#Kurukshetra War

[musingsonthemahabharata]

check out this stunning futuristic Mahābhārata art by Vamchi Vams!

the tendency with modern Mbh-inspired artwork is for it to still adhere to 'traditional' / historic conventions and for these to be seen as more 'accurate' renderings, but, especially with the war books (parvas), i'd maintain that one needs only to skim-read to see that the futuristic artwork most likely is a more 'accurate' representation of how the war is said to be fought. it would not be an exaggeration to claim that the astras (supranatural weapons imbued with mantras) used by warriors such as Arjuna, Karṇa & Aśvatthāmā functioned like nuclear weapons. i personally adore futuristic Mbh artwork because in my opinion it enlivens the epic & grounds it in our present as a timeless dynamic work and not as an ancient lifeless poem.

i do wonder if it is the inescapable archaic tone of 99% of the Mbh translations from sanskrit (which my dear friend Avi Sato pointed to me once & now i can't unsee!) that which contributes to this overall impression that traditional renditions * must * be more accurate. perhaps. i for one would love to see a truly futuristic translation and interpretation of the Mbh (both in literature & in film / TV) that also follows the narrative thread faithfully. might take it upon myself.

[mplanetleaf]

అభిమన్యుడిని శ్రీకృష్ణుడు ఎందుకు కాపాడలేదు? | Why didn't Krishna save Abhimanyu in Mahabharata...

[thisisbjoeblog]

Religion 101: Mahabharata Part 3 - The Brutal & Decisive Kurukshetra War

The Kurukshetra War, central to the Hindu epic Mahabharata, was a colossal battle fought between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, two factions of a royal family vying for the throne of Hastinapura. The battle took place at Kurukshetra, Haryana, India, just over 100 km north of New Dehli, on the way to Chandigarh. This war also serves as the backdrop for the sacred Bhagavad Gita, where Lord Krishna…

[h0bg0blin-meat]

"The Trojan War was started because of a woman"

"The Kurukshetra War happened because of a woman"-

How about you read those epics with your eyes open and put your single braincell actually to work for once?

[empty-dream]

Karna and Arjuna in FGO Memorial Movie 2023

[zeherili-ankhein]

#mahabharat podcast

Poor Uttar he was just not made for fighting.... He was a pookie who should have done something like dancing with his sister

[lanliingwang]

hmm...huang feihu and arjuna as friends (more thoughts on the matter in the tags)

[cubitumeamus8]

OOH OOH I'LL TELL YOU THE BIGGEST SIMILARITY??I GREW UP LISTENING BOUT ABHIMANYU AND

THE BIGGEST SIMILARITY IS

HEARING ABOUT BOTH MAKES ME CRY MY HEART OUT IN ABSOLUTE RAW PAIN COZ NEITHER DESRVED IT AND M CRYING NOW FML BUT LIKE ITS SOOOOOO SAD!!

So anyone here who has an idea about the great Indian epic Mahabharata and knows about the battle of Kurukshetra and has also read Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller..... DID YOU ALL ALSO NOTICE THE HUGE HUGE HUGE SIMILARITY BETWEEN THE DEATHS OF ABHIMANYU AND PATROCLUS.... please don't tell me I am the only one.!!

(If you want I can explainnnn) *aggressively puts forward a similarity-comparison chart between the Indian and Greek mythology complete with diagrams and footnotes and highlighted key points*

[whimsiquix]

The irony of Ashwatthama of all people going “no warrior deserves to die like that” about Karna in Kalki, when he was involved in Abhimanyu’s death, slaughtered the Pandava army at night, Dhrishtadyumna, tried and failed to commit a genocide, almost murdered a foetus, and saw his own father’s head being chopped off in what was possibly one of the worst things that happened in the entire Kurukshetra is just-

To reinforce just how terrible this is, here is Arjun, AFTER Ashwatthama slaughtered his entire army and family countering his Brahmasira released to destroy his grandson, still praying for Ashwatthama’s welfare.

The mighty-armed one spoke to Arjuna. "O Arjuna! O Pandava! O Arjuna! In your mind, you have the knowledge of the divine weapon that was instructed to you by Drona. The time to use it has arrived. O descendant of the Bharata lineage! It is needed to save yourself and your brothers. You should release it, since it is capable of countering all weapons."

Having been thus addressed by Keshava, Pandava, the destroyer of enemy heroes, swiftly descended from the chariot and grasped his bow and an arrow. The scorcher of enemies spoke words of welfare, addressed to his preceptor's son, then to himself and all his brothers. He bowed to the gods and all his pre-ceptors. Meditating and pronouncing auspicious words, he released that weapon, so as to pacify the other weapon.

- BORI CE

Arjun who is so kind, who is so empathetic, who is the only one in all the world who understands just how much it hurts Ashwatthama to have lost Drona, who is so quick and easy to forgive crimes against himself, Arjun who couldn’t bring himself to kill Ashwatthama even on Day Fourteen, Ashwatthama who knew even in the end that if he had told Arjun to desist from war, that he would have because of how much they loved each other, that Arjun and Ashwatthama.

They deserve better than this.

[musingsonthemahabharata]

the formidable Bhīma! 🤍 impulsive, strong and quick-tempered as well as fiercely devoted to Draupadī, he avenges her by slaughtering the Kauravas. in certain versions, he drinks the blood of her principal offender, episode of great cosmological significance encapsulating the cyclicity of nature mirroring the motif of the menstrual blood shed by Draupadī in the royal hall. how i adore him so!

you can find my Mbh tidbits on IG here: @musingsonthemahabharata 🤍

artwork: Gita Press Mahābhārata, 1968 | Ravi Varma Press

[stxrrynxghts]

Ik this sounds stupid, but someone pls tell me, like in the Kurukshetra war, the day began with sunrise and ended with sunset. How did they drink water? Ok, maybe they had water bottles or smth, but ahem, what if they got hungry? Felt the need to use the washroom? How did these things get sorted?

Pls, I'm genuinely confused because I dont really recall the details of the war rn, and I def dont mean this in an insulting manner but these are very valid questions, I swear-

[sambhavami]

Mahabharata Writing Prompts

Type 1 – Character POVs

Sure, exploring the epic from the POVs of our beloved main characters is fun, but have considered going a bit off the beaten track? Here’s a set of prompts that are just the right amount of weird.

Timeframe: “The Creation of Indraprastha”

Character: “Draupadi’s attendant”

Is she wary? Is she happy? Or sad to have left Panchal and in the middle of another move so soon? How does she handle Draupadi’s husband schedule? Is she effectively the only witness here that sees Draupadi grow up from a pampered princess to a responsible queen and further on? Does she like Subhadra? What does she do after Dyuta Sabha, stay with Draupadi or go with her children? Is she comfortable with Draupadi and Krishna’s friendship? Or is she close enough to understand it?

2. Timeframe: “Aftermath of the Dyuta Sabha running up to the beginning of Kurukshetra”

Character: “Random Guard in Indraprastha”

The previous Good King and the entire royal family have seemingly vanished into thin air. The new Bad King doesn’t really care about this place, he only wanted to take it away from the Good King. Does he quit? Does he begrudgingly stay on in a kingdom that is just floating leaderless in free space? What happens when the war comes? Does he run away to join the old Kings, or does he stay on and fight with his comrades, doesn’t matter which side? What about his family?

3. Timeframe: “Kurukshetra”

Character: “A member of the Narayani Sena”

Is he a friend of Krishna’s from Vrindavan? If so, what does he feel about being farmed out to Duryodhana? What happens when on the battlefield he sees Krishna on the other side? What if Krishna’s getting hurt, and he is being egged on to join in on the fun? Is Krishna then aggressively mouthing ‘Do. Your. Job!’ to him in response to his hesitation? Does he still have trouble reconciling the ‘makhan-chora’ to the ‘yogeshwara’?

