Significance of Yudhishthira
Yudhishthira, the eldest son of Pandu in the Mahabharata, is a prominent character recognized for his virtues, leadership qualities, and adherence to righteousness (dharma). He plays a crucial role throughout the epic, including significant events such as the sacrificial ceremony and the Rajasuya Yajna. Known for his moral integrity and fairness, Yudhishthira's character embodies the ideals of dharma, and he seeks guidance from figures like Krishna and Bhishma while navigating the complexities of life and leadership.
Synonyms: Dharmaraja, Pandava king
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Yudhishthira'
Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas in Hinduism, embodies righteousness and wisdom. Known for his moral integrity, he grapples with duty, seeks knowledge from sages, and persists through trials, symbolizing the seeker on a spiritual journey.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The son of Kunti, who listened to Uluka’s words and moved his army.[1] (2) A character who expresses a desire to hear detailed stories about Krishna, describing him as immutable and omnipotent.[2] (3) Pandu's son, known for his righteousness, engaged in battle during the struggle against the Kauravas.[3] (4) The son of Dharma, king who is conversant with morality, answering Dhritarashtra's inquiries and concerned about the welfare of his family.[4] (5) The eldest Pandava, known for his righteousness, curiosity about the identity of the Yaksha, and dedication to virtues.[5]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The eldest of the five Pandavas, referred to as the righteous husband of Pancali.[6] (2) A character who speaks about the significance of the river and its connection to spiritual practices.[7] (3) A character in the narrative, representing a figure who seeks to understand the nature and origins of evil deeds contributed by the Daitya.[8] (4) A key figure referred to in the text, presumably a king or a notable person receiving guidance.[9] (5) A key figure who inquires about the identity of the great Rakshasa, emphasizing his curiosity and thirst for knowledge.[10]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) One of the Pandavas, known for his righteousness.[11] (2) The eldest Pandava, known for his adherence to truth and dharma.[12] (3) The king and son of Dharma who is concerned about the welfare of his subjects.[13] (4) The king who felt delight upon learning about Lord Krishna’s deeds and decided to hold the Rajasuya sacrifice.[14] (5) A well-wisher and friend who was enquired about by Lord Krishna.[15]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The son of Kunti, a noble king and a main character who inquires about the importance of Ekadashi and the duties of devotees.[16] (2) A character often referenced in Hindu texts known for his wisdom; may symbolize the seeker on the spiritual journey.[17] (3) A central character in the narrative, the son of Dharma, who grapples with grief and moral questioning post-war.[18] (4) A great and righteous king known for his wisdom, who questions Bhishma in the text.[19]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The eldest of the Pandavas who learned about the fate of Dhritarastra and felt sorrow.[20] (2) The first son born to Kunti, after invoking Dharma; he is identified as wise and righteous.[21]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Yudhishthira is one of the three sons of Pandu.[22] (2) The son of Kunti, known for his virtues.[23]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A king who receives teachings from Krishna about religious rites and ceremonies during his coronation.[24]
From: Jarasandhavadha Mahakavyam
(1) A central character in the Mahabharata who seeks to perform the Rajasuya Yajna.[25] (2) The eldest of the Pandavas, who has an intimate friendship with Lord Krishna and deeply mourns his departure.[26] (3) The eldest Pandava brother who seeks Krishna's advice for performing the Rajsuya Yajna and addressing Jarasandha.[27] (4) The eldest Pandava who seeks to perform the Rajsuya sacrifice and is involved in the plot against Jarasandha.[28]
From: Bhishma Charitra
(1) He is a prominent character in the Mahabharata, known for his righteousness and is depicted as earnestly seeking guidance on the path of salvation.[29] (2) A king who seeks guidance from Bhishma Pitamaha about protecting his subjects.[30] (3) The eldest of the Pandavas, known for his adherence to truth and dharma, and a key figure in the narrative's quest for righteousness.[31]
From: Annadatri-carita (study)
(1) The elder Pandava, acknowledged for his virtues and gratitude towards Vancishvara in the drama.[32] (2) A key figure from the Mahabharata, known for his virtue and moral challenges, influencing the narrative in various interpretations including the Annadatricarita.[33] (3) A character in the drama who sends messengers requesting aid for the Kurukshetra war.[34]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A character in the Mahabharata who gambles away his kingdom, wife, and possessions, leading to the story's unfolding.[35]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A king referenced in the context of the passage, who is being addressed about the nature of religious principles and their significance.[36] (2) A character who inquires about Krishna's departure from Earth in the context of the epic tale.[37] (3) A character in the Mahabharata who is addressed in the context of the verse discussing Gauracandra's divine nature.[38] (4) A character from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, known for his righteousness and being the eldest of the Pandavas.[39]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The character who called upon Indra and performed sacrifices; he is known for his righteous nature.[40] (2) A character referenced in the text who experiences varying emotional expressions over time.[41] (3) Yudhishthira is referred to as an individual who embodies the qualities of being an ocean of prema and is recognized as a first-class devotee.[42]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The character Yudhishthira, who is equated with the ideal of dharma or righteousness.[43]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) Raja Yudhishthira is mentioned in the context of being cheated out of everything belonging to him by the Kouruvùs.[44]
From: Shishupala-vadha (Study)
(1) A king from the Mahabharata who became a vijigishu with the assistance of his brothers.[45] (2) A character from the Mahabharata exemplified in the context of tax collection and governance, symbolizing strength and fairness.[46] (3) The eldest of the Pandavas who played a crucial role in the story, particularly in the sacrificial ceremony.[47]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions
(1) The eldest Pandava brother, who visited Bhishma along with his family and advisors during his final days.[48]
Jain concept of 'Yudhishthira'
In Jainism, Yudhishthira symbolizes virtue and righteousness, embodying the ideals of leadership and morality as one of Pandu's sons, reflecting the importance of ethics in guiding one's actions.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) One of the sons of Pandu, known for his virtues and leadership qualities.[49]