Pandu

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. A figure in Hindu mythology known for his role as a king and father of the Pandavas
2. a character associated with the epic Mahabharata and renowned for his wisdom and bravery
3. the father of five heroic brothers who faced moral dilemmas and battles in their legendary narrative

Etymology: In Sanskrit, "pāṇḍu" is an adjective meaning "pale," "whitish," or "yellowish," and it was later used as a name. The figure in the epic Mahabharata named Pandu is said to have been a king who ruled the Kuru kingdom, and he is the father of the five Pandava brothers. The name carries the sense of pallor from the Sanskrit word itself, which is why the character is often linked with a pale or sickly complexion in the stories. The English form is a direct transliteration of the Sanskrit पाण्डु, written with the diacritics that mark the long vowel and the retroflex consonant. In English it is generally written without them as "Pandu," and it is treated as a proper noun for the mythological king. Its use in English is confined to discussions of Hindu literature and religion.

Synonyms: pale, wan, pallid, ashen, colorless

Antonyms: rosy, flushed, ruddy, healthy, vibrant