Dhritarashtra facts for kids
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Dhritarashtra (Sanskrit: धृतराष्ट्र, Dhṛtarāṣṭra) or Dhatarattha (Pali: धतरट्ठ Dhataraṭṭha) is one of the Four Heavenly Kings and an important person in Buddhism.
Name
The name Dhṛtarāṣṭra comes from two Sanskrit words: "dhṛta" (possessing; bearing) and "rāṣṭra" (kingdom; territory).
Character
Dhṛtarāṣṭra is the guardian god of the East. He lives on the eastern part of Mount Sumeru. He is leader of the gandharvas and the pishacas.
He is often shown in art playing a stringed instrument.
Theravada
In the Pāli writings of the Theravada Buddhist tradition, Dhṛtarāṣṭra is called Dhataraṭṭha. Dhataraṭṭha is one of the Four Great Kings, each one of which rules over a direction. Vessavaṇa's direction is the eastern quarter of the world.
He has many sons called "Indra." He also has a daughter named Sirī.
Japan
In Japan, Jikokuten (持国天) is often shown wearing a suit of armor. He usually holds a sword and a trident while standing on top of a demon called a jaki.
Related pages
- Four Heavenly Kings
- Vaishravana
Images for kids
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Satyavati requests Vyasa to engage in the Niyoga practice with Ambika
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Sage Sanatsujata teaches Atma vidya to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra
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Draupadi disrobed in Dhritarashtra's assembly. Dhritarashtra seated in the centre.
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Krishna requests Dhritarashtra to avoid war.
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Vyasa (middle) grants Sanjaya (left) divine vision to narrate the war to Dhritarashtra (right).
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Dhritrashtra mourns the death of his sons.
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Dhritrashtra crushing Bhima's statue.
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Attain of Moksha by Gandhari, Dhritarastra and Kunti and escape of Vidura from fire
See also
In Spanish: Dhritarashtra para niños