Type 2 – Time Travel

We all have that one bookmarked fic, with that lovely little cross-yuga romance, right? What if it was a little more?

This one pretty much has two solid directions:

1. Person A is recruited by an agency to go take an interview of one of our main characters (Arjuna?/Krishna?/Draupadi?/Karna?/Duryodhana?). However, plot twist: they are simply plopped onto the ground with no explanation or back story. How do they claw their way to the proximity of these royal characters without exposing themselves? What is the cover they build for themselves? How does their gender or general Kali-yuga upbringing affect their journey?

2. One of the main characters somehow get transported to the modern world. What happens then? Are they physically transported here? Is it a body-swap situation? In this case, what is the body-swapped Kali-yuga person faring in the past (in a pretty complicated political situation that too!)? How fast do they adjust to the other world? What kind of relationships do they form? Do they run into re- or pre- incarnations of friends and family? Do wires get crossed in that case? How complicated can it be? How, for example, would they deal with something like Covid?

Type 3 – Turn Left (courtesy Doctor Who, ifykyk)

Mostly, what-if scenarios, nice for a thought exercise; can be damned interesting to explore. Let’s start with the most obvious questions first:

1. What if Bheeshma had never agreed to Dasa-raja’s conditions and married someone?

2. What if Draupadi was only married to Arjuna?

3. What if Krishna took Radha with him to Mathura?

Then some of the wackier ones, imo:

1. Bheeshma’s Vasu-wife, the one he initially got cursed for, hanging around Bheeshma all through his life, even if she doesn’t get a ‘married life’ with him. Would she choose to be reborn as a human, or remain around him as an invisible goddess? Would she remain neutral, or would her presence mess with our story?

2. What if the Pandavas grew up, in Vrindavan, with Krishna and Balarama, dodging both Kamsa and Duryodhana (or would he even be interested in this scenario)?

3. What if, when Krishna offered, Duryodhana actually chose Krishna instead of the Narayani Sena? If so, would he help the Kauravas as much as he did the Pandavas, or would he quietly sabotage all their efforts? Would he sabotage them smiling all the time, or would he become a world-class bummer to be around? Would Duryodhana in this case just throw him in a prison and forget about it? Would the Pandavas in that case take it lying down? Does his presence so close to Duryodhana keep Karna perpetually teering over the edge of a mental breakdown, vis-à-vis his birth situation and Krishna’s overall unhelpfulness?

If you like these, feel free to let me know...and I'll work on more.

If you do end up using any of these (either completely or partially), all I ask that you send me a link to it, because I would love nothing more than to read it! ❤️❤️❤️

[whencyclopedia]

Arjuna

Arjuna (also given as Arjun) is the great hero of the Indian epic Mahabharata and the philosophical-religious dialogue Bhagavad Gita. His name means “shining”, “silver” and similar terms relating to brightness. He is the most popular champion in Hindu literature, a demigod (son of the storm god Indra), and the third of the famous Pandavas, the five noble brothers who serve as the protagonists of the Mahabharata. Arjuna represents the best aspects of humanity:

Courage, Strength, and Humility

Intelligence and Wisdom

Commitment to Truth and Justice

Performance of Dharma with Karma (Duty and Right Action)

At the same time, however, he is flawed in that he is stubborn, adheres to a personal code of honor which does not always consider the needs of others or the greater good, and is overly proud of how he comports himself and his reputation.

Throughout the Mahabharata, Arjuna has more adventures and is featured more prominently than any of the other characters. This is all the more impressive in that the work carefully develops even seemingly minor characters with intricate backstories. In the Bhagavad Gita, which was originally part of the Mahabharata, Arjuna takes center stage in the role of the seeker-student to the god Krishna's role of teacher-guide. Arjuna initially refuses to take part in the Kurukshetra war until he is convinced that he must by Krishna who explains to him his duty to himself and others and the ultimate meaning and order of existence.

In this work, Arjuna stands for all who face difficult circumstances and choices in life and question what they should do and why they must suffer. He also stands as a model of behavior, however, in that he sets aside his pride and reputation to honestly express his fears and doubts and to then accept help and counsel from another. These qualities have contributed to his standing as the best-known character of Indian/Hindu literary tradition and, once the works were translated into other languages, of world literature and mythology.

Family, Birth, & Character

Arjuna was the supposed son of the king Pandu who was half-brother to the blind king Dhritarashtra. When they came of age, Dhritarashtra (as the oldest) should have become king of their land of Hastinapur but could not because the law forbade those with disabilities from rule and so Pandu was chosen. Pandu married the princess Kunti as his royal wife and another woman, Madri, as second wife, while Dhritarashtra married another princess named Gandhari. Years later, once Pandu had expanded the kingdom and all was running smoothly, he requested leave to take some time with his wives and went to the wilderness, leaving the kingdom temporarily in Dhritarashtra's hands. While he was gone, Dhritarashtra and Gandhari had 100 sons (the eldest of whom was the prince Duryodhana) known as the Kauravas.

Years passed and Kunti returned from the wilderness with five sons – Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, and the twins Nakula and Sahadeva – as well as the corpses of Pandu and Madri. After funeral services were completed, the boys and their mother moved into the royal palace. The five Pandavas were all conceived through supernatural means. Pandu was unable to have sexual relations with a woman because of a curse placed on him, but Kunti had been granted a favor by the gods that she could call upon any deity at any time to conceive a child. In Arjuna's case, this was the storm god Indra.

The supposed sons of Pandu and those of Dhritarashtra grew up together in the palace and were trained and educated by the same teachers. Drona (an incarnation of the god Brahma) was their teacher for military arts and weaponry and his school attracted the noble youths of other families including a young man named Karna of the Suta clan. Karna was actually the eldest of the Pandavas, Kunti's first son by the god Surya, but his family and lineage was unknown, even to him, until his hour of death.

Karna was an excellent archer and so a rivalry developed between him and Arjuna, also exceptionally skilled. The rivalry turned bitter on Karna's part when it became clear that Drona favored Arjuna. In order to make clear to all why he loved Arjuna, Drona called an assembly of his students at a lake, not explaining why, and, when they arrived, they saw their teacher out swimming. Suddenly, Drona was attacked by a large crocodile and, of all those gathered, only Arjuna came to his aid, fighting off the crocodile and bringing his teacher to the shore. Drona then explained that the crocodile had been an illusion of his own creation and he had never been in any actual danger but Arjuna, like the others, could not have known that; even so, only Arjuna had been selfless and brave enough to risk his life to save his teacher.

At about this same time, the legitimacy of Dhritarashtra's reign finally came into question since, as a blind man, he was only supposed to have been holding the throne until Pandu returned. Accordingly, he declared Yudhishthira his heir and crown prince, which enraged Duryodhana. Duryodhana unofficially adopted Karna as his brother and began to plot the destruction of the Pandavas whom he felt had returned only to prevent him from succeeding his father as rightful king of the realm.

Continue reading...

[h0bg0blin-meat]

What hindu gods/deities are lgbt (I'm sorry if this is rude or ignorant I just wish to learn as I've heard some are)

Dw it's neither rude nor ignorant. Now before I start I do wanna say that almost all the queerness we see in Hindu mythology is highly subtextual most of the time, which is like pretty obvious cuz these were the ancient times. So this might lead to a varied number of interpretations, and I can only offer the same. But most of them are pretty convincingly queer, so let's get into it cuz why tf not. (This is gonna be a loooooong post so buckle up)

Vishnu

This fella is probably the most pan-coded deity in the entire pantheon. Extremely comfortable with both his masculine and feminine side, Vishnu can sometimes be considered one of the peak genderfluid icons out there. His avatar, Krishna, despite being referred to as the Parampurush (in other words the manliest man in the entire universe), his physical appearance (which is what is considered to be a very feminine body for a man today, i.e., slender and soft) breaks the stereotype of what masculine man should look like. There are paintings of him and Radha where I've stared for like a hot minute trying to figure out which one is Radha (mostly in grayscale cuz otherwise their complexions are a dead giveaway) and yet, he slays it like a badass.

