# The Pāṇḍava family and associates > [!summary] > *The Pāṇḍavas and their associates form the central characters of the Mahābhārata and play a crucial role in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Their relationships with Lord Kṛṣṇa exemplify various devotional moods, from friendship to reverence. Understanding how these personalities connect helps illuminate the social and spiritual dynamics of Vedic culture.* ![[images/all-catalogs/0063_BG--7.jpg]] ## The Family Tree The Pāṇḍavas descended from the Kuru dynasty through King Pāṇḍu. Their mother **Kuntī** was the sister of Vasudeva (Kṛṣṇa's father), making the Pāṇḍavas Kṛṣṇa's cousins. **Bhīṣma** was the grandfather of both the Pāṇḍavas and Kauravas, while **Vidura** was their uncle (son of Vyāsa by a maidservant). ## Key Relationships ### Arjuna and Krishna **Arjuna** enjoyed the most intimate friendship with Kṛṣṇa. The Lord served as his charioteer and spoke the Bhagavad-gītā to him. Their relationship exemplifies *sakhya-rasa* (friendship): ![[bg/4/3]] ![[bg/11/41-42]] ### Yudhisthira the Righteous King **King Yudhiṣṭhira** was the eldest Pāṇḍava and embodiment of dharma. After the Kurukṣetra war, he performed the Rājasūya and Aśvamedha sacrifices under Kṛṣṇa's guidance: ![[sb/1/9/12]] ![[sb/1/10/3]] ### Kunti's Devotion **Queen Kuntī** offered profound prayers to Kṛṣṇa as He prepared to leave for Dvārakā. Her prayers reveal deep philosophical understanding clothed in maternal affection: ![[sb/1/8/18]] ![[sb/1/8/23]] ### Bhishma's Final Instructions **Bhīṣmadeva** lay on his bed of arrows for 58 days, during which time he instructed Yudhiṣṭhira on dharma and offered prayers to Kṛṣṇa. 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 Ṛṣi: ![[sb/1/13/1]] ![[sb/3/4/36#translation]] ## 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|Arjuna]] — Kṛṣṇa's intimate friend - [[wiki/articles/king-yudhisthira|King Yudhiṣṭhira]] — The dharma-rāja - [[wiki/articles/king-pariksit|King Parīkṣit]] — Arjuna's grandson - [[wiki/articles/queen-kuntis-prayers|Queen Kuntī's prayers]] — Devotion of a mother - [[wiki/articles/bhismadeva|Bhīṣmadeva]] — The grand patriarch - [[wiki/articles/draupadi|Draupadī]] — Wife of the Pāṇḍavas ## From the Index - [[index/entries/pandavas|Pāṇḍavas]] — The five sons of Pandu - [[index/entries/kuruksetra|Kurukshetra]] — The great battle - [[index/entries/mahabharata|Mahabharata]] — The great epic