The Mahabharata, written by Maharishi Ved Vyas, describes the epic war between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. The war was triggered by several events, including Duryodhana’s hatred for the Pandavas, Draupadi’s disrobing, and the injustices faced by the Pandavas. Ultimately, Duryodhana’s arrogance and envy led to his downfall and death.

One of the most mysterious and intriguing aspects of the Mahabharata is Gandhari’s decision to blindfold herself for life. But why did she take this extreme step, and when did she finally remove her blindfold?

Why Did Gandhari Blindfold Herself?

✔ A Symbol of Sacrifice & Devotion

• When Gandhari learned that she was to marry Dhritarashtra, the blind prince of Hastinapur, she made a shocking decision.
• Out of devotion to her husband, she blindfolded herself, choosing to never see the world again.

✔ Her Thought Process

• Gandhari believed:

“If my husband cannot see the world, I too have no right to see it.”

• This act was seen as her way of sharing Dhritarashtra’s struggles and proving her loyalty as a wife.

When Did Gandhari Remove Her Blindfold?

During the Mahabharata war, after witnessing the destruction of all her 100 sons, Gandhari was forced to remove her blindfold for a brief moment.

✔ Gandhari’s Divine Power

• She had gained immense spiritual energy through years of austerity and penance.
• Duryodhana, her last surviving son, approached her seeking blessings before his final battle against Bhima.

✔ The Attempt to Save Duryodhana

• Gandhari removed her blindfold and directed all her divine energy toward him, making his body invincible.
• However, Lord Krishna cleverly intervened, ensuring that Duryodhana’s thighs remained vulnerable—which ultimately led to his defeat and death at Bhima’s hands.