Then we also have Mohini, the goddess of beauty probably the best seductress out there, and the only female avatar of Vishnu. Through her having a union (yk what they mean by that) with Shiva (AHEM subtext amirit), Vishnu gave birth to Ayyappa, and wouldja look at dat he has two dads, which was actually prophesized. Mohini in one of the versions of Mahabharata (not the original one) ALSO slept with Iravan (Arjun's son) the night before he was gonna offer himself as a sacrifice for the Kurukshetra war. Reason was that Iravan had a wish to get married and spend the night with his wife before dying, and wishing his wife would mourn for him after his death. So Krishna felt bad for him, turned himself into Mohini and married him. The next day she held her husband's body and mourned for him like any wife would. We can also go back to the time where he sported (make of that word what you will) with Arjuni (female version of Arjun) as well as the female version of Narad (for a year in the latter's case).

In short, we can see how chill Krishna is with his fluidity with sexuality and gender, so much so that it's hard to put a label on him sometimes, which is fine. But yes interpreting him as queer wouldn't necessarily be a preposterous claim after all.

Shiva

Tbh Shiva is also pretty queer-coded, given his union with Mohini (and yes he specifically ASKED Vishnu to turn into her and hence he KNEW it was his best friend after all), and him turning into a woman to join Krishna's leela that one time, which also denotes that he's pretty confident in his gender fluidity as well, to some extent. He also has a sort of female avatar, who's actually very underrated. I think it's called Shivani. Also no one can deny the tension between Shiva and Vishnu let's be real here. They even have a ship name- Harihar, PLUS that "Vishnu is in the heart of Shiva and Shiva is in the heart of Vishnu" line. Btw this was a joke, but now you know why they're one of the popular ships of Hindu mythology. I personally have very neutral stance to the kind of bond they share, whether you call it platonic or something else.

(Note that I personally do not consider Ardhanarishwar and Vaikunthakamalaja as any genderfluid thingy because I just see them as literal fusions of the two couples, but yes many consider these two fused versions of Parvati-Shiva and Lakshmi-Narayan respectively to be gender-nonconforming, or non-binary of some sort.)

Lakshmi

Why did I add her here? Because I have a feeling she might be bi, given the fact that her husband is also technically her wife, considering we take Mohini into account, who I'm pretty sure she loves just as much as she loves Vishnu. But again, that's just my take on it.

Agni

Now he's one of the more popular queer-coded Hindu gods, specifically known for his implied poly-esque relationship with his wife Svaha and Soma (the wind god). Now many sites on Google have claimed Soma to be his husband, but I am yet to find a scriptural evidence for that claim, so I suggest you to take their words with a grain of salt. But what IS true is that these two guys do share a pretty profound bond. There was also this one instance where Soma went to a mountain and Agni followed him. Then both of them at the top of that mountain, 'became one' (what does that mean? not sure but it sure as hell sounded romantic. anyways). Also Soma is considered the "seed" and Agni the "progenitor" hence releasing the "seed". Now again what does that mean? Idk but that's sus as hell for sure.

Plus, Agni is also very well-known to be the (oral) receptor of Shiva's (and sometimes Soma's but not sure about the second one) semen, which he then flung into Ganga cuz it was too hot to bear for him, and that's how Kartikeya/Murugan/Skanda (Shiva and Parvati's son and a God of war) was born. So yeah.

Mitra-Varuna

These two.... are another pair of popular queer-coded Hindu deities. They're almost always summoned and worshipped together, and you can say they have canonically.... well had a union, and good news is none of them became a woman for the deed. Their union is recorded in the Shatapatha Brahmana 2.4.4.19, where Mitra is said to have "implanted his seed in Varuna" (hmmm nothing homosexual going on here) during the waning moon. Many people consider this a metaphor for the cyclic nature of celestial phenomena so it's upto you to interpret it however you want.

Now they also give off that sunshine x grumpy vibe, with Mitra being the god of friendship, sun, daylight, dawn and stuff while Varuna is the god of the waters, moon, nighttime, dusk etc. Plus, the latter has anger issues but he has a bubbly Mitra (pun intended) to calm him down for dat :D.

They are also known for siring two sages, Agastya and Vasistha after they accidentally released and mixed their semen into a pot as a result of getting enchanted by Urvashi (one of the apsaras or celestial nymphs).

Budh and Ila

Budh is technically an AMAB non-binary (or intersex) deity (and technically the planet Mercury) born to Chandra (who's also synonymous to Soma most of the time) and Tara, to put it simply, and got cursed to be neither male nor female because Chandra had an affair with someone else's wife -_- (Tara was the wife of Brihaspati, or Jupiter, who was also the guru of the gods).

Ila is another genderfluid deity. Some versions of the myth says they were born a woman, some say they were born a man called Sudyumna, while some say they were born a woman, but since their parents wanted a son, Mitra-Varuna (who they preyed to) changed their gender and Sudyumna was born (but then there was some issue with the rituals, which led to the duo to turn him back to a woman, which is when they took the name of Ila. Ik, too much gendershifting going on, bear with me). Anyhoo they got this genderfluidity from Shiva's spell and every month they'd change sex from Sudyumna to Ila and back to Sudyumna and so on. Budh got enchanted by Ila and married her, and bore the Pururavas with her.

Later on, some versions say Ila permanently turned into a man with Parvati's boon. But personally interpreting, Budh was technically still married to Sudyumna so..... idk what happened to them afterwards tho. I hope they were still spouses...

[orgasming-caterpillar]

My Sun, My Dear

According to traditions, the period of a solar eclipse is considered most unfortunate. It is said that no good can be done in a time deprived of the Sun. Until the rays of the Suryadeva reach the Earth for the second time that day, no dharmika deed should be done.

But what if the Sun is sure to never return?

What if, just what if, there will be no second time for the rays to strike the Earth.

Such an eclipse had shadowed the life of the eldest Kaurav prince, Duryodhana. It was close to dusk on the 17th day of the War of Kurukshetra. Duryodhana had lost his brothers —his ninety nine brothers— to a fruitless war. He had lost his family, his relatives and in the end, his teacher too. Grief sagged his heart every time he lifted a weapon.

But warriors do not wait to grieve. Grief can stop a man, not an army. Not the enemy.

Karna took Drona's place as the Commander in Chief of Duryodhana's army. So for as long as Suryen-dhanya Karna, blessed by the Sun itself, was beside him, who could defeat the Kuru prince?

Or so he thought.

The last rays of the sun were disappearing from the battlefield. As tradition wills it, every warrior had put away his weapons. Except Gandivdhari Arjuna.

For as long as he stayed alive, Duryodhana never forgot the sound of the bow string let loose. The arrow cutting through the air in the direction of Karna. The last ray of the sun glinting off of the tip of the arrow and briefly blinding everyone.

A moment later, when Duryodhana opened his eyes, the sun was no longer.

A blue sheet of dusk had settled over the battlefield as far as the eye could see. He searched the periphery of his vision for his beloved mitra. What could an arrow do to the man who wears the armor of Suryadeva himself.

He remembered the next few moments in pieces. Karna falling from his chariot. The charioteer speeding off without him. Karna in the dirt. Karna with Arjuna's arrow.

Karna with Arjuna's arrow lodged in his throat.

Karna lying still in the dirt.

Karna.

A scream ripped itself out of Duryodhana's throat, thunderous and raw as an impeding storm. The entire battlefield turned to stare as the Kuru prince mounted the nearest horse and galloped to the fallen body.

The Pandavas surrounded Karna, shocked to see their own mother weeping with his head in her lap. Arjuna's charioteer, Krishna, explained to them what adharma they had just committed, and why not to blame themselves for it. They did not weep. Even after killing their own blood, they did not weep.

