From all of Dhritarashtra’s wicked sons, one of them was righteous. One of them knew that siding with Lord Krishna and the Pandavas was the right thing to do. He had the courage to oppose his brothers. His name was Yuyutsu. He was the only Kaurava who fought for the Pandavas in the Mahabharata War.
Yuyutsu wasn’t one of the hundred Kaurava brothers. He was Dhritarashtra’s son by a Vaishya woman. After the Pandavas left for their final journey, he managed Hastinapura because Parikshit was too young.
Family
- Father: Dhritarashtra
- Mother: a Vaishya woman
- Half-Brothers: the hundred Kauravas
Birth and Childhood
This story is in the Mahabharata, Adi Parva
In the Mahabharata, Dhritarashtra’s marriage with the Vaishya woman is not described in detail. However, it is stated that Yuyutsu was the second oldest Kaurava after Duryodhana. Thus, we can safely assume that Dhritarashtra married the Vaishya woman during Gandhari’s pregnancy.
Gandhari’s pregnancy lasted for many years and there were many problems. Dhritarashtra was extremely frustrated with Gandhari’s problems, especially because Kunti had already given birth to Yudhishthira. To quickly beget a son, Dhritarashtra married a Vaishya woman. She then gave birth to Yuyutsu right after Duryodhana’s birth.
Yuyutsu saves Bhima’s Life
Since his childhood, Yuyutsu was neglected and sidelined by Duryodhana and the other Kauravas. Hence, when the Pandavas arrived at Hastinapura, he befriended them. He became especially close to Bhima. After the failure of the Praman Koti scheme, Duryodhana was extremely angry. He added a virulent poison in Bhima’s water. However, Yuyutsu got to know about the plan and quickly informed Bhima, saving his life.
Battle of Varnavrata
This story is in the Mahabharata, Drona Parva, Chapter 9
Dhritarashtra appointed Yuyutsu as the viceroy of the Varnavrata region. Once, a coalition of powerful kings attacked Varnavrata. Yuyutsu resisted them and defended the kingdom for six months straight. During all this time, Duryodhana did not send him any help. Soon, after six months, the defeated kings gave up and left.
Kurukshetra War
This story is in the Mahabharata, Drona Parva and Karna Parva
During the Mahabharata War, Yuyutsu and his troops were the only Kauravas that sided with the Pandavas. Yuyutsu was a brave and valiant warrior. On the twelfth day, he fought Bhagadatta and his elephant Supratika. He also fought Uluka, the son of Shakuni. He was also one of the only warriors that survived the war because left for Hastinapura before Ashwatthama’s night slaughter.
Caretaker of Hastinapura
This story is in the Mahabharata, Shanti Parva and Mahaprasthana Parva
When Yuyutsu returned from the war, he described the war to Vidura. He also helped the Pandavas rule Hastinapura after the Mahabharata War. He also took care of the aging Dhritarashtra. When the Pandavas left for their final travels, they appointed Yuyutsu as the manager of the kingdom. Parikshit was crowned king, but he was too young to rule, so Yuyutsu managed the kingdom. He eventually passed away peacefully.
Make sure to subscribe to my blog to get all of my latest content and posts delivered straight to your inbox. Leave a quick comment if you have any questions or comments.