Kunti (Sanskrit: कुन्ती, IAST: Kuntī), also known as Pritha, is a prominent character in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Her name means "spear" in Sanskrit, reflecting strength and sharpness. She is the wife of Pandu, king of the Kuru Kingdom, and is best known as the mother of the five Pandavas—Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva. Etymology and Epithets The name Kunti is derived from the Sanskrit word kuntī, meaning "spear." Her birth name was Pritha, meaning "the beloved" or "the beautiful." As the adopted daughter of King Kuntibhoja, she came to be known as Kunti. Mythological Biography According to the Mahabharata, Kunti was born to the Vrishni king Shurasena but was adopted by her childless uncle, Kuntibhoja. As a young girl, she received a divine mantra from the sage Durvasa that allowed her to summon any god and bear a child by them. Out of curiosity, she invoked the sun god Surya, who fathered her first son, Karna. Unmarried and ashamed, she abandoned the newborn, who was later found and raised by a charioteer. Later, Kunti married Pandu, but he was cursed to die if he engaged in sexual activity. To continue the royal lineage, Kunti used her mantra to summon three gods at Pandu's request: Dharma (god of righteousness) fathered Yudhishthira, Vayu (wind god) fathered Bhima, and Indra (king of gods) fathered Arjuna. She also taught the mantra to her co-wife Madri, who bore the twins Nakula and Sahadeva through the Ashvins. Role in the Epic After Pandu's death, Kunti becomes the surrogate mother of all five Pandavas and the matriarch of the Kuru dynasty. She plays a crucial role in the events of the epic, including her sombre reunion with Karna during the Kurukshetra War. The Pandavas are central to the Mahabharata narrative; Yudhishthira being the eldest and Arjuna a key hero in the Battle of Kurukshetra. Cultural Significance Kunti is revered for her strength, devotion to duty, and sacrifices. She exemplifies dharma even in adverse circumstances. The name remains influential in Hindu culture, often given to girls as a symbol of power and resilience. Key Facts Meaning: Spear (Sanskrit) Origin: Hinduism / Sanskrit Type: Given name Usage: Hindu communities Notable Bearers: Kunti (Mahabharata character)