What is behind Calling the Five Brothers the Pandavas

Have you ever wondered why the famous brothers from the Mahabharata, Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva, are known as the sons of Pandu? Let's delve into this intriguing question and unlock the mystery behind their lineage.

Understanding Lineage: Yudhishthira, Bhima, and Arjuna

Yudhishthira, Bhima, and Arjuna are renowned characters from the epic Mahabharata. But did you know that they are also associated with different divine entities? Yudhishthira is the son of Dharmaraja, Bhima is the son of Vayu, and Arjuna is the son of Indra. So, why then are they called Pandu's sons?

Deciphering the Pandava Connection

The answer lies in the lineage of their father, Pandu. Despite being born to different divine fathers, Yudhishthira, Bhima, and Arjuna are referred to as Pandu's sons. This might seem puzzling at first glance, but there's a deeper explanation rooted in Vedic philosophy.

Cracking the Metaphor: Woman as the Field

In Vedic philosophy, a woman is metaphorically compared to a field. Just as a field is where seeds are sown and crops are harvested, a woman is where children are born – the fruits of the seeds sown by a man. But here's the crucial part: the owner of the field is considered the rightful owner of the crop, regardless of who sowed the seeds.

Applying the Metaphor: Pandu as the Field Owner

Bringing this metaphor to our understanding, Pandu is likened to the owner of the field – the woman, in this case. Despite different divine entities being the fathers of Yudhishthira, Bhima, and Arjuna, they are considered Pandu's sons because he is the owner of the 'field' where they were born. Hence, they are collectively known as the Pandavas.

Nakula and Sahadeva: Sons of Pandu?

But what about Nakula and Sahadeva? These two brothers also have a unique lineage – they are the sons of the Ashwini Kumaras. Similarly, despite their distinct parentage, they are referred to as Pandu's sons. The same principle applies: Pandu, as the metaphorical field owner, claims them as his own.

Final Thoughts

In essence, the title 'Pandu's sons' transcends biological parentage. It symbolizes the deep-rooted connection between the brothers and their father, Pandu, reflecting the intricate layers of familial bonds and metaphysical principles woven into the fabric of the Mahabharata. So, the next time you hear about the Pandavas, remember the metaphor of the field and the significance of lineage in unraveling their tale.