Chitrangada
Chitrangada is a renowned female character from the epic Mahabharata. She is the wife of the valiant Arjuna and the princess of the kingdom of Manipur. Her father, King Chitravahana, raised her as a son due to the absence of a male heir. He ensured she was skilled in all forms of knowledge and warfare.
During Arjuna’s travels, he passed through Manipur and was captivated by Chitrangada’s beauty and bravery. He approached King Chitravahana to ask for her hand in marriage. The king agreed on the condition that any child born from their union would be raised as the heir to the throne of Manipur, not as a Pandava. Arjuna accepted this condition and married Chitrangada. They had a son named ‘Babruvahana’.
Babruvahana – S/o Chitrangada
Chitrangada’s greatness as a mother is evident in how she raised her son, Babruvahana, without any support from her father. After Babruvahana’s birth, Arjuna entrusted Chitrangada with his upbringing and left Manipur. Just as Subhadra raised Abhimanyu to be a great warrior, Chitrangada trained Babruvahana to become a brave and worthy son.
Despite the challenges of single parenthood, Chitrangada nurtured Babruvahana with immense love and dedication. She ensured he was trained in all the arts of warfare and leadership, preparing him to be a worthy successor to the throne of Manipur. Her efforts bore fruit as Babruvahana grew up to be a brave and skilled warrior, capable of facing even his father in battle.
Chitrangada’s greatness as a daughter is equally remarkable. Her father, King Chitravahana, raised her as a son, teaching her all the skills and knowledge typically reserved for male heirs. Chitrangada embraced this upbringing wholeheartedly, excelling in various disciplines and proving herself to be a capable and courageous individual.
Her father’s decision to raise her as a son was vindicated by her achievements and the respect she garnered as a warrior princess. Chitrangada’s dedication to her father’s wishes and her ability to uphold the responsibilities of a son highlight her exceptional qualities as a daughter.
Kurukshetra War
Chitrangada’s story also intertwines with the larger narrative of the Mahabharata. Following the Kurukshetra war, Yudhishthira decided to perform the Ashwamedha Yagna and sent Arjuna to guard the sacrificial horse. As the horse travelled through various kingdoms, it reached Manipur, leading to a fierce battle between Arjuna and Babruvahana.
In this battle, Babruvahana’s arrows gravely wounded Arjuna, leading to his death. Chitrangada, distressed by this, blamed Ulupi for inciting Babruvahana. However, Ulupi used her mystical Nagamani to revive Arjuna, bringing immense joy to Chitrangada. She then accompanied Arjuna to Hastinapur with their son and lived there, caring for everyone with affection, including her mother-in-law Gandhari.
When the Pandavas, along with Draupadi, embarked on their journey to the heavens, Chitrangada returned to Manipur with Babruvahana.
Chitrangada | Women from The Mahabharata | Princess of Manipur | Arjuna’s Wife – youtube link
Final Word
Chitrangada’s life is a testament to her strength, resilience, and dedication. As a mother, she raised her son to be a great warrior without any external support. As a daughter, she fulfilled her father’s expectations and proved herself to be a capable and courageous individual.
Her story is an inspiring example of how one can rise above challenges and fulfil multiple roles with grace and determination.