Arjuna lowered his head in shame. Duryodhana wanted to cut it off.

By the time he reached Karna, the Pandavas had blocked him from his view. Yudhisthir had seen him approaching and was now standing in his way.

"Step aside, Yudhisthir," Duryodhana rasped, mounting off his horse.

"No."

He turned his full glare on him; furious, bloodshot eyes, stinging with tears. "I need to see him."

"You may not, bhrata Suyodhana. It is dusk, you should return with your army."

For one last time, Duryodhana tightened his grip over his gadaa. If they wouldn't give him Karna's body, he would fight for it. He was Duryodhana's before he was ever a brother to these sorry sobs.

"Keep your arms down, maharathi," Krishna's voice echoed off the air itself. "It is adharma to raise a weapon, for the Sun is no longer."

The Sun is no longer.

This was the exact moment Duryodhana remembered that his heart shattered. The gadaa slipped from his fingers.

He could see a sliver of Karna's body hidden in the crowd of the Pandavas' sena. Such a small army had never before seemed to infinitely vast to Duryodhana. He, raised with hundred brothers himself and not once feeling crowded, saw the bodies hiding Karna's from him and saw for the first time in his life a crowd so vast he couldn't see his path.

Hundred brothers, one by one each lost to these Pandavas. And Duryodhana never looked back to see who burned their pyre. But this, this he couldn't allow. He would sooner let them take his life than Karna.

Slowly, with the image of Karna's corpse burned into his eyelids, Duryodhana fell to his knees.

All across the ranbhoomi, not a single man dared to draw a breath. Their eyes stayed fixated on their King as he lowered his head and...

Joined his hands.

When he spoke, the ache in his voice rang through the battlefield. "Brother, they call you dharmaraja because you are said to value dharma before anything else. But I am a fool, I- I never cared for what is dharma and adharma. For my entire life I have looked for ways to make you inferior to me, but it was always I who was inferior."

The Pandavas looked at each other in shock. They had not expected him to kneel, let alone plead.

"Be the righteous King you were always meant to be, Dharmaraja, but grant me this one thing. Give me my mi-tra. That is- That is all I ask of you. If not your brother, then as a supplicant." Even the breaks in his voice echoed. His tears wet the Earth below him.

"Let him have it, Dharmaraja."

Yudhisthir looked at Krishna, as if expecting him to come to his senses. "But he is our brother, Vasudeva. We are the ones who shall perform his last rites by dharma."

Duryodhana opened his mouth to speak, but Krishna spoke before him. "What kind of brother, Dharmaraja? The one you didn't even know about this morning? The one you were preparing to kill for days? The one you called sutaputra?"

If he wasn't wrecked inside with misery, Duryodhana might have enjoyed the shame on Yudhisthir's face. But all he felt was hope.

"Let him have Angaraja's body. It is he who deserves to perform his last rites, for they loved each other over karma and dharma. It is hard to see the one who hates you as someone capable of love, but is it fair to deny him his love, Dharmaraja?"

Yudhisthir only looked at his pleading brother.

A funeral pyre was to be prepared for Karna after the Pandavas left. Duryodhana's army gathered wood and oil, someone stitched a shroud out of the dead warriors' clothes, nobody dared to disturb the grieving prince.

Karna. Karna. Karna. He chanted till it was not a name but the sound of his tears falling on his armor. It was not a word but aching devotion.

He lifted a bloody hand to cup Karna's cheek. The warmth should have gone out of it long ago, but he was Suryaputra. He burned until there was nothing left to burn but his body.

He still couldn't wrap his head around the truth in his grief. Karna －brilliant, quick-witted, unyielding Karna－ was dead.

He clutched the body in his arms. The body that no longer belonged to his lover. A shadow. A torture.

Karna. Karna. Karna.

His Radheya. His Angaraja. His Karna. His Priye. His Sun.

Duryodhana felt as though all the light had gone out of his life. He carries the embers of it to the pyre, lays him down as gently as one would to a newborn instead of a corpse.

With shaking hands, Duryodhana carried the fire and lit the funeral pyre. He couldn't bear to watch as flames engulfed his beloved and turned his head to the sky. The scream that followed was a living thing, clawing its way out of his throat.

For the last time in forever, his lover burned as bright as the Sun.

And the smoke swirled in the night sky, carrying the prince to a land of eternal eclipse.

[gopikayam]

* ˚ ✦Mahabharata characters as your partners ✦ ˚ *

* ˚ ✦Summary: What kind of partners/spouses they would be to Y/n? (female)

* ˚ ✦Warning: Soft, characters can't be close to canon, but I will try, bisexuality, don't critic.

* ˚ ✦Pairing: Krishna x fem reader, Arjuna x fem reader, Yudhishthira x fem reader, Draupadi x fem reader, Bheema x fem reader, Nakul x fem reader, Sahadeva x fem reader, Karna x fem reader.

━━━━━━༺कृष्ण༻ ━━━━━━

Being with him would mean that you'll feel yourself as a goddess. Krishna’s love for you is like his flute’s melody—captivating, soul-stirring, and impossible to resist. His divine charisma makes every interaction feel like a moment stolen from the heavens. He likes to take you with him to the forest, where you can both have a quiet time. And Krishna is playing on his flute, a melody that he made for He likes to take you with him to the forest, where you can both have a quiet time. And Krishna is playing his flute, the melody he made for you.

Krishna is a pro of charm. He teases you by tossing a lotus flower into your hair or suddenly appearing behind you and saying "Gotcha!". Of course there were moments when you were offended by him. For example, he could discreetly put a caterpillar or other insect in your hair. But you couldn't stay long mad at him due of his charming face and puppy eyes. What an impudent one!

As the divine strategist and philosopher of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna brings profound wisdom to your relationship. He’s not just a husband but a guide, helping you navigate life’s complexities. He listens to your worries with infinite patience, offering insights that feel like revelations. Whether it’s a personal dilemma or a court intrigue, he says, “See the truth beyond the illusion, my beloved. Your heart already knows the way.”He encourages your growth, whether you’re a warrior, scholar, or devotee, urging you to embrace your dharma with courage. In quiet moments, he shares stories of the cosmos, making you feel like you’re part of something External. In shortly, he is also your psychologist 🫠

Despite his jests, he notices everything—your fleeting frown, the way you linger by the river, or a sigh you thought he missed. He addresses your unspoken needs with a gentle word or a comforting embrace.His playfulness hides a profound care, ensuring you feel cherished even in his most mischievous moments.

Krishna is not jealous, he is above that. He completely trust you in relationships, if he saw you spend time with men, he would smile of amusement. Krishna just would remind you that you already have him, what which makes him a winner in everything. Instead, you are more jealous here. All we know that given his status, appearance and character, many girls threw themself for him. (Girls are so jealous to you, lol)

He loves braid your hair! His fingers gently touch locks, intertwining it into a thick braid. Often tells you how this hairstyle suits you, bonus he decorates it with flowers. Also loves, when you touch his curly hair, he sometimes catch your hand and brings it to his lips to gently kiss your palm. Plus winking at you!

Krishna’s role as a guide to the Pandavas, a kingmaker, and a cosmic protector means he’s often called away. You share him with the world, from Arjuna seeking his counsel to devotees flocking to Dwarka. This can feel isolating, especially during crises like the Kurukshetra war. His cryptic plans—like orchestrating the war’s outcome—might frustrate you, as he rarely explains himself fully. You learn to embrace his absences, knowing his heart returns to you, carried in every note of his flute. (You can sometimes to be jealous of Krishna for Arjuna, lol)

Because Krishna has many wives, sometimes you may feel that someone is better than you, make you feel insecure, which can lead to arguments. Krishna noticed that and often remind you that you is part of him, he would never let you feel neglect, less important or unloved. But still, his words can't be enought, so Krishna many ways proved his love for you. For him, you are special in your own ways!

