Nakul

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Nakul is the name of one of the brothers among the five Pandavas in the Hindu epic poem, Mahabharata. Nakul and Sahadeva, both born to Madri, were not twins, fathered by the divine physicians Ashvins, who were any ways twins themselves.

Nakul, in essence, is supreme of intelligence and in the Mahabharata was extremely good-looking, full of love, and devastatingly handsome. He was compared to "Kamadeva", the god of love, due to his looks. During the 13-year exile, he smeared himself with dust, to conceal his handsome looks. He was known for his horse-riding skills and according to legend, he could ride through rain without water touching his body. Nakul was also said to be an excellent swordsman, and married a beautiful and equally loving princess named Draupadi, who also married Sahadev.

He also married Jarasandh's daughter after Bheema,(his elder brother) slew the latter, the king of Magadh.

Nakul's deep understanding of horse breeding and training is documented in the Mahabharat after the death of Nakrasur by Krishna. He was a qualified veterinary surgeon, specializing in horses. During the 13th year of exile, he lived incognito in Upaplavya city(Capital of Matysa-Desh), with the pseusonym Arishtanemi, and looked after King Viraat's royal horses.

In the great Battle of Mahabharata, he slew the Gandhaar prince Ulooka, son of Shakuni, on the 17th day of the battle.

The name Nakul generally means full of love and the male characteristics implied by the name are:

Intelligence, Focus, Hard-Work, Handsomeness, Health, Attractiveness, Success, Popularity, Respect, and unconditional Love.

- Mahabharata

Sanskrit: "Nakula" means mongoose.