(The most unfortunate one)
Rishi Vyasadeva portrayed many characters in the grand epic Mahabharata. Thousand stories are illustrated based on ethical knowledge, moral values, and other best attributes. It is truly said that what is not found in Bharata cannot be found anywhere!
In the Mahabharata, people believe that Bhishma and Karna's lives were the most pathetic, but if you analyze Kunti's life, it surpasses all! She was the most unfortunate! From the beginning to the end, Kunti experienced nothing but pain, stress, and mental agony! Let us watch it from the start!
She was the daughter of Yadava chief Surasena, and her name was Pritha at an early age. Later, she was adopted by King Kuntabhoja, who was childless and the cousin of her father Surashena. She was naive to understand why she was given to her father’s cousin but she was only advised by her biological mother— ‘O child! Keep the name and fame of your lineage.’
These words had enough impact on her young mind. Kunti was always devoted to righteousness and firmly believed that the path of Dharma would protect her from all calamities! Service to her adopted parents was her Dharma (duty)! Thus, she was loyal to her adopted parents and sincerely served them. On one occasion, Rishi Durvasa visited the king’s palace. Being alerted by Rishi Durvasa's short temper, Kunti engaged herself to satisfy the ascetic rishi. The rishi was extremely pleased with her unwavering service and granted her a divine Mantra as a boon!
Having been blessed by the divine mantra of Rishi Durvasa, Kunti got her first unexpected child Karna from the Sun god! But, she had no choice. Sacrificing the bond of love, she put the child in a closed box and set free on a river. Her heart was beating hard with grief but she had no choice! She had no time to cuddle her baby nor she dared to tell him- ‘O son! I am your unfortunate mother!’ It was a crucial moment in her life between two major decisions- to protect her family's reputation, name, and fame to sacrifice her motherly love for her firstborn child! She never got a chance to enjoy a mother-son relationship with Karna. And when she got it, it was too late for Karna.
In due course, she married King Pandu! The way Kunti managed the situations showed her skill and intelligence. She loved Madri, Pandu's second wife. Kunti and Madri didn't have any children as a Brahmin cursed Pandu that the moment he would desire his wife for pleasure, he would die. Thus, he led a life of celibacy roaming around the forest with his wives-Kunti and Madri.
Kunti was a great queen. But she could never enjoy the royal prosperity. She happily accepted the second wife of her husband- Madri! Knowing about the divine mantra of Rishi Durvasa, Pandu requested his wives to be blessed with the most powerful warrior sons from the gods! Thus, Kunti's three sons and Madri's two sons were known as Pandavas- sons of Pandu! It was an ill fate of Pandu that one day he couldn't resist his passion of love with Madri and died on the spot. Madri bestowed all the responsibility to Kunti and became Sati with their husband Pandu! Poor Kunti! She was left to raise her five children all alone by herself! She loved Nakula and Sahadeva more than her children. She imparted the best of the virtues— ethical and moral values- to all of them so that in the worst to worst conditions, they also stood united and followed the path of righteousness.
After Pandu’s death, she came back to Hastinapur with her children. But, she didn't get support from anyone except Vidura and Pitamaha Bhishma. They were also duty-bound to show their loyalty to the Hastinapur king! So, they couldn't help her much. Thenceforth, she had to live her life with stress and guide her children alone! She was aware of the several wicked attempts of Kauravas against her sons, but in those crucial situations also she never raised her voice. Silently she endured the ordeals of Varunavata Yatra and Vanavasa (forest life). Of course, their escape from Jatu griha (house of lac) was possible with the help of noble-minded Vidura, who loved them most!
Her first meeting with Karna was heart-touching! Guru Dronacharya arranged a gathering in an open arena where the Royal princes had to display their skill in various vidya before the Royal family members. Unexpectedly Karna appeared there and challenged Arjun in archery! There, Kunti saw him for the first time after she abandoned him. She couldn't unfold the secret and was forced to tolerate Karna's humiliation by her other five children. One should admire her patience, courage, and brave heart!
Kunti was the epitome of strength of all five brothers. She encouraged them to be patient and follow the path of Dharma. They faced a lot of adversities in the forest but struggled hard to manage their life. During their stay in the forest, Arjun won Draupadi in her Swayamvara, but it was the ordinance of fate that Kunti without knowing the fact asked them to share among themselves whatever they got! Thus, Draupadi married all the five Pandava brothers and she became their common wife!
This episode is one of the best examples of showing their respect and obedience to their mother Kunti. It is also proof of the brothers' unique bond of love and obedience. Kunti was an intelligent, wise, and skilled woman. She was compassionate. That's why she understood Hidimbi's feelings and asked Bhimsen to marry her. When Draupadi entered her sons life, Kunti kept herself away! She motivated and encouraged them but never interfered with her son's privacy. She encouraged them to behave like a Kshatriya and fight for their rightful inheritance every time!
Having failed in peace talk in the Kaurava Assembly, Lord Krishna first came to meet his aunt Kunti. When Krishna asked Kunti what message he would convey to Pandavas on behalf of her, with tearful eyes she said, ‘O Madhava! I have no fear of anything till you are with them! O Keshava, tell Yudhishthira that he is a Kshatriya, the Saviour of the oppressed, and should live by the prowess of their arms! He must follow Kshatriya Dharma! Let him keep the reputation of his forefathers!’ She tried her best to motivate her children about Kshatriya Dharma and regain their rightful inheritance!
Kunti shaped the character of her children from the very beginning of their lives. Her effort to give them justice was relentless! Nothing she tried to gain herself! At the end of her life, she accompanied Dhritarashtra and Gandhari to the forest to live an ascetic life. Leaving behind the luxurious royal palace of Hastinapur, she opted for the Sanyasi life with her elders. It is believed that they all died in a wildfire.
Truly, Kunti is an excellent character! She is the most unfortunate one in the epic Mahabharata. Throughout her life, Kunti gave some wonderful messages of Courage, patience, truthfulness, discipline, selflessness, and many others!
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