His protectiveness is subtle but fierce. No harm can touch you under his watch, his divine power ensures your safety, whether it’s shielding you from a storm or outwitting a foe with his cunning.He respects your independence, never caging you, but his presence is a constant reassurance. Even if you are warrior Queen who can stand by yourself, Krishna would be proud, but still his concerns won't dissapeare.

As Krishna’s wife, you’re his partner in both love and purpose. Your life is steeped in spirituality. You perform pujas together, especially during holi he often paints your cheeks by colourful abir, as his eyes shone with mischev but also with love. He teaches you the art of living—finding joy in simplicity, forgiving flaws, and seeing the divine in all things. Your conversations are a blend of playful banter and profound wisdom, leaving you both enlightened and enchanted.

━━━━━━༺अर्जुनः༻ ━━━━━━

Arjuna - delicate nature one. He always trying remember little things. For example, your favorite color, food, style, flowers and what you don't like. He always trying be best for you. Oh how adorable it was when he realized about his feelings for you! He is the greatest archer and a man accustomed to control, is unprepared for the storm you ignite in his heart. The moment he sees you—perhaps laughing at a festival, your sari catching the sunlight, or standing defiant with a bow in hand—he feels a jolt, like an arrow striking true. His heart races, a sensation both thrilling and unnerving for a warrior who prides himself on composure. He asks subtle questions about you to his brothers or Krishna, feigning casual interest. Yudhishthira raises an eyebrow, while Krishna smirks, already knowing the truth.

He is very shy boy! Just kiss his cheeks or hug him, his face will look like a tomato. But soon he will get used to it, still his shy nature won't dissapeare.

Arjuna is no stranger to loss, and the depth of his feelings for you terrifies him. He fears losing you—to war, fate, or his own shortcomings. Every moment with you feels precious, like a monsoon rain that could end too soon. This fear makes his love fierce and urgent, driving him to cherish every second by your side.

If you’re an archer, he observes you during a competition, his heart swelling with pride when your arrow hits the mark. He claps louder than anyone, though he tries to hide his enthusiasm. Bonus: You’re stringing flowers for a puja, unaware of Arjuna’s gaze from across the courtyard. His fingers tighten around his bow, as if to steady his racing heart. Krishna nudges him, grinning. “Careful, Partha, your eyes betray you.” Arjuna flushes, muttering, “I’m only… appreciating the flowers.” But his eyes never leave you.

Arjuna’s love for you is like the melody of a veena—soft, intricate, and hauntingly beautiful. He’s a man who notices the smallest details: the way your bangles clink when you laugh, the flicker of your eyes when you’re lost in thought, or the jasmine you weave into your hair. He expresses his love through gestures that feel like they belong in a bard’s tale. He carves your initials into an arrow’s shaft, claiming it’s his “lucky one” for battles. Late at night, he recites poetry under a banyan tree, comparing you to the moon’s radiance or the grace of a flowing river. When you’re alone, he teaches you archery (not with Gandiva, lol) his calloused hands guiding yours, his breath warm against your ear as he whispers, “Focus, my love, but don’t forget to feel the wind.”

Arjuna can feel hurt if he thinks he's not living up to your expectations (thanks to his inner insecurity). His many relationships in the canon suggest that he can be charmed by others, but he'll try to be loyal to you, especially if you make it clear that it's important. You wouldn't dare hurt him, right?

Arjuna’s greatest challenge as a husband is his divided heart—not in love, but in duty. His loyalty to his brothers, Krishna, and dharma often pulls him away. You’ll share him with the world, and at times, it stings. He might leave for months on quests or battles, sending you letters filled with longing but no promise of return. His bond with Draupadi and his other wives (in canon) could complicate things. He compensates with unwavering devotion when he’s with you, ensuring you never doubt his love, even when duty calls. He loves you, very much.

As the greatest archer and a Pandava, Arjuna’s fame brings scrutiny. Courtiers whisper about your worthiness, and rivals may target you to hurt him. You’ll need a thick skin and a sharp wit to navigate court life. Arjuna, however, is your fiercest defender, silencing doubters with a single glance.His past (like his rivalry with Karna or his bond with Krishna) might stir jealousy or insecurity, but he’s quick to reassure you: “You are my home, Y/N. No one else holds my heart.”

Having quarrels with Arjuna is very possible. His life is tethered to his brothers, Krishna, and his dharma. His frequent absences—whether for battles, quests, or the Pandavas’ shared struggles—can leave you feeling neglected. You might resent the months he spends away, especially during the exile or Kurukshetra preparations, when letters and fleeting visits are all you have. His bond with Draupadi or other figures like Krishna might spark insecurity, especially if you feel he prioritizes them over you. His words are sharp but measured, never cruel. He raises his voice only in moments of high emotion, but his tone carries the weight of his convictions.His eyes—usually warm and loving—flash with frustration, but there’s always a flicker of regret beneath. Soon, Arjuna will apologizing while kneeling and holding your hands. This boy very sensitive.

Sometimes Arjuna can be distant, need a space. After all, he is partially feel anxiety, often exhausted (plus due of exile) and he will need time to be alone. But he also often shares his worries to you, knows that you are one who can listen him and support (After Krishna). He likes put his head on your lap while you caressing his hair and tell you about his day, about war, about dharma. He also loves listening your stories.

━━━━━━༺द्रौपदी༻ ━━━━━━

From the very beginning, Draupadi had few complaints about you. She didn't trust you too much, but soon your relationship improved. For her, you became like a sister, it seemed to be nothing more. But one moment of jealousy or fear crystallizes Draupadi’s feelings, forcing her to confront the truth. Perhaps a suitor shows interest in you, and Draupadi feels a pang she can’t dismiss. She snaps, “They’re not worthy of you...,” her tone sharper than intended, and later wonders why it hurts so much. With you, it is as if a fire broke out inside her.

Draupadi’s love for you is a blaze—intense, all-consuming, and unwavering. As your lover, she’s a partner who loves with every fiber of her being. She sees you as her equal, her soul’s mirror, and her heart’s home. “You are my fire, Y/N,” she says, her voice fierce yet tender, “and together, we burn brighter than any star.” Her devotion is steadfast, whether facing court intrigues, exile’s hardships, or the chaos of war. She vows to protect you, not just physically but emotionally, ensuring you never feel alone.

Her pride in you shines through—she boasts of your talents, whether you’re a warrior, scholar, or artist, ensuring the world knows your worth. Btw, she is also very jealous, she rarely share someone who is belong to her. So don't be surprised, if you're chatting someone or hanging out, you might catch a displeased look from Queen Panchali.

Draupadi’s sharp mind and vibrant spirit make her a dynamic partner. Loves engaging you in debates, her wit sparkling as you spar over politics, dharma, or even poetry. “You almost won that one, snehah,” she teases, her eyes dancing. Her playful side (what she rarely shows) emerges in private—stealing your bangles to wear them herself, smearing your cheeks with abir during Holi, or challenging you to a dance-off at festivals. She values your intellect, often seeking your counsel on matters of state or strategy, treating you as her partner in every sense.

Beneath her fiery exterior, Draupadi is deeply emotional, and as her lover, you see her softer side. She shares her fears—her trauma from the dice game, her worries about the war, her guilt over losses—and finds solace in your embrace. She’s tender in quiet moments, brushing your hair with care, singing a raga to soothe you, or resting her head in your lap. Her vulnerability strengthens your bond, as you become her safe haven, just as she is yours.

Draupadi treats you as an equal, valuing your voice in every aspect of your life together. She consults you on decisions, from managing Indraprastha’s treasury to planning revenge during exile. She encourages your passions, whether you’re training with a bow, writing poetry, or leading a ritual, cheering your successes as if they were her own. She ensures that Pandavas respect you, integrating you into their family with grace. Btw, Pandavas were surpised but accepted your relationship and treat you equal as they treat Draupadi.

