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Nakula

The fourth Pandava, a swordsman and horse expert, son of Madri and the Ashvins.

Accounts of this vary across texts and traditions. This entry primarily follows Mahabharata, with other tellings (Puranic traditions (Harivamsha, Bhagavata Purana), Regional retellings) noted where relevant.

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Relationships

Parents
Pandu · Madri
Spouse
Draupadi · Karenumati
Siblings
Arjuna · Bhima · Sahadeva · Yudhishthira
Children
Niramitra · Shatanika

Introduction

Nakula is one of the twin sons of Madri, and one of the five Pandavas. He is the son of the twin gods called the Ashvins by divine parentage.

Family

Skills

Nakula was known for his handsomeness, his horsemanship and his knowledge of horses. During the year of hiding at the court of Virata, he worked as a horse trainer under the name Granthika.

Family

He married Draupadi, and later Karenumati, a princess of Chedi. Their son was Niramitra. His son by Draupadi was Shatanika.

Sources

  1. Mahabharata, Adi Parva (primary text) — https://sacred-texts.com/hin/maha/index.htm
  2. Mahabharata, Virata Parva (primary text) — https://sacred-texts.com/hin/maha/index.htm

This entry is independently written for myVamsam using the sources listed above. Where traditions differ, this entry identifies the relevant tradition rather than presenting one account as universally established fact.