Madirā, wife of Vasudeva

Madirā was one of the honoured wives of Vasudeva, the father of Kṛshṇa and Balarāma, at Dvārakā. Vasudeva gave up his body in yoga after the departure of his sons. Madirā then climbed onto his funeral pyre with Devakī, Bhadrā and Rohiṇī. This act is called sahagamana (going with the husband in death). She did it to follow her lord to his realm.

Who she was

Madirā was among the foremost wives of Vasudeva, who is also called Ānakadundubhi. He was the patriarch of the Vṛshṇi house, born of Śūra. The Mahābhārata names her as one of the four “jewels among women” who chose to go with their lord in death. The source is the Mahābhārata, Mausala Parva, Chapter 7.

Sahagamana on the pyre

Kṛshṇa had gone to his highest abode, and Balarāma had entered the sea. Vasudeva was overcome with grief for his sons. He fixed his mind in yoga and gave up his life, shining with great tejas (radiance). His body was carried out and made holy with the fires of the Aśvamedha and with the pitṛmedha (funeral rites) performed by Arjuna. The four excellent wives of Vasudeva then climbed onto the pyre, wishing for the world of their lord. Madirā, with Devakī, Bhadrā and Rohiṇī, entered the flames in the act of sahagamana. Arjuna had them burned with fragrant substances and sandalwood. The source is the Mahābhārata, Mausala Parva, Chapter 7.

Her place

Madirā entered the pyre of Vasudeva as a pativratā, a wife devoted to her husband, who would not stay in the world after the passing of her lord. The queens of Kṛshṇa likewise entered the fire. The source is the Mahābhārata, Mausala Parva, Chapter 7.

Sources

• Mahābhārata, Mausala Parva, Chapter 7