You love to decorate each other, use decoration, draw by alta on hands or feet, wear all style of saree, hairstyles and etc. Girlish's things!

She loves stealing moments to touch you—adjusting your sari, linking your fingers, or resting her head on your shoulder during a quiet evening.

We know that Panchala Queen is considered feminist in his Hindu mythology, so she is not ashamed of her sexuality. But first time she thought it wrong, She sought Krishna’s counsel, fearing her love defied dharma, but his smile reassured her. Soon accepted and immediately confessed her feelings to you. But it sometimes has disadvantages of this, this is exactly Draupadi’s pride, rooted in her fire-born identity and her role as a queen, can lead to disagreements. She’s unyielding when she believes she’s right, especially on matters of justice or strategy (like seeking revenge for the dice game or planning for Kurukshetra). If you suggest a more cautious or forgiving approach, she might see it as a challenge to her principles.Her stubbornness can make her defensive if you question her decisions, particularly in public settings like court or war councils. You urge her to negotiate with a rival kingdom to avoid conflict, but she insists on confrontation, saying, “Compromise with snakes, Y/N? Never.” Your push for peace sparks a heated exchange.

She is protective woman. Constantly concerns about you and your safety. Her compassion and loyalty make her fiercely protective, but this can clash with your autonomy. If you take risks—joining a battle, confronting a courtier, or traveling alone—she might argue out of fear, her love manifesting as control. “Why must you endanger yourself, Y/N?” she demands. If you’re a warrior or diplomat, your bold actions might worry her, especially after her trauma from the dice game, leading to clashes over your safety. This often leads to quarrels. Given Draupadi's tough nature, she quickly cools down and apologizes. Bonus: Btw, she is taller than you, so she sometimes can pick up you, hahah

━━━━━━༺भीम༻ ━━━━━━

Although he corresponds to his name (what means terrifying) in appearance, but in fact this is not at all True...He is very adorable! Bhima is like a big bear who is protective, fierce, but actually loves cuddlings and food.

Bhima’s strength isn’t just physical, it’s emotional. He’d ensure you are feeling safe, whether by standing as a shield against external threats or working tirelessly to provide for the family. During exile, he’d be the one hauling firewood, hunting game, or clearing paths through dense forests, all to make life comfortable for his loved ones. His wife would never doubt his ability to protect her from danger—be it a rakshasa or a scheming rival.

Bhima’s love for food is legendary, and he’d likely bond with his wife over meals. If she cooks, he’d be her biggest fan, praising her dishes with childlike enthusiasm (and maybe playfully demanding seconds or thirds). He might even try his hand at cooking, creating hearty, oversized portions of rustic dishes, though his impatience could lead to comical mishaps. As we know, he is amazing cook, so if you are inexperienced or terrible at cooking, you can rely on him. He can do anything for you.

He’d express affection through bear hugs, playful wrestling, or lifting you off the ground just to make you laugh. His touch, though powerful, would be gentle with her, reflecting his awareness of his own strength. He’d love carrying you across thresholds or pulling you close during quiet moments by a campfire.

Life with Bhima is never dull. His booming laugh, bold opinions, and tendency to speak his mind would keep things lively. He’d regale his partner with exaggerated tales of his battles (like slaying Bakasura or wrestling Kichaka), adding dramatic flair to make her smile. However, his loud snoring might be a nightly challenge! Despite his warrior persona, Bhima has a soft spot for nature and simplicity. He’d enjoy walks through forests with his wife, pointing out rare flowers or teaching her about edible plants (a skill he picked up during exile). He’d carve wooden trinkets for her with his massive hands, though they might be slightly rough around the edges.

This big boy very loyal... He’d stand by you through any storm, whether it’s societal judgment or personal struggles. If anyone disrespects her, they’d face his wrath—think of how he vowed to break Dushasana’s thigh for insulting Draupadi. You would know she has a partner who’d go to the ends of the earth for her. If someone insults you, his glare alone is enough to silence them.

Quarrels with him is not often, but It's possible, given his temperamental character. An argument with him might feel like facing a thunderstorm—loud and intimidating. But beneath the bluster, he’s deeply sensitive. He’d never harm you, but his sheer presence could feel overwhelming. He might say something blunt in the heat of the moment. If he realizes he’s hurt your feelings, he’d be quick to apologize, perhaps with a sheepish grin or a heartfelt gesture like bringing her favorite flowers or cook your favorite dish. Just give him chance!

Bhima would be his wife’s biggest cheerleader. If she achieves something—be it mastering a new skill, outwitting a rival, or simply surviving a tough day—he’d celebrate with pride. Picture him hoisting her onto his shoulders, declaring her “the mightiest queen in all of Bharata” to anyone who’ll listen. Bhima’s larger-than-life personality brings joy to your marriage, his playful side balancing his warrior’s intensity. He also loves challenging you to playful contests—wrestling (he lets you win), racing horses, or even cooking (You can't win him in this, Accept) “You call that a avial?” he teases, grinning. He’s the life of any gathering, pulling you into dances at festivals or tossing you over his shoulder during Holi, laughing as you squeal. His humor is hearty, often self-deprecating, like joking about his size: “I’m a mountain, Y/N, but you’re the one who moves me.

Bhima’s emotions are as large as his frame, and his love for you is a vibrant, all-consuming force. He expresses his feelings openly, unafraid to shout his love from the rooftops or whisper it in quiet moments. “You’re my heart, Y/N,” he says, his voice raw with sincerity.

He is also jealous (I meant it). Of course he trusts you, but sometimes Bhima has the feeling that he is not worthy of you. For example, he may think that you might like one of his brothers. He thinks that you can leave him for the sake of others. If insecure, he grows quieter, his usual boisterousness dimmed, until you coax him to speak. He learns to temper his jealousy, his love growing stronger with each reassurance. But often asked you, if he is enough for you...? (say Yes!)

━━━━━━༺युधिष्ठिर༻ ━━━━━━

Yudhishthira’s devotion to dharma shapes his role as a husband, making him a partner who is steadfast, fair, and deeply committed. He is like a true gentleman, sees your marriage as a sacred bond, a partnership rooted in mutual respect and shared values.He strives to be just in all things, ensuring your voice is heard in decisions, whether in court or at home. His fairness extends to your relationship, making you feel valued and equal.

Yudhishthira’s days are orderly, reflecting his disciplined nature. He’d rise early for prayers or meditation, inviting you to join him in quiet rituals to seek wisdom or peace. Your home—whether a palace in Indraprastha or a hut in exile—would be a sanctuary of simplicity, with books, sacred texts, and minimalistic decor reflecting his austere tastes.Intellectual Bonding. He loves knowledge and philosophical discourse, so you sometimes can get bored to hear about philosophy 24/7. Evenings might involve discussions about dharma, justice, or the Vedas, with him eagerly listening to his wife’s perspectives. He rarely gift you, instead he teach her about statecraft, treating her as an equal in intellect and insight.

His love is expressed through thoughtful actions—ensuring his wife’s comfort during exile, consulting her on decisions, or advocating for her in court. He’d personally tend to small tasks, like mending her shawl or preparing a simple meal, to show care without fanfare. He is an ideal husband, suitable for a mature relationship.

Known for his compassion, Yudhishthira would be attuned to his partner's emotions. He’d listen patiently to your joys or sorrows, offering quiet reassurance or wise counsel. His gentle demeanor—seen in his soft speech and calm presence—would make you feel safe and valued.

Quarrels with eldest Pandava are rare, but very tough. Yudhishthira’s role as the eldest means he often sets the tone for the arrangement, you might feel he prioritizes his brothers’ needs over yours. Navigating this requires mutual trust and Communication. The 13-year exile would test their relationship. Yudhishthira’s stoic acceptance of suffering might frustrate you. His eyes betray his pain, especially if you’re hurt, but he avoids raising his voice, his restraint both admirable and maddening. He wouldn't raise his voice, Yudhishthira is calm and wise, knowing that yells only can deepen issues. Instead, he like Krishna will listen you and then pull you into his embrace and calm down.

