Gandhari, Dhritarashtra’s wife keeps her eyes covered because she does not want to see a world that her visually challenged husband cannot see. But although she is unable to see, she is intelligent enough to make guesses about the future, said V.S.Karunakarachariar in a discourse. When the Pandavas arrive after having wedded Draupadi, the latter seeks Gandhari’s blessings. Gandhari embraces Draupadi and touches her face. Gandhari realises that Draupadi is no ordinary woman. With that realisation comes the fear that Draupadi will bring danger to her sons. So Gandhari immediately asks Vidura to prepare Pandu’s palace for Draupadi’s stay. She wants to get Draupadi out of the way as soon as possible.
She then tells her husband to give half the kingdom to Yudishtra and send him to his half. Dhritarashtra is unwilling to give Yudishtra any concession. So he gives Yudishtra a portion of the kingdom, with a forested area to serve as his capital. He justifies his choice of capital, saying it was once the capital of Nahusha and Yayati. Yudishtra is asked to leave soon after the coronation.
Thus because of Gandhari’s foresight, immediate trouble is averted. But despite her efforts, war does break out later. Gandhari’s sons are all killed and Yudishtra now becomes king of the entire realm. But before his coronation, Yudishtra wants to get Gandhari’s blessings. Gandhari, naturally, is in no mood to forgive the Pandavas. But Vyasa asks her what her words were when Duryodhana sought her blessings before the war. She had then said, “Let dharma prevail.” Since Duryodhana had been opposed to what was right, he had been killed, argues Vyasa, and says she must not be angry with Yudishtra. Gandhari decides to control her feelings. And yet, when Yudishtra touches her feet, she is unable to control her anger and partially lifts her veil, before good sense prevails and she lowers it once more.
Here she demonstrates sagacity and self control. Had she turned her full gaze on Yudishtra, he would have been burnt to ashes.
