Nakula | |
---|---|
Nakula
|
|
Information | |
Family |
Pandu, Ashwini Kumaras (fathers) Madri (mother) Karna, Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna & Sahadeva (brothers) |
Spouse(s) | Draupadi, Karenumati |
Children | Satanika, Niramitra,satanika |
In the Hindu epic Mahabharata, Nakula was fourth of the five Pandava brothers. Nakula and Sahadeva were twins born to Madri, who had invoked the Ashwini Kumaras using Kunti's boon.
Its Sanskrit etymology is "he who is most handsome in the lineage". The name Nakula 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.
Nakula and his brother Sahadeva, are both called as Ashvineya(आश्विनेय), as they were born from Ashvins. He is also called Madri Nandan.
Due to Pandu's inability to bear children(because of the curse of Rishi Kindama), Kunti had to use the boon given by Sage Durvasa to give birth to her three children. She shared the boon with Pandu's second wife, Madri, who invoked the Ashwini Kumaras to beget Nakula and Sahadeva. The dark-complexioned Nakula was known to be the most handsome person in the world.
In his childhood, Nakula mastered his skills in fencing and knife throwing under his father Pandu and a hermit named Suka at the Satasringa ashram. Later, Pandu lost his life when he desired his wife's Madri company. The latter also immolated herself in her husband's pyre after giving responsibility of her sons to Kunti.
Following Pandu's death, Kunti and the five Pandavas moved to Hastinapura upon Dhritarashtra's invitation. Nakula greatly improved his archery and swordplay skills under the tutelage of Dronacharya, proving excellent in fencing and horse-riding. Along with the other Pandavas and the Kaurava, Nakula was trained in religion, science, administration, and military arts by the Kuru preceptors Kripacharya and Dronacharya.