Reading Notes: Gandhari: A Mother Blinded by Love

I decided to read a little about Gandhari's story this time. There was a detailed reading guide available for Amar Chitra Katha's Gandhari: A Mother Blinded by Love. I thought it would be interesting to learn more about Gandhari's perspective, especially after she saw all 100 of her sons perish in the war. Here are some of the really interesting moments in the story that showcase the power of a mother's love:

• After Gandhari gives birth to a shapeless lump, she finds herself really confused as to how she was going to give birth to 100 sons (she received a blessing from Lord Shiva previously that she would give birth to 100 sons)
• Vyasa suggests that she prepare 100 jars of ghee, and he cuts up the lump and puts a piece in each jar --> it is clear to everyone then (and becomes much easier for Gandhari as well!) how Gandhari would have 100 children
• When the Pandavas return to Hastinapura after Pandu's death, Gandhari loves the Pandavas just as much as she loves her own sons (Kauravas), as does Kunti love the Kauravas as much as she loves her own sons, despite the Pandavas and Kauravas not really getting along
• During the dice game, when Duryodhana tries to strip Draupadi, Gandhari realizes at this point that her son is evil (even though they were plenty of signs before this, but she was blinded by her love)
• Gandhari is actually the one who convinces Dhritarasthra to give back all of the Pandavas' winnings and offer Draupadi the wishes to return their kingdom
• In the second game, the Pandavas are forced to go into exile, and Arjuna vows revenge; Gandhari realizes at this point that it is inevitable that the war will happen
• Even though her sons are leaving, Kunti is asked to stay behind with Gandhari
• After the exile, Gandhari foresees that Bhima (second-oldest of Pandavas) will kill her son Duryodhana; she urges Dhritarasthra to stop the war, especially because Krishna is supporting the Pandavas; Dhritarashtra refuses
• Gandhari is obligated to bless the side of righteousness; therefore she can't bless her son
• After the war, Gandhari is angered and full of grief after her son's death
• Gandhari's angry glance actually burns Yudhisthira's toe (even from underneath her blindfold!)
• After finding Duryodhana's dead body, she criticizes Krishna for not stopping all of the bloodshed; she also curses him with the downfall of the Yadava clan and his own death

Even while knowing that her son is evil, she tries her hardest to protect the Kauravas; she is full of anger and grief after her sons' deaths. In the end, she conducts a funeral for her sons. Her anger is so strong that she burns Yudhisthira's toe and curses Krishna, the most powerful human at the time, with death. Such is the power of a mother's love!

Gandhari grieving over her sons' deaths

Bibliography: Amar Chitra Katha, Gandhari: A Mother Blinded by Love, Link.