Yudhishthira, also known as Dharmaraja, is a central figure in the epic tale Mahabharata. As the firstborn son of King Pandu and Queen Kunti, his fathering deity is Yama, the god of righteousness, thus he is highly respected for his commitment to truth and justice. His upright nature is reflected in the name 'Yudhishthira' itself, meaning 'one who is steady in war'.
Despite his rightful claim to the throne, Yudhishthira and his brothers, collectively known as the Pandavas, endure multiple periods of exile and hardship due to the schemes of their cousins, the Kauravas. Notably, it is his moral rectitude, even in the face of grave adversity, that sets Yudhishthira apart.
Yudhishthira is also famous for his wisdom and knowledge of Dharma, or righteous conduct. His proficiency is depicted in his ability to answer the questions of the Yaksha, a celestial being, thereby rescuing his brothers from death.
Despite his virtues, Yudhishthira had a weak spot for gambling, culminating in the infamous dice game where he gambled away his kingdom, his brothers, and even their wife Draupadi. This event triggers their second exile and ultimately leads to the great Kurukshetra war.
After the bloody fratricidal war, Yudhishthira ascends the throne and rules with utmost righteousness. In the end, he abdicates, retires and embarks on a great journey towards the Himalayas with his brothers. He is the last one to fall on the journey, reaching heaven in his human form as an embodiment of Dharma. His life is a compelling tale of virtue, conviction, and resilience.