Dhrishtaketu was the king of the Chedi kingdom and the son of Shishupala, who was slain by Krishna at Yudhishthira’s Rājasūya sacrifice. Despite his father’s enmity with Krishna, Dhrishtaketu aligned himself firmly with the Pandavas, recognizing their cause as righteous. A powerful warrior and respected monarch, he brought his Chedi forces to support the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra War. Dhrishtaketu is consistently mentioned among the key allies of the Pandavas, fighting bravely in various encounters against formidable opponents such as Drona, Kripa, and Ashwatthama. His loyalty was unwavering, serving not only as a warrior but also as a symbol of reconciliation, since his alliance with Krishna and the Pandavas bridged the hostility caused by Shishupala’s death. On the 17th day of battle, Dhrishtaketu met his end at the hands of Drona, who slew him during the massive carnage of that day. His death was a significant blow to the Pandava side, as he was one of their strongest and most steadfast kings. Dhrishtaketu is remembered as a noble ally who set aside inherited enmity for the greater cause of dharma, fighting with honor until his last breath.
