Bhanumati (Mahabharata)

According to Indian epic Mahabharata,Bhanumathi was believed to be the daughter of Chitrangada, King of Kalingas. She was married to Duryodhana of Hastinapur, the eldest son of Gandhari and Dhritrashtra.[1] As Bhanumathi wasn't directly involved in the main events of the epic, not much is written about her in the Mahabharata. In the epic, she is mainly mentioned at two places; in Stri Parva by Queen Gandhari and in Shanti Parva by sage Narada, describing her swayamvar ceremony.

Description Of Bhanumathi in Mahabharata

Bhanumathi Swayamwara described by Sage Narada[2]

After all those kings had taken their seats, O Bharata, the maiden entered the arena, accompanied by her nurse and a guard of eunuchs. Whilst being informed of the names of the kings (as she made her round), that maiden of the fairest complexion passed by the son of Dhritarashtra (as she had passed others before him).
—quote

Queen Gandhari describing Bhanumatih's pain as well as beauty[3]

Behold, O Krishna, the mother of Lakshmana, that lady of large hips, with her tresses dishevelled, that dear spouse of Duryodhana, resembling a sacrificial altar of gold. Without doubt, this damsel of great intelligence, while her mighty-armed lord was formerly alive, used to sport within the embrace of her lord’s handsome arms! Why, indeed, does not this heart of mine break into a hundred fragments at the sight of my son and grandson slain in battle? Alas, that faultless lady now smells (the head of) her son covered with blood. Now, again, that lady of fair thighs is gently rubbing Duryodhana’s body with her fair hand. At one time she is sorrowing for her lord and at another for her son. At one time she looketh on her lord, at another on her son. Behold, O Madhava, striking her head with her hands, she falls upon the breast of her heroic spouse, the king of the Kurus. Possessed of complexion like that of the filaments of the lotus, she still looketh beautiful like a lotus. The unfortunate princess now rubbeth the face of her son and now that of her lord.
—quote

Swayamvar of Bhanumathi

Duryodhana was invited to the Swayamvar of Princess Bhanumathi, the daughter of King Chitrangada. Duryodhana went to the city of Rajapura, took along his dear friend Karna, where the self choice ceremony had been organized by King of Kalingas. Many legendary rulers like Shishupala, Jarasandh, Bhishmaka, Vakra, Kapotaroman, Nila, Rukmi, Sringa, Asoka, Satadhanwan etc attended the ceremony. After the commencing of the ceremony, the lovely Bhanumathi entered the arena with garland in her hand, surrounded by her nurse maid and bodyguards. As she was being informed about the names of the participants & their lineage, she walked away from Duryodhana. Duryodhana refusing to accept her rejection and already smitten by Bhanumati, took her away on his chariot challenging other suitors to beat him & Karna. Karna successfully battled with the rest of the suitors to protect his friend. Karna easily defeated the pursuing Kings and the other royal suitors became dejected and abandoned their pursuing after seeing his fighting prowess. On reaching Hastinapur, Duryodhana justified his act by giving the example of his great grandfather Bhishma abducting three princess of Kaashi for his step brothers. Finally Bhanumati consented and Duryodhan was married to her according to the rituals. [4]

Children of Bhanumathi

Bhanumathi and Duryodhan had two children, a son Lakshman and a daughter Lakshmana. Her son Lakshman was killed by Abhimanyu in the Mahabharata war. Her daughter Lakshmana, married Samba (Krishna's son) after the latter had abducted her.

Duryodhana's implicit faith in Bhanumathi

Bhanumathi, and close friend of Duryodhana, Karna were playing a game of dice. The stake between them was substantial. As the game progressed, it was evident that Karna was winning and Bhanumathi was losing. Just then Duryodhana entered his queen's chamber. Karna had his back to the door while Bhanumathi was facing it. Seeing her husband coming, she was about to stand up. As she was just rising, Karna, thinking that she was trying to get away from the embarrassment of certain defeat in the game, snatched at her drape, studded with pearls. Tugged at by Karna's powerful hands, the thread snapped and all the pearls rolled on the floor. Queen Bhanumathi was stunned and did not know what to say or do. She was afraid that, for no fault of hers, she would be misunderstood by her husband. Seeing her shocked state and sensing that something was wrong, Karna turned round and saw his friend Duryodhana. He was also deeply shocked and distressed beyond words. Here he was, in the royal chamber, playing a game of dice with his friend's wife and, as if this was not enough, he had the audacity to catch her clothes, thus embarrassing and endangering her chaste reputation. He stood dumbfounded and transfixed. Surely, Duryodhana would not tolerate such immodesty. He readied himself for the inevitable punishment. As both she and Karna look down sheepishly, unable to meet Duryodhana's eyes, the Kaurava scion only asks: "Should I just collect the beads, or string them as well." [5] Both Bhanumathi and Karna had misjudged him. He had implicit faith and great love for his queen and greater was his faith on his friend Karna. He does not suspect, does not get angry with Karna but helps him in picking up the pearls.[6]

See also

External links

References

  1. ↑ Siyuan Liu, Kevin J. Wetmore Jr. "chapter 8 : PostIndependence Theatre in India". Modern Asian Theatre and Performance 1900-2000. A&C Black. ISBN 1408177218.
  2. ↑ Ganguli, KM. THE MAHABHARATA, BOOK 12 : SHANTI PARVA-section IV.
  3. ↑ Ganguli, KM. THE MAHABHARATA, BOOK 11 : STRI PARVA-section 17.
  4. ↑ Ganguli, KM. THE MAHABHARATA, BOOK 12 : SHANTI PARVA-section IV.
  5. ↑ rajendran, sowmya (15 July 2014). "The Good in Duryodhana, Seen as the Manifestation of Evil". The New Indian Express. THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS. Archived from the original on 2 January 2015.
  6. ↑ Manoj Kumar, Sreeram (24 March 2011). "Relationship is nourished by Trust.". SPEAKING TREE.IN. Times Internet Limited. Archived from the original on 2 January 2015.