The Guilt of Gandhari: A Myth Debunked

There is a commonly held belief that Gandhari, the wife of Dhritarashtra in the epic Mahabharata, was an unlucky mother for giving birth to a score of demonic sons. However, this perception is deeply flawed, as it overlooks the moral and ethical teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the larger picture that unfolds in the Mahabharata. This article aims to explore the true circumstances surrounding Gandhari's children and the role of the Bhagavad Gita in shaping their destinies.

Challenging the Myth of Unlucky Motherhood

Gandhari was no mere unlucky mother. Her downfall wasn't due to her negligence of the teachings in the Bhagavad Gita, verses 9.23, 9.24, 9.25, and 9.31, or any other religious texts. The fundamental issue lies within the upbringing and ethical values imparted to her children. Despite being blind, Dhritarashtra and Gandhari failed to instill the necessary moral teachings and values in their sons, which ultimately led to their tragic end as malevolent beings. However, this does not absolve Gandhari of her role in their nurturing and upbringing.

The Influence of Bhagavad Gita on Future Generations

The Bhagavad Gita, a sacred text within the Indian canon, was preached after the births of Kunti and Gandhari's children. Therefore, the ethical guidance presented in the Gita was not relevant to the children born to Gandhari and Dhritarashtra. Yet, the essence of the Gita's teachings is in the understanding and application of dharma, the moral and ethical code that governs righteous behavior.

Mythologists and scholars argue that the sons of Gandhari were not inherently demonic. It was their actions and the choice to disregard moral and ethical principles that led to their downfall. The text clearly states, "TadA kaliH cha rAxasA babhUvur indrajit mukhAH nvichitravIrya nandana priya udare hi garbha gAH (12.19). This implies that Kali (representing evil) and the daitya-s (demons) permeated the womb of Gandhari, not because of a choice by Dhritarashtra or Gandhari, but due to a divine sankalpa (resolution).

Wisdom and Ethics: The Role of Kali Indrajit

It is important to recognize the influence of Kali Indrajit and the other demon-born offspring. Their presence in Gandhari's womb is a result of a divine order. The Bhagavad Gita does not dictate destiny; it preaches the path of righteousness and duty. The blame for the actions of Gandhari's sons lies with the sons themselves for not heeding the principles of dharma laid out in the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita.

Ultimately, Gandhari's sons were not killed because they were born demonic. They were killed because they chose to abandon their duties and embraced evil, thus violating the fundamental code of dharma. The true leaders and role models within the narrative are the virtuous characters, such as Vikarna, who displayed ethical values and upheld dharma. His character underscores the importance of ethical living and the consequences of rejecting these values.

Conclusion: Beyond the Myth

The story of Gandhari and her sons does not paint her as a figure of misfortune or negligence. Instead, it highlights the failure of parents to instill moral values and the tragic consequences when these values are ignored. The Bhagavad Gita, while not directly addressing the situation during Gandhari's time, embodies the principles of righteousness and duty that should guide human behavior. In this light, Gandhari can be seen as a symbol of the complex nature of parental responsibility and the eternal struggle between good and evil.