Gandhari is a significant character in the Mahabharata, known for her unwavering devotion and tragic fate. She is the wife of Dhritarashtra, the blind king of Hastinapura, and the mother of the Kauravas, the hundred sons who play a central role in the epic.

Gandhari's most notable attribute is her decision to blindfold herself for life as an act of solidarity with her husband. She does this to share in his darkness, symbolizing her commitment to stand by him despite his disability. This act of self-sacrifice also serves as a demonstration of her immense strength of character and her sense of duty as a wife.

Throughout the Mahabharata, Gandhari is depicted as a devoted and virtuous woman who loves her sons deeply, despite their moral failings. She often tries to counsel them towards righteousness, but her efforts are overshadowed by their ambition and arrogance, particularly led by her eldest son, Duryodhana.

Gandhari's tragic fate is intertwined with the destiny of her sons. Despite her attempts to guide them towards the path of righteousness, she ultimately witnesses their downfall in the great war of Kurukshetra, where they face off against their cousins, the Pandavas. After the war, Gandhari mourns the loss of her sons and curses Lord Krishna for his role in the destruction of her family.

Gandhari's character serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of familial relationships, duty, and the consequences of moral choices. Her unwavering devotion to her husband and sons, despite their flaws, highlights the depth of her character and the challenges she faces in navigating the tumultuous world of the Mahabharata.