Introduction
Shikhandi is a child of Drupada, born as a girl, Shikhandini, and raised as a boy. He is traditionally identified with Amba, the princess who swore to take revenge on Bhishma.
This article primarily follows the Mahabharata. Where a well-known detail comes from a Puranic or later source, the article identifies it.
Family
- Father: Drupada
- Siblings: Draupadi, Dhrishtadyumna, Satyajit
Rebirth of Amba
After Bhishma took her from her swayamvara, Amba was rejected by her intended husband and by Bhishma. She swore that she would cause his death, and was reborn as Shikhandini in Drupada's house. She later exchanged sex with a Yaksha named Sthuna and became a man.
The war
Bhishma refused to fight Shikhandi, since he had once been a woman. On the tenth day Arjuna stood behind Shikhandi and shot Bhishma down.