Pandu Character Analysis in Mahabharata

Pandu is the husband of Kunti and Madri, and his descendants are called the Pandavas. Technically, Pandu is not the biological father of any of his children due to a curse that he received: if he touched any of his wives to have sex, he would die. Eventually, his lust for Madri overcame him, and he died of the curse, leaving his children in Kunti’s care.

Pandu Character Timeline in Mahabharata

The timeline below shows where the character Pandu appears in Mahabharata. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...Vyasa, she turns pale, and so she gives birth to a pale son they call Pandu. (full context)

After the birth of Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidura, the kingdom enters the Krita Age, where everything is prosperous and peaceful. Bhishma... (full context)

As ruler, Pandu sets out on many successful military campaigns, while Dhritarashtra uses some of Pandu’s new wealth... (full context)

Pandu wants even more sons, but Kunti warns him that the children they have are sufficient,... (full context)

Eventually, Pandu can’t resist his temptation to try to have sex with Madri, but he dies immediately... (full context)