Wayang Pandu

The Tale of a Cursed King

Pandu, a central figure in Javanese wayang kulit (shadow puppetry), is a story of a cursed king who, despite his flaws, embodies the ideals of kingship and dharma.

Wayang Pandu

Birth and Early Life:Birth and Early Life

Pandu was the son of Byasa, the revered sage, and Ambalika, the widow of Wicitrawirya. Born with a handsome face, he bore a disfiguring mark on his neck, a consequence of his mother's averted gaze upon meeting Byasa. The dalangs (puppet masters) elaborate on Pandu's youth, which is only briefly mentioned in the Mahabharata. For instance, he is depicted actively aiding his cousins' marriages in Mandura.

Marriages and Polygamy

Pandu married Kunti after winning a contest in Mandura. He also won Madri, the princess's sister, as a prize after defeating Salya, her brother. En route, he won another princess, Gandari, from Plasajenar, defeating her brother Prabu Gendara. Gandari was later married to Dretarastra, Pandu's elder brother.

Kingship and Gandamana

In Javanese wayang, Byasa temporarily ruled the kingdom of Astina (Hastinapura) until Pandu came of age. Pandu ascended the throne of Astina, succeeding Byasa, and was titled Prabu Pandu Dewanata or Prabu Gandawakstra. He ruled with Gandamana, the prince of Pancala, as his prime minister. However, Sangkuni, Gandari's brother, cunningly removed Gandamana from his position.

Pandu's Curse and Death

Pandu's tragic flaw was his uncontrollable passion. While hunting in the forest, he accidentally shot and killed a sage who was in the form of a deer. The dying sage cursed Pandu to die the moment he embraced a woman.

Pandu's Dilemma and the Pandavas

Pandu, bound by the curse, renounced his kingdom and retired to the forest with his wives. Kunti, using a mantra given to her by Durvasa, bore three sons through the gods: Yudhistira (Dharma), Bima (Vayu), and Arjuna (Indra). Madri, using the same mantra, bore twins: Nakula (Ashvins) and Sahadeva (Ashvins). These five sons became known as the Pandavas. Pandu, unable to bear the thought of leaving his wives and children, embraced Madri in a moment of passion and died instantly, leaving the Pandavas orphaned and setting the stage for the epic conflict of the Mahabharata.