Yudhishthira’s calm demeanor hides a deep well of emotion, making his love subtle but profound. He’s not overtly expressive like Bhima, but his affection is steady—his hand brushing yours, his gaze lingering, or his voice softening when he says your name.

Jealous. But doesn't admit it or show. He hates see you spending time with other men, and sometimes he being more distant than usually. You, in turn, may not be jealous of him, he is loyal to you. For him, cheating it's most distgusting thing.

Yudhishthira, despite being the embodiment of dharma, has a known fondness for dice games, which is exploited by the Kauravas. So knowing what happened to Draupadi, it can make you feel nervous and even frustated if he repeats it. His excuses would be like: "I only meant to engage as a king’s duty, not to repeat past errors" or “I’ve learned from my folly. I’d never risk our peace". To do this, you will have to have a quick eye so as not to miss this.

Unlike his brothers, Yudhishthira is not so cheerful during festivals, for example, Puja. He sees puja as part of dharma, not fun, so you have to make him dance yourself. Of course you can make him smile, he would be amused by your attemps, but make him dance....It's too challenging. Even asking Arjuna for his precious Gandiva would be more easy than asking Yudhishthira to dance during festivals, lol.

Yudhishthira is not those who often share his feelings and fears. He often prefers to leave it to himself and solve problems himself. He is used to doing everything on his own, without anyone's help. You yourself will partially notice this and seek his answer. The elder Pandava only sighs, but understands that he will have to tell everything. Secretly Yudhishthira wants children with you one day....

━━━━━━༺नकुल༻ ━━━━━━

Oh, dear....Having partner like Nakul it's mean, having envy gazes from women. You know that he is son of Ashvin, he as a partner is a blend of charm, tenderness, and quiet strength, shaped by his divine lineage and his role as the gentlest Pandava.

His Ashvin-born compassion makes him a nurturing husband. He listens to yours worries—court intrigues, war’s shadow, or personal doubts—with patience, offering wisdom. His empathy creates a safe space where you can be vulnerable, knowing he’ll never judge. Also, he has amazing humor, seen in his banter with Sahadeva or courtly exchanges, brings lightness to their marriage. He teases you by hiding your bangles or challenging her to a mock archery duel, grinning, “Your aim’s sharp, but my charm’s sharper.” Their playful debates over poetry or strategy are filled with laughter and mutual respect. (He is like Krishna №2)

But he is very loyal and humble one. Despite his handsome look, Nakul chose be simple, he doesn't like to stand out unlike his older brothers. Nakul's role is to support his elders, and his humility reflects his adherence to dharma (duty) as a brother and warrior. His lack of ambition for the spotlight aligns with the Ashvins’ nature as benevolent, service-oriented deities. So If you will complements him too much, he would Just roll eyes playfully, instead His compliments will make you blush. He knows how to charm women!

One things what Nakul loves the most It's horsemanship. Just know that with him, you two often you will ride horses, take care of them, exploring nature. Well, if you have no experience in that, Nakul will definitely teach you. He will sitting behind you, guiding your hands, teach how to be gentle with animals, how to ride. Of course he would giggle (not mocking) if you are fear of horses, of their sudden moves, or maybe that you are going fall, but know that the ability to ride a horse is not the most important thing in your relationship. If you can take care of them it's already makes Nakul adore you more. Besides he loves holding you closer during riding. He is like a true charming prince from Fairy Tale!

Nakula’s jealousy is rarer and subtler, rooted in his understated nature. If your diplomacy requires charming a rival king or prince, he might feel a quiet sting, though he’d hide it behind a playful facade. At a banquet, seeing her laugh with a charismatic envoy, he’d jest, “Should I train harder to keep your eyes, my queen?” His light tone masks a flicker of insecurity, fearing his quieter role pales beside flashier suitors. You, perceptive, reassures him with a touch or a public gesture, like praising his horsemanship, affirming his place in her heart. You meanwhile can trust him, as I said he is emboidment of loyalty, but given his handsome appearance, women often trying flirt with him.

His gentle demeanor keeps arguments rare, but his humility and their royal lives can spark tensions, often tied to jealousy or differing priorities. For example, the reason for your arguments can be the beauty and many Nakul's admirers. They often flirt with him, trying charm. Nakula, ever polite and diplomatic, responds with courteous smiles or graceful deflections, but his charm can seem too warm, making you wonder if he enjoys the attention. But Nakul often confirms that it is only yours, he would never betray yoy. And he doesn't need others.

Nakul expresses love through small, meaningful acts—carving a wooden horse for you, draping his peacock-feathered shawl over you, or sketching your silhouette on palm leaves. For anniversaries, he might lead her to a starlit meadow, reciting. Nakul is your confidant, listening to your ambitions or fears without judgment. He shares his own vulnerabilities—his mother Madri’s loss, his quieter role among the Pandavas—creating a partnership where both feel seen.

Even though he is not as strong as his older brothers, he is trying his best to protect you. Even if you are a warrior yourself, he will be delighted, but he will not allow you to be hurt or humiliated, like what happened to Draupadi.

Day life with him It's almost like a fairy tale. Nakul rises with the dawn, drawn to Indraprastha’s stables to care for his beloved horses, his hands gentle as he brushes their manes. He asks you join with him, your quiet companionship a daily ritual. You both ride across misty fields, Nakula teaching you horsemanship, his laughter bright when you outpaces him. “You ride like Vayu, my queen,” he teases. Over breakfast—fruits, honeyed milk, flatbreads—you both discuss court matters. Nakul steals you away for private moments—strolling gardens where he tucks jasmine into her hair, practicing archery with lingering touches, or playing the veena, their fingers entwining. These moments brim with soft murmurs.

During Indraprastha’s vibrant Holi festival, Nakula’s playful side (Vana Parva) shines, turning a public celebration into a deeply romantic moment. As colors fly and music fills the air, Nakul spots you in your sapphire saree, your laughter drawing him like a magnet. He sneaks up, smearing abir across her cheeks, his grin mischievous: “You’re too radiant to escape! ” you both chase each other through the crowd, their laughter echoing. Nakul lets you catch him, pulling you into a quiet alcove behind a lotus pond. Their faces streaked with color, he brushes a strand of hair from her eyes, his touch lingering. “Even amidst chaos, you’re my peace,” he murmurs, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. He tucks a jasmine bloom behind her ear, promising. Your shared giggles and tender embrace seal the moment, colors fading into your love.

━━━━━━༺सहदेव༻ ━━━━━━

Most youngest Pandava sometimes has eldest Pandava's personality. Sahadeva unlike his twin brother Nakul is more introverted, he doesn't like show his emotions too much. Known as the wisest Pandava, Sahadeva’s intellect shines in his ability to understand complex matters, from astrology to human emotions. He anticipates your needs—sensing her stress before she speaks—and offers thoughtful solutions, like, “Let’s walk under the stars, and unravel your thoughts.” His wisdom makes him a confidant and guide.

Like a Nakul, Ashvin-born compassion makes Sahadeva attuned to his parent's feelings. He listens without judgment, whether you are frustrated by court politics or reflecting on personal dreams, responding with soft words: “Your heart speaks truth, and I’m here to hear it.” His empathy fosters a safe, nurturing bond. Sahadeva just pull you in his embrace, kiss your forehead as continue soothe.

As I said, Sahadeva have some Yudhishthira’s personality, but unlike him, Sahadeva can be playful, but ONLY with you. He teases you with a sly smile, like hiding a scroll you arw reading to steal a kiss, murmuring, “Knowledge waits, but my heart doesn’t.” Their intellectual banter—debating stars or scriptures—sparkles with affection.

