Introduction
Yudhishthira is the eldest of the five Pandavas, the son of Kunti and, by divine parentage, of the god Dharma. He is the central figure of the Mahabharata's moral debates, and is often called Dharmaraja.
This article primarily follows the Mahabharata. Where a well-known detail comes from a Puranic or later source, the article identifies it.
Family
- Legal father: Pandu
- Divine father: Dharma
- Mother: Kunti
- Wives: Draupadi, Devika
- Siblings: Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva
- Sons: Prativindhya, Yaudheya
Birth and youth
Yudhishthira was conceived by Kunti with the god Dharma, while Pandu remained his legal father. He grew up in Hastinapura with his brothers and cousins, and was named heir by Dhritarashtra.
Indraprastha and the dice game
After the Pandavas were given Khandavaprastha, Yudhishthira built the city of Indraprastha and performed the Rajasuya sacrifice. Shakuni then challenged him to a game of dice. He lost his wealth, his kingdom, his brothers, himself and finally Draupadi. The Pandavas were exiled for twelve years, with a thirteenth year in hiding.
The exile
During the exile Yudhishthira answered the questions of a Yaksha at a lake and revived his brothers. In the thirteenth year he served King Virata as a courtier, under the name Kanka.
War and rule
Yudhishthira led the Pandava side in the war. He is said to have told a half-truth to Drona, that Ashwatthama was dead, which led to Drona's death. After the war, Bhishma taught him about kingship, and he ruled as emperor.
The end
In the Mahaprasthanika Parva, Yudhishthira and his brothers set out for the Himalayas, and he alone reached heaven, accompanied by a dog, which he refused to leave.