According to the
Adi Parva (
Amshavatara Parva, Chapter 67, Stanza 7), Dhrishtaketu is considered to be a partial incarnation of Anuhlada, the son of the demon king
Hiranyakashipu. Dhrishtaketu is born to
Shishupala, who belongs to
Dasharha clan descending from
Yadu from his maternal side. Dhrishtaketu is frequently mentioned in the
Mahabharata across various
Parvans, particularly in connection with the
Pandavas. After the death of Shishupala at the Pandava
Yudhishthira's
Rajasuya, narrated in
Sabhā Parva, Dhrishtaketu is installed as the king of Chedi and becomes a tributary king under the Pandavas. In the
Vana Parva, He is described as visiting the Pandavas just before their forest exile. Afterwards, he is said to have returned to his capital,
Shuktimati, taking with him his sister
Karenumati, who had been married to
Nakula, the fourth Pandava. Later, he makes a second visit to the Pandavas in the forest, reaffirming his allegiance. According to the
Udyoga Parva, Dhrishtaketu is among the kings to whom Yudhishthira sends messengers before the
Kurukshetra War. He later arrives at the war council with a full
akshauhini of troops (an
akshauhini consisted of 21,870 elephants, 21,870 chariots, 65,610 horses, and 109,350 infantry). He is a great bowman and a
Maharatha (a great chariot-warrior) as per the rating of
Bhishma. One of his sons also takes part in the war. Dhrishtaketu is appointed one of the seven commanders-in-chief of Yudhishthira’s forces. During the war, Dhrishtaketu engages in combat with several formidable warriors, including with
Bahlika on the first day of the battle. He is seen in various strategic positions, including the right horn of the
ardhachandra-vyuha (crescent moon) formation and the army’s rear. He engages in combat with
Bhurishravas and
Paurava during these battles. In the
Drona Parva, it is noted that Dhrishtaketu had remained with the Pandavas even after others from the Chedi clan had departed. He fights against
Kripa (the teacher of the Kuru princes), accompanies King
Virata, and challenges
Drona, the commander-in-chief of the
Kauravas, in battle. He also fights with Ambashtha. Dhrishtaketu also kills a warrior named Viradhanva during the war. However, his own life ends in battle when he fights against Drona and is slain by him. In the
Stri Parva, his death is mourned by the women of his household, including his wives, who grieve over his lifeless body. == Notes ==