Madri in Sanskrit is a word meaning the Princess of Madra Kingdom. She married King Pandu and became his second wife. She was the sister of the King of Madra Pradesh, King Shalya and was the daughter of Rutayan. She was the mother of the 2 Pandavas, named Sahadev and Nakul.
King Pandu on his way to Hastinapur had to confront the army of King Shalya of Madra. Their encounter developed into friendship and as a token of friendship, Shalya got his only sister married to King Pandu. This way war didn’t take place and an allegiance was pledged to Hastinapur.
Pandu’s first wife, Kunti had obtained a Mantra from Sage Durvasa. Accordingly Madri used this Mantra, called upon the Ashwini Kumars who gifted her, Sahadev and Nakul her two beautiful sons.
The beautiful Madri went with Pandu to live in Hastinapur, but Pandu was cursed that he would face death if he lustfully touched a woman.
Adopting an ascetic life as penance, Pandu began living in the jungle along with his wives. Madri’s beauty fascinated him immensely. When he took her into his arms he was cursed. Madri had become the reason for his death. Pandu forgot about the curse and as soon as he took Madri in her arms died. The sorrowful and remorseful Madri, then self immolated herself on the funeral pyre of Pandu and became a Sati.
As per uncle Shalya’s wishes, Nakula became the King of Madrapradesh and Kunti became a single mother of the five children, Sahadeva, Nakula, Bhima, Yudhishthira and Arjuna.
