Madri

Madri was the wife of Pandu, alongside Kunti and mother of Nakula and Sahadeva of the Pandavas. She was the sister of Shalya of Madra.

Due to a curse on her husband, he was unable to have biological children. As a result, Kunti shared with Madri a chant allowing her to call upon a god to impregnate her. She used the chant to call upon the Ashvins, twin physicians. As a result, she gave birth to Nakula and Sahadeva.

One day, Pandu desired Madri and the memory of the curse briefly eluded him. When he pulled Madri into his embrace, he died immediately. Madri, filled with despair, threw herself onto Pandu's funeral pyre.