Yudhishthira is called the Righteous Pandava. The meaning of Yudhishthira is ‘one who is steady in the war’ His name comes from the two words, Yuddha (meaning war) and Sthira (meaning steady).
His parents are Kunti (mother), Pandu (father) and Dharmaraja (spiritual father). Arjuna, Karna, Nakula, Bhima and Sahadeva are his brothers while the hundred Kauravas are his cousins who also had a sister named Duhsala. Yudhishthira’s two sons are Yaudheya (from Devika) and Prativindhya (from Draupadi).
Yudhishthira parents are Queen Kunti and King Pandu. He is recognized by other names like Partha (son of Pritha), Bharata Vanshi (descendant of Bharata), Dharmaraya, Dharmaraj or Dharmanandan (Lord of Dharma) and Ajatashatru (one who does not have enemies from the time of birth).
Once Pandu (Yudhishthira’s father) accidently killed Kindama a Brahmin sage and his consort while they were strolling in the forest. Pandu mistook them for a deer. Kindama while dying cursed Pandu that as penance, he would die the moment he engages sexually with any women. Pandu also had to give up as king of Hastinapura after which the reigns were taken over by Dhritarashtra his elder brother.
Later with the help of a boon granted by Durvasa Rishi to Kunti, they both were blessed with the birth of Yudhishthira (the eldest Pandava). On one occasion Yudhishthira lost Draupadi, his brothers as well as his kingdom to Shakuni’s challenge in the game of dice. After this he had to go to exile for 13 years.
After the Kurukshetra War he ruled Hastinapura as Emperor for 36 years. He along with his brothers retired on the departure of Krishna and onset of Kali Yuga. During the Kurukshetra War, Yudhishthira leads the Pandavas successfully. Towards the end he rises to heaven. A celestial Rishi grants him the boon of having a spiritual vision of second sight.
