Bhanumati (wife of Duryodhana)
 |
| Bhanumati | |
|---|---|
| In-universe information | |
| Family | Chitrangada (father) |
| Spouse | Duryodhana |
| Children | Lakshmana, Lakshmanaa |
According to Indian epic Mahabharata, Bhanumati was believed to be the daughter of Chitrangada, King of Kalinga. Ancient Kalinga is mostly part of present day state of Odisha. She was married to Duryodhana of Hastinapur, the eldest son of Gandhari and Dhritrashtra. As Bhanumati wasn't directly involved in the main events of the epic, not much is written about her in the Mahabharata. In the epic, she is mainly mentioned at two places: in Stri Parva by Queen Gandhari and in Shanti Parva by sage Narada, describing her swayamvar ceremony.
Description Of Bhanumathi In Mahabharata
During Bhanumati's Swayamvara, she is described by Sage Narada as being a maiden of the fairest complexion.
Queen Gandhari describes Bhanumati was large of hips, with long hair. She praises her intelligence and physical strength, saying that she used to mock-wrestle with Duryodhana. Gandhari does in this in the context of saying how Bhanumati has changed seeing her husband and son dead on the battlefield, saying that Bhanumati is still very beautiful, but broken inside.
Swayamvar Of Bhanumati
Duryodhana was invited to the Swayamvara of Princess Bhanumati, the daughter of King Chitrangada of Kalinga. Duryodhana went to the city of Rajapura, taking along his dear friend Karna. Many legendary rulers like Shishupala, Jarasandha, Bhishmaka, Vakra, Kapotaroman, Nila, Rukmi, Sringa, Asoka, Satadhanwan etc. attended the ceremony. After the commencing of the ceremony, the lovely Bhanumati entered the arena with garland in her hand, surrounded by her nurse maid and bodyguards. As she was being informed about the names of the participants & their lineage, she walked away from Duryodhana. Duryodhana refusing to accept her rejection and already smitten by Bhanumati, took her away on his chariot challenging other suitors to beat him & Karna. Karna successfully battled with the rest of the suitors to protect his friend. Karna easily defeated the pursuing Kings and the other royal suitors abandoned their pursuit after seeing Karna's fighting prowess. On reaching Hastinapur, Duryodhana justified his act by giving the example of his great grandfather Bhishma abducting three princess of Kashi for his step brothers. Finally, Bhanumati consented and married Duryodhana.
Children Of Bhanumati
Bhanumathi and Duryodhan had two children, a son Lakshman and a daughter Lakshmana. Lakshman was killed by Abhimanyu in the Mahabharata war. Lakshmana married Samba, the son of Krishna, after he had abducted her.