Dhritarashtra facts for kids
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Dhritarashtra is a very important figure in Buddhism. He is one of the Four Heavenly Kings, who are like guardian gods. His name is spelled Dhṛtarāṣṭra in Sanskrit and Dhataraṭṭha in Pali.
Contents
What His Name Means
The name Dhṛtarāṣṭra comes from two old Sanskrit words. "Dhṛta" means "possessing" or "bearing," and "rāṣṭra" means "kingdom" or "territory." So, his name means something like "He who upholds the kingdom."
His Role and Character
Dhṛtarāṣṭra is known as the guardian god of the East. He lives on the eastern side of a special mountain called Mount Sumeru, which is believed to be the center of the universe in some Buddhist beliefs.
He is the leader of two groups of beings: the gandharvas, who are heavenly musicians, and the pishacas. Because of his connection to the gandharvas, Dhṛtarāṣṭra is often shown in art playing a stringed musical instrument.
In Theravada Buddhism
In the Theravada Buddhist tradition, which uses the Pāli language, Dhṛtarāṣṭra is called Dhataraṭṭha. He is one of the Four Great Kings, and each king rules over one of the four main directions. Dhataraṭṭha's job is to protect the eastern part of the world.
He is said to have many sons, all named "Indra," and also a daughter named Sirī.
Dhritarashtra in Japan
In Japan, Dhṛtarāṣṭra is known as Jikokuten (持国天). Japanese statues and paintings often show him wearing a suit of armor, like a warrior. He usually holds a sword or a trident (a three-pronged spear). Sometimes, he is shown standing on top of a small demon called a jaki, which represents evil or ignorance that he helps to overcome.
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
