Who is the daughter of King Virat?

Uttarā (उत्तरा) is identified as the daughter of King Virat.

Uttarā was a notable figure in the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata, known for her association with the Pandavas during their period of exile.

Key Information about Uttarā

Uttarā was not just a princess; her life played a significant role in the unfolding narrative of the Mahabharata.

• Parentage: She was the daughter of King Virata (also spelled Virat) and Queen Sudeshna of the Matsya Kingdom. King Virata's court served as a crucial sanctuary for the Pandavas, who spent a year there in concealment during their thirteen-year exile.
• Princess of Matsya: As the royal princess, Uttarā was an integral part of the Matsya kingdom's royal family. Her parents provided refuge and anonymity to the Pandavas, who disguised themselves and lived incognito within their palace.
• Role in the Mahabharata: Uttarā's most significant role is her marriage to Abhimanyu, the valiant son of Arjuna (one of the Pandavas) and Subhadra. This union symbolized a strong alliance between the Matsya kingdom and the Pandavas, reinforcing their bond before the epic Kurukshetra War.
• Lineage: From her marriage to Abhimanyu, Uttarā had a son named Parikshit. Remarkably, Parikshit was the sole surviving male heir of the Kuru dynasty after the devastating Kurukshetra War, and he subsequently ascended the throne, ensuring the continuity of the lineage.

Summary of Uttarā's Identity

To provide a concise overview of Uttarā's identity:

Uttarā's story highlights not only her lineage as King Virat's daughter but also her pivotal role in the succession and future of the Kuru dynasty, making her an important figure in the grand narrative of the Mahabharata.