23 Facts About Kunti

Kunti, born Pritha, was the queen of Kuru in the Hindu epic Mahabharata.

Kunti was married to Pandu and is the mother of Karna, Yudhishthira, Bhima, and Arjuna.

Subsequent to Yudhishthira's ascension to the throne of the Kurus, Kunti retired to the forest along with other Kuru elders, eventually passing away in a forest fire.

Kunti's name is believed to possess purifying qualities, capable of dispelling sin when recited.

Kunti is lauded as the epitome of maturity, foresight, and dutiful womanhood.

Kunti was the biological daughter of Shurasena, a Yadava ruler.

Kunti is said to be the reincarnation of the goddess Siddhi.

Out of fear of the public and with no choice, Kunti put the child in a basket and set him afloat the Ganga river.

Kunti chose King Pandu of Hastinapur, making her the Queen of Hastinapur.

Kunti was disturbed by her husband's actions, but eventually reconciled with him and treated Madri as a sister.

Kunti happily advised her to beget children by suitable, illustrious men.

Kunti invoked Ashvins for Madri on her behest and Madri gave birth to twin sons, Nakula and Sahadeva.

Kunti gave special care to Madreyas especially Sahadeva, the youngest one.

Kunti was left helpless in the forest with her children.

Kunti engineered a plot where Bhima would be able to face and kill the demon.

Bhima is reluctant, but Kunti ordered Bhima to marry Hidimbi seeing merit in the woman.

Kunti was shocked after realizing the implications of her words, that is, all of the Pandavas married Draupadi thinking that they are obeying their mother's orders.

Kunti chose to stay in Vidura's house rather than the royal palace.

Kunti promised that at the end of the war she would still have five sons, the fifth one be either Arjuna or Karna himself.

Pradip Bhattacharya, a scholar of the Mahabharata and author of Panchakanya: "One-in Herself" Why Kunti Remains a Kanya, highlights her as a symbol of strong womanhood, noting her resolve, adaptability, and the critical role she played in her sons' lives.

Kunti's agency is first demonstrated in her selection of Pandu at her svayamvara and her subsequent loyalty in following him into exile, despite his marriage to Madri.

When Pandu requests that Kunti conceive sons through other men, she initially resists, revealing her personal integrity and resolve.

Kunti ultimately agrees the choice of divine progenitors is not hers; it rests with Pandu, underlining the limitations of her autonomy within her marriage.