Don't even try to make fun of him or prank him. He's very witty and practically knows what's in your mind. So when Sahadeva sitting and reading, while you are walking behind him to prank, he would say: "Do you have nothing to do, Y/n than?", still his eyes never leave book's page. It makes you sometimes frustated.

He loves astrology, It's obvious. So Sahadeva's romance is subtle but profound, expressed through meaningful gestures—writing her a poem in Sanskrit, mapping her favorite constellation, or sharing a quiet moment under the night sky. He would point at sky, showing stars and tell you interest facts about them. He even would named a star after you.

Life with Sahadeva is a blend of intellectual pursuit, quiet intimacy, and royal elegance. Your days weave duty, love, and shared values. He rises early, studying stars or scrolls in Indraprastha’s library. You both discussing astrology or court plans, his hand grazing hers. He might point out a morning star, saying, “It shines for you." But like other Pandavas, Sahadeva Advisers on strategy and diplomacy, his wisdom guiding alliances (Udyoga Parva). He is partially busy and can even be immersed in work. So he need you be patient and understanding.

Sahadeva’s unparalleled wisdom and foresight make him a husband who understands you deeply, often before you speak:He reads your emotions with a glance, his dark eyes seeing through your smiles or silences. “What troubles you?” he asks softly, his voice calm but probing, making you feel truly seen.His counsel is invaluable, whether you face personal doubts or courtly intrigues. He offers insights with humility. His foresight guides your shared future, from planning for exile’s hardships to strategizing for Kurukshetra, his quiet brilliance ensuring your safety and strength.

Sahadeva’s loyalty is a quiet, unshakable force, his heart wholly yours despite his reserved nature:He’s devoted in every sense, his love expressed not in grand gestures but in constant, thoughtful acts—ensuring your comfort, defending your honor, or standing by you in crises. “You are my anchor, Y/N,” he says, his voice steady. He rejects any attention that isn’t yours, his reserved demeanor a shield against admirers. So you can chill out and you don't have to be jealous, he wouldn't even look at another women when he has you. He is himself not jealous, He thinks it's pointless, because trust is the most important thing in your relationship.

Arguments with Sahadeva also are rare, given his wisdom and empathy, but his reserved nature and his nerves are not iron after all. His quiet demeanor can feel distant, especially in crises, leaving you longing for more openness. His visions of the future can make him withdrawn or overly cautious, frustrating you if he withholds them. He sometimes can scold you, if for example you went in battle or did some risky things. He would scold, telling you why didn't you tell him earlier and etc. But then he would calm down you you both will solve problem together.

During pujas, Sahadeva as usually studying, but unlike Yudhishthira he would join with you in festivals. He approaches silently, a handful of crimson abir hidden behind his back, his pearl-ornamented kurta catching the morning light. “Sneha, you look like a dawn goddess,” he says, his voice warm but laced with teasing. As you turns, smiling, he swiftly smears the powder across your cheeks, his laughter soft but infectious. “The stars predicted you’d glow in red,” he quips, dodging as you grabs a handful of turquoise powder to retaliate. Their chambers become a whirlwind of color, you chasing him around a sandalwood table, your anklets chiming. Sahadeva lets you catch him, pulling you close as she dusts his face with powder, their laughter mingling. “You’ve outwitted a Pandava, my queen,” he murmurs, his eyes adoring, already setting the tone for a day of playful love.

━━━━━━༺कर्ण༻ ━━━━━

(Judge me or not, but I like him... He deserves so much better 😓)

Karna’s commanding presence and Surya-born radiance make him magnetic. He showers you with fervent attention, his gaze burning with unspoken vows: “You are my sun, sneha, my reason to rise.” His intensity makes every moment with him feel profound, whether a glance or a touch. He sees your marriage as a sacred vow, his heart bound to yours through every trial—courtly intrigues, exile, or the looming shadow of Kurukshetra.

Karna treasures you very much, you are his only woman who he loves the most (After his mother Radha). Kunti left him when he was newborn and was raised by adoptive parents. Despite his parents' love, Karna's childhood is tinged with loneliness. His divine qualities and social rejection make him feel like an outsider even among the sut. Some people could mock him by his status. So when you confessed him about your feeling, I can't describe how happy he was.

Known for his unwavering loyalty, Karna’s devotion to you is absolute. He’d sacrifice anything—wealth, pride, even his life—to protect you. There is no word about jealousy in your relationship! As I mentioned, he is very loyal (The word "loyal" is like his second name), and he doesn't have interesting in other women. If they even tried flirt with him, he would ignore or just reject them with cold shoulder.

Beneath his warrior exterior, Karna hides pain from his low-born upbringing and rejection. He confides in you about his struggles—Kunti’s abandonment, societal scorn. Karna loves when he laid his head on your laps as you soothe him, caressing his wavy hair as he continue tell you about his story. In these moments, Karna is often ready to thank the gods that he has you. His love burns fiercely, expressed through deep, lingering touches and fervent embraces. In private, he sheds his emotional armor, revealing a tender, vulnerable side. His passion infuses every moment, from quiet nights to battlefield vows, making you feel cherished.

Karna reveres you, adorning you with care—choosing vibrant saris or crafting tokens like a carved bow. His protection is fierce, his archery a shield against threats, yet he respects your strength, empowering your pursuits as a warrior, scholar, or artist. His affection is tactile—warm embraces, lingering touches—while his generosity fills your life with small, meaningful gestures. He seeks your counsel, valuing your wisdom in court or war.

He is usually very busy and you two don't have too much time together. But in his free time, you both train together, his arrows flying as he guides your aim, or ride across Anga’s plains, racing with shared laughter. Quiet moments unfold by rivers, his armor off, your connection deepening in silence. In court, you rule as partners, hosting festivals like Deepavali, your harmony admired.

Conflicts and arguments arise from his stubborn pride, especially his loyalty to Duryodhana, or his overprotectiveness clashing with your independence. His guarded nature can feel distant, sparking tension. Arguments are intense, his passion flaring, but he cools quickly, seeking solitude before returning. Reconciliations are heartfelt, sealed with embraces or rides under stars, his growth strengthening your bond. Even thought he would feel guilty, despite if it wasn't his fault. He would do anything to seek your forgivness, by knelt beside you, holding your hands. Or give you many gifts, like golden jewelry or expensive sari.

As I said earlier, you don't have to feel jealous if someone trying being close to him. But, Karna himself can be. He already feel insecure about his origin, always wanted to be better, so when you are close to men, he would ask you, if you truly love him? Is he enought to you? Please don't hurt him.

He is very protective one. As a peerless warrior, Karna’s combat skills—mastery of archery, charioteering, and strategy—make him a natural guardian. His battle-honed reflexes translate into vigilance, ensuring his partner's safety from physical threats, whether bandits or courtly conspiracies. Karna’s pride and defiance drive him to protect you from societal prejudice, especially slights against their marriage due to his perceived low birth. He stands as her champion, ensuring no one questions her choice. He will not stand it if someone bully you, he can handle if someone mock him, but when they do it to you, Karna would harshly deal with them.

During Anga’s Holi festival, Karna’s rare playfulness transforms the vibrant chaos into a romantic celebration with his partner. As abir clouds fill the courtyard and drums beat, Karna, in a saffron kurta, sneaks up on you, smearing crimson powder on her cheeks. “You’re mine, Y/n, in every hue,” he grins, dodging as you tosses turquoise abir back. You chase through the laughing crowd becomes a dance, Karna twirling her, his hands guiding you waist, their faces streaked with colors.In a quiet alcove by a lotus pond, he brushes powder from her eyes, his touch lingering. Even thought, he rarely being playful, or having fun due of his work, he cherish every moment with you... Knowing that soon it will stop.

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Oh gods, I write in one week....🥲

Hopefully you like it, please rate but don't critic. It's my first post, characters may not he close to canon, but I tried. Next time you can write which character I should add. Sorry for my english and mistakes!

Next will be with Ramayana characters! 🪷❤️

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