AMBIKA in the Mahabharata
AMBIKA in the Mahabharata 1. Brief Biography Ambika is a prominent female figure in the Mahabharata , known primarily as the queen of the Kuru kingdom and the wife of Vichitravirya , the king of Hastinapura . She is the second daughter of the King of Kashi, Kashya, and Queen Kausalya . Along with her sisters Amba and Ambalika , she was abducted by Bhishma from their svayamvara and taken to Hastinapura for marriage. After marrying Vichitravirya, Ambika lived with him for several years. However, Vichitravirya, afflicted with tuberculosis , died childless. Following his death, Ambika participated in the practice of Niyoga with the sage Vyasa , which resulted in the birth of Dhritarashtra , who was born blind. Later in life, Ambika renounced palace life and retired to the forest with Satyavati and Ambalika , spending her remaining days in spiritual retreat. . 2. Etymology of the Name “Ambika” The name Ambika (Sanskrit: अम्बिका , Ambikā ) is derived from “Amba”...