Ulūpī and Citrāṅgadā

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>This chapter explores the intertwined narratives of Ulūpī and Citrāṅgadā, two significant yet often overlooked women in the Mahābhārata. Through a close reading of epic episodes and scholarly interpretations, the chapter examines themes of widow remarriage, agency, and the complexities of marital and familial relationships. Ulūpī’s bold pursuit of Arjuna and her navigation of social norms highlight issues of gender, desire, and dharma, while Citrāṅgadā’s story foregrounds questions of lineage, inheritance, and maternal identity. The analysis situates these figures within broader debates on caste, custom, and the assimilation of Nāga and Aryan traditions. Ultimately, the chapter argues that Ulūpī and Citrāṅgadā’s lives challenge conventional boundaries, offering nuanced perspectives on love, duty, and the construction of epic womanhood.</jats:p>