritarashtra's primary concern was the well-being and success of his eldest son, Duryodhana. This paternal bias contributed to the escalating conflicts in the epic.



Attempt to Avert War: Dhritarashtra made attempts to prevent the Kurukshetra War, fearing the catastrophic consequences. However, his inability to control Duryodhana and make just decisions ultimately led to the war.

Relationship with Vidura: Dhritarashtra had a wise half-brother named Vidura who often counseled him. Despite Vidura's valuable advice, Dhritarashtra struggled to act impartially due to his attachment to Duryodhana.

Grieving for Sons: Dhritarashtra experienced immense grief upon learning about the death of his sons during the Kurukshetra War. This grief was heightened by the realization that his attachment and flawed decisions played a role in the tragedy.

Survivor of the War: Dhritarashtra survived the Kurukshetra War but faced further challenges during the post-war period, including the unraveling of the Kaurava dynasty.

Renunciation: In the end, Dhritarashtra renounced the throne and went into the forest to lead an ascetic life, seeking spiritual solace after the profound losses and destruction caused by the war.








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