In the Mahabharata, curses weren’t just angry words—they were turning points that changed lives forever. Spoken in moments of heartbreak, fury, or deep pain, these powerful declarations shaped the fate of kings, destroyed families, and sparked great wars. From wise sages to fierce warriors, no one was beyond their reach. Each curse came with a story, a reason, and a ripple effect that lasted generations. They remind us that even the strongest are bound by destiny—and that every action has a price.
1. Curse of Gandhari on Krishna
Said by: Gandhari
To: Krishna
Circumstances: After the death of her 100 sons in the Kurukshetra war, Gandhari, devastated and angry, cursed Krishna. She blamed him for the destruction of her family and kingdom.
Impact: She cursed Krishna that his family (the Yadavas) would be destroyed in a similar manner, leading to the annihilation of the Yadava clan by infighting, which ultimately came true.
2. Curse of Shikhandi by Bhishma
Said by: Bhishma
To: Shikhandi
Circumstances: Bhishma cursed Shikhandi after Shikhandi was revealed to be a woman reborn as a man in order to fulfill a prophecy that Bhishma would be defeated by a woman. During the battle of Kurukshetra, Bhishma refused to fight Shikhandi but later succumbed to his death.
Impact: Bhishma’s curse ensured that Shikhandi would lead a difficult life, facing various trials and tribulations due to the burden of this curse. However, Shikhandi played a key role in Bhishma’s death.
3. Curse of Sage Parashurama on Karna
Said by: Parashurama
To: Karna
Circumstances: Parashurama cursed Karna when he discovered that Karna had lied about his caste to receive his training in the martial arts. Parashurama, who was a Brahmin, found out that Karna was actually a Kshatriya and had disguised himself.
Impact: Parashurama cursed Karna that he would forget the most crucial mantra (Brahmastra) at the time he needed it most. This curse led to Karna’s ultimate downfall during the war.
4. Curse of the Brahmin on Duryodhana
Said by: A Brahmin
To: Duryodhana
Circumstances: Duryodhana humiliated a Brahmin by disrespecting him and his wife when the Brahmin came to the Kuru palace. The Brahmin, angry at the mistreatment, cursed Duryodhana that his thigh would be broken.
Impact: This curse became significant during the war when Bhima, in the final battle, struck Duryodhana on his thigh, fulfilling the curse.
5. Curse of Rishi Durvasa on Draupadi
Said by: Durvasa
To: Draupadi
Circumstances: Draupadi and her husbands once insulted Rishi Durvasa, who had arrived unannounced at their palace. Draupadi, being in a hurry and having limited food, gave him what she had. Durvasa became angry and cursed her.
Impact: Durvasa’s curse led to Draupadi’s humiliation in the court of Hastinapur, where she was disrobed. This marked one of the most tragic and defining moments of her life.
6. Curse of Yudhishthira on the Kauravas
Said by: Yudhishthira
To: The Kauravas
Circumstances: After the Kauravas’ numerous atrocities, especially the game of dice that led to the humiliation of the Pandavas, Yudhishthira, in his anger, cursed the Kauravas. He vowed that they would be killed in battle.
Impact: This curse was ultimately fulfilled as all the Kauravas perished during the Kurukshetra war, ensuring the destruction of the entire Kaurava line.
7. Curse of Vishnu on Kaalnemi
Said by: Vishnu
To: Kaalnemi
Circumstances: Kaalnemi, a demon, tried to harm the Pandavas by deceiving them. He was punished by Lord Vishnu, who cursed him.
Impact: The curse led to Kaalnemi’s eventual destruction, and the demon was wiped out.
8. Curse of Satyavati on Vyasa
Said by: Satyavati
To: Vyasa
Circumstances: Satyavati cursed Vyasa when he refused to marry her daughter. She was angry because he had rejected her daughter, leading to the curse.
Impact: The curse led to Vyasa being subjected to numerous trials during his life. However, Vyasa later became a legendary figure in the Mahabharata due to his wisdom.
9. Curse of Ashwatthama on Krishna
Said by: Ashwatthama
To: Krishna
Circumstances: After Ashwatthama’s defeat in the battle and the death of his family members, he cursed Krishna in anger, blaming him for the deaths.
Impact: The curse led to a significant downfall for Krishna. His family, the Yadavas, perished due to internal conflict, fulfilling the curse.
10. Curse of the Naga King (Takshaka) on Arjuna
Said by: Takshaka
To: Arjuna
Circumstances: Arjuna had killed Takshaka’s relatives, which led Takshaka to curse him. In anger, Takshaka vowed that Arjuna would suffer immense hardships in his life.
Impact: This curse brought immense pain to Arjuna, who later suffered from various tragic events during the battle.
