The Mahabharata is one of the greatest epics of ancient India, narrating the story of the Kuru dynasty, a lineage of powerful kings and warriors. The family tree of the Mahabharata revolves around the conflict between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, who fought in the legendary Kurukshetra War.

In this article, we will explore the detailed family tree of the Mahabharata, tracing the lineage from its earliest ancestors to the generation after the war.

Origins of the Kuru Dynasty

The Kuru dynasty originated from King Kuru, a noble ruler who established Dharma (righteousness) in his kingdom. His descendants ruled over Hastinapura, which later became the center of the Mahabharata’s events.

Early Ancestors

  • King Kuru – Founder of the Kuru dynasty, known for his devotion to righteousness.
  • Shantanu – A powerful Kuru king, father of Bhishma.
  • Bhishma (Devavrata) – A legendary warrior who took a vow of celibacy to ensure his father’s marriage.

Mahabharata Family Tree: Key Generations

1. King Shantanu & His Lineage

King Shantanu had two wives: Ganga and Satyavati. His children formed two major branches of the Kuru dynasty.

Children of King Shantanu

  1. Bhishma (Son of Ganga) – Took a vow of celibacy and did not have children.
  2. Chitrangada (Son of Satyavati) – Died in battle without heirs.
  3. Vichitravirya (Son of Satyavati) – Married Ambika and Ambalika but died childless.

2. The Birth of Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidura

Since Vichitravirya had no heirs, Sage Vyasa (Satyavati’s son from Rishi Parashara) performed Niyoga (divine conception) to produce heirs.

Sons of Vichitravirya (via Sage Vyasa)

  1. Dhritarashtra (Born to Ambika) – Blind from birth, father of the Kauravas.
  2. Pandu (Born to Ambalika) – Father of the Pandavas but cursed to die if he engaged in physical relations.
  3. Vidura (Born to a maid) – Wise minister and an incarnation of Dharma (Yama).

3. The Kauravas (Sons of Dhritarashtra & Gandhari)

Dhritarashtra and Gandhari had 100 sons (the Kauravas) and one daughter, Dushala. The Kauravas were led by:

  1. Duryodhana – The eldest and most ambitious Kaurava.
  2. Dushasana – Loyal brother of Duryodhana, known for his cruelty.
  3. Vikarna – The only Kaurava who opposed the disrobing of Draupadi.
  4. Dushala – Married Jayadratha, the Sindhu king.

4. The Pandavas (Sons of Pandu & Kunti/Madri)

Since Pandu was cursed to die if he had physical relations, his wives Kunti and Madri used divine boons to have children.

Sons of Kunti (From Different Devas)

  1. Yudhishthira (Son of Dharma) – The eldest Pandava and rightful king.
  2. Bhima (Son of Vayu) – Strongest warrior.
  3. Arjuna (Son of Indra) – The greatest archer.

Sons of Madri (From Ashwini Kumaras)

  1. Nakula – A great swordsman.
  2. Sahadeva – A skilled astrologer and warrior.

5. Wives of the Pandavas

All five Pandavas shared Draupadi as their wife. They also had other wives:

  • Yudhishthira → Married Draupadi, Devika.
  • Bhima → Married Draupadi, Hidimba (Mother of Ghatotkacha), Balandhara.
  • Arjuna → Married Draupadi, Subhadra (Sister of Krishna, Mother of Abhimanyu), Chitrangada, Ulupi.
  • Nakula → Married Draupadi, Karenumati.
  • Sahadeva → Married Draupadi, Vijaya.

6. The Next Generation: Sons of the Pandavas & Kauravas

The next generation played crucial roles in the Kurukshetra War.

Sons of the Pandavas

  • Prativindhya (Son of Yudhishthira)
  • Sutasoma (Son of Bhima)
  • Shrutakirti (Son of Arjuna)
  • Shatanika (Son of Nakula)
  • Shrutasena (Son of Sahadeva)
  • Abhimanyu (Son of Arjuna & Subhadra) – Killed in battle.
  • Ghatotkacha (Son of Bhima & Hidimba) – A demon warrior.

Sons of the Kauravas

  • Lakshmana (Son of Duryodhana) – Killed in war.
  • Lakshman Kumara (Son of Dushasana) – Killed in war.

The Kurukshetra War and Aftermath

  • The war led to the destruction of almost all Kauravas and many Pandavas’ sons.
  • Yudhishthira became the king of Hastinapura, ruling with Krishna’s guidance.
  • After ruling for years, the Pandavas left for the Himalayas, eventually reaching heaven (Swarga).

Conclusion: The Importance of Family Lineage

The Mahabharata family tree showcases the importance of lineage, destiny, and Dharma. Understanding your own family history can help preserve your legacy, just like the Pandavas and Kauravas. You can create your own digital family tree using the Family Root App.

✅ Discover your ancestry
✅ Share family history
✅ Connect with relatives
✅ Preserve traditions for future generations

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