उत्तर
Uttara, the daughter of King Virata of Matsya, played a significant role in the events following the Pandavas’ exile. During their incognito year, Arjuna, under the guise of the eunuch Brihannala, became her dance teacher. After the exile, King Virata proposed that Uttara marry Arjuna, but Arjuna declined, offering his son Abhimanyu instead. Uttara married Abhimanyu, but he was killed in the Kurukshetra War. While pregnant with their son Parikshit, Uttara witnessed her unborn child being killed by Ashwatthama’s Brahmastra. However, Lord Krishna revived Parikshit, ensuring the continuation of the Pandava lineage.
Connection to Other Figures:
| Character | Relation to Uttara | Role in the Mahabharata |
|---|---|---|
| Virata | Father | King of Matsya, under whose protection the Pandavas lived during their exile |
| Arjuna | Mentor | Served as Uttara’s dance teacher during the Pandavas’ incognito year |
| Abhimanyu | Husband | Arjuna’s son, who was tragically killed in the Kurukshetra War |
| Parikshit | Son | Born dead but revived by Krishna, he later became the heir to the Pandava throne |
| Krishna | Savior | Revived Parikshit by testing the stillborn baby |
| Ashwatthama | Antagonist | Killed Uttara’s unborn child by using a Brahmastra |
Key Themes:
- Sacrifice and Continuation of Lineage: Uttara’s role is crucial in the preservation of the Pandava lineage through her son Parikshit, who became the heir to the Pandavas’ throne.
- Krishna’s Divine Intervention: The revival of her son Parikshit by Lord Krishna exemplifies the themes of divine grace and the protection of dharma.
- Role of Women in Mahabharata: Uttara’s story highlights the pivotal role of women in maintaining royal lineages and ensuring the continuity of dharma, despite the tragic losses of war.
Uttara’s narrative intertwines with the central themes of duty, lineage, and divine protection, marking her significance in the larger Mahabharata epic.