# The Pandava family and associates ![[images/all-catalogs/0063_BG--7.jpg]] *The Pandavas and their associates form the central characters of the Mahabharata and play a crucial role in Srimad-Bhagavatam. Their relationships with Lord Krishna exemplify various devotional moods, from friendship to reverence. Understanding how these personalities connect helps illuminate the social and spiritual dynamics of Vedic culture.* ## The Family Tree The Pandavas descended from the Kuru dynasty through King Pandu. Their mother **Kunti** was the sister of Vasudeva (Krishna's father), making the Pandavas Krishna's cousins. **Bhishma** was the grandfather of both the Pandavas and Kauravas, while **Vidura** was their uncle (son of Vyasa by a maidservant). ## Key Relationships ### Arjuna and Krishna **Arjuna** enjoyed the most intimate friendship with Krishna. The Lord served as his charioteer and spoke the Bhagavad-gita to him. Their relationship exemplifies *sakhya-rasa* (friendship): ![[bg/4/3]] ![[bg/11/41]] ### Yudhisthira the Righteous King **King Yudhisthira** was the eldest Pandava and embodiment of dharma. After the Kurukshetra war, he performed the Rajasuya and Ashvamedha sacrifices under Krishna's guidance: ![[sb/1/9/12]] ![[sb/1/10/3]] ### Kunti's Devotion **Queen Kunti** offered profound prayers to Krishna as He prepared to leave for Dvaraka. Her prayers reveal deep philosophical understanding clothed in maternal affection: ![[sb/1/8/18]] ![[sb/1/8/23]] ### Bhishma's Final Instructions **Bhishmadeva** lay on his bed of arrows for 58 days, during which time he instructed Yudhisthira on dharma and offered prayers to Krishna. His death is exemplary for all devotees: ![[sb/1/9/22]] ![[sb/1/9/39]] ### Vidura the Wise Counselor **Vidura** was known for his wisdom and devotion. He left the palace when his advice was rejected and later received spiritual instruction from Maitreya Muni: ![[sb/1/13/1]] ![[sb/3/4/36]] ## The Network of Relationships ``` Vyasa │ ┌────────────┼────────────┐ │ │ │ Dhritarashtra Pandu Vidura │ │ (Kauravas) ┌────┼────┐ │ │ │ Kunti Madri │ │ │ │ ┌────────────┼────┼────┤ │ │ │ │ │ Yudhisthira Bhima Arjuna Nakula Sahadeva │ (Friend of) │ KRISHNA ←── cousin ──→ Kunti (sister of Vasudeva) ``` ## Their Collective Significance The Pandavas collectively demonstrate that devotees come in different temperaments: - **Yudhisthira** — dharma and righteous rule - **Bhima** — strength in service - **Arjuna** — intimate friendship - **Nakula & Sahadeva** — humble support ## Related Articles - [[wiki/articles/Arjuna the warrior devotee|Arjuna the warrior devotee]] — Krishna's intimate friend - [[wiki/articles/King Yudhisthira the righteous|King Yudhisthira the righteous]] — The dharma-raja - [[wiki/articles/Queen Kunti's prayers|Queen Kunti's prayers]] — Devotion of a mother - [[wiki/articles/Bhishmadeva the grandfather|Bhishmadeva the grandfather]] — The grand patriarch - [[wiki/articles/Vidura the wise|Vidura the wise]] — The wise counselor ## From the Index - [[index/entries/pandavas|Pandavas]] — The five sons of Pandu - [[index/entries/kurukshetra|Kurukshetra]] — The great battle - [[index/entries/mahabharata|Mahabharata]] — The great epic