Uttara – The Wife of Abhimanyu

Uttara – Princess of Matsya and Mother of Parikshit – Son of Abhimanyu

Uttara, the daughter of King Virata of Matsya, occupies a pivotal role in the latter part of the Mahabharata – The Great Epic, connecting the heroic legacy of the Pandavas with the future lineage of the Kuru dynasty. Her life intertwined with critical events of the epic, from the Pandavas’ incognito exile to the aftermath of the Kurukshetra War, where her son, Parikshit, became the beacon of hope for the Kuru lineage.

The Pandavas in Matsya and Uttara’s Connection to Arjuna

During their thirteenth year of exile, the Pandavas took refuge in the kingdom of King Virata, ruler of Matsya, where Uttara resided under the protection of her royal family.

Arjuna, under the guise of Brihannala, became the dance instructor for the royal ladies, including Princess Uttara of Matsya, whose innocence and grace drew his paternal affection rather than romantic interest.

Arjuna, however, declined the proposal, stating:

“She is like a daughter to me, as I have taught her like a father would guide his child.”

Arjuna grew fond of Uttara, seeing her as a daughter rather than a romantic prospect. When the Pandavas revealed their true identities at the end of their exile, King Virata, grateful for their assistance in protecting his kingdom from the Trigartas and Kauravas, proposed Uttara’s marriage to Arjuna.

The royal family of Matsya, including Queen Sudeshna and Prince Shweta, played key roles during the Pandavas’ incognito stay, underscoring the broader influence of Uttara’s family on the epic’s unfolding events.

Instead, he suggested Uttara be married to his son, Abhimanyu – The Brave Young Warrior, the valiant warrior and son of Subhadra and Krishna, which was readily accepted.

Marriage to Abhimanyu

Uttara’s marriage to Abhimanyu, one of the most skilled warriors of his generation, symbolized the alliance between the Matsya and Pandava families. Their union was celebrated with grandeur, as it united two prominent royal families during a time of great conflict. Abhimanyu’s bravery in the Kurukshetra War made him a central figure in the Pandava cause, but his untimely death left Uttara widowed at a young age.

Uttara and the Birth of Parikshit

Uttara’s significance grew immensely after the Kurukshetra War. At the time of her husband Abhimanyu’s death, Uttara was carrying his child. This unborn child, who represented the continuation of the Kuru dynasty, became the target of Ashwatthama – Son of Drona, the son of Drona, who launched a deadly Brahmastra at Uttara to eliminate the Pandava lineage entirely.

Krishna’s Intervention

When Ashwatthama unleashed his Brahmastra, Uttara cried out in desperation, seeking divine intervention:

“O Krishna, protect me and my unborn child from this disaster!”

Moved by her plea, Lord Krishna, who had vowed to protect the Pandavas and their descendants, shielded Uttara and Her unborn child, Parikshit – Son of Abhimanyu, became the final heir of the Kuru dynasty. His eventual revival by Krishna ensured the lineage would not perish, connecting Uttara directly to the spiritual narrative of the Bhagavata Purana.

Parikshit’s Revival

Uttara’s son was named Parikshit, which means “the one who has been tested,” as he was brought back to life by Krishna’s divine grace. Krishna pressed the stillborn child with his foot, testing for signs of life and breathing vitality into him. This act ensured the continuation of the Kuru dynasty.

Parikshit grew up to become a just and noble king, heralding a new era for the Kuru lineage. His rule is chronicled in the Mahabharata and the Bhagavata Purana, where he is depicted as a devout ruler whose actions paved the way for the teachings of the Srimad Bhagavatam.

Connections to Other Entities and Stories

Themes and Symbolism in Uttara’s Story

Legacy of Uttara

Uttara’s role in the Mahabharata transcends her personal experiences, symbolizing hope and continuity amidst devastation. As the mother of Parikshit, she became the link between the heroic age of the Pandavas and the subsequent generations of rulers. Her story reflects the resilience of women in the epic, who endured immense suffering but played crucial roles in shaping the future. Through her trials, Uttara remains a poignant figure of strength, devotion, and perseverance in Hindu mythology.