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{{short description|Gandharva in Hindu mythology}}
{{distinguish|Chitrasena (gandharva)}}
{{Infobox deity
|type=Hindu
|parents =
* Suryavarchas (according to ''Atharvaveda'')
* [[Kashyapa]] and Muni (according to the ''Mahabharata'')
|affiliation=[[Gandharvas]]
|texts=''[[Atharvaveda]], [[Mahabharata]], [[Ramayana]], [[Puranas]]''
|consort=Kumbhinasi
|symbols=Chariot
|abode =
|other_names = Angaraparna
|weapons=Bow and arrows, [[Agneyastra]]
}}
'''Chitraratha''' ({{langx|sa|चित्ररथ|Citraratha}}), also known as '''Angaraparna''' ({{langx|sa|अङ्गारपर्ण|Aṅgāraparṅa}}), is a prominent [[Gandharva]]—a class of celestial musicians in [[Hindu mythology]]. Although he is first mentioned in the ''[[Atharvaveda]]'', Chitraratha is primarily known for his role in the epic ''[[Mahabharata]]'', where he encounters the [[Pandava]] brothers.

Identified as a king of the Gandharvas, Chitraratha confronts the Pandavas during their journey through his forest to the city of the Panchalas and forbids them from entering the area. This results in a direct battle between him and the third Pandava prince, [[Arjuna]]. Although Chitraratha is defeated, his life is spared after the pleadings of his wife, Kumbhinasi. Following this, Chitraratha befriends Arjuna, gifting him the knowledge of the ''Chakshushi Vidya'' and celestial horses. He also narrates the legends of Arjuna's ancestors and advises the Pandavas to appoint the ascetic [[Dhaumya]] as their family priest. In return, Chitraratha receives the [[Agneyastra]] weapon from Arjuna.

==In Vedic texts==
The gandharva Chitraratha first appears within a hymn (8.10.27) in the book 8 of the ''[[Atharva Veda]]'' dedicated to the glorification of Viraj—the divine cosmic cow whose milk nourishes every class of existence according to its nature. It describes how the [[gandharvas]] and [[apsarases]] call upon the Viraj, addressing her as ''Punyagandha''. Chitraratha, mentioned as a son of Suryavarcas, becomes the calf of the Viraj to induce milk secretion, while Vasuruchi, another son of Suryavarcas, acts as the milker.
The milk is drawn into a lotus-petal pail (or lotus leaf). From this divine milking emerges the "most delightful fragrance" — the holy scent upon which the Gandharvas and Apsarasas subsist.{{sfn|Singh|1997|p=178}}

This myth becomes the basis for the 'Milking of the Earth' episode narrated in the ''[[Mahabharata]]'' (c 400 BCE) and various [[Puranas|Puranic]] texts (mostly composed after 400 CE), where King [[Prithu]] tames the [[Bhumi (goddess)|Earth]] in the form of a cow and extracts various treasures as milk. Chitraratha's role as the calf remains consistent in these accounts, except in the ''[[Bhagavata Purana]]'', where [[Vishvavasu]] acts as the calf instead.<ref>The Vayu Purana Part 1
Ancient Indian Tradition and Mythology Volume 37
By G.P. Bhatt, Dr. G.V. Tagare · 2013, pp. 15</ref>{{Sfn|Mani|2015|p=186}}{{Sfn|Mani|2015|p=440}}

==In the Epics==
The ''[[Adi Parva]]'' of the ''Mahabharata'' mentions Chitraratha among the sixteen sons of the proginator sage, [[Kashyapa]], and his wife [[Muni]]. His original name is mentioned as Angaraparna, which he changed to Chitraratha. Among the gandharvas, Chitraratha holds a high position, identified as a ''Devagandharva'' (lit. Divine gandharva) and is described being all wise and self-controlled. He is the mentioned as the foremost among all the gandharva by the god [[Krishna]] during the ''[[Bhagavad Gita]]'' episode. He is regarded as a follower of the god [[Indra]] and a close friend of the god [[Kubera]].{{Sfn|Hopkins|1984|p=155}}{{Sfn|Mani|2015|p=186}}<ref name=":0" />

According to the ''Ramayana'', he named prince [[Rama]]'s charioteer. In the ''Mahabharata'', even before his encounter, Chitraratha, along with all the prominent gandharvas, was present during the birth celebration of the epic's hero [[Arjuna]].{{Sfn|Hopkins|1984|p=155}}{{Sfn|Mani|2015|p=186}}
===Encounter with the Pandavas===
The most famous incident featuring Chitraratha is narrated in the ''[[Adi Parva]]'' as a minor episode, following the episode of killing of a demon namely, [[Bakasura]].{{sfn|Athavale|1949|p=97}} While the [[Pandavas]] and their mother, [[Kunti]], are traveling at night toward the northern [[Ganges]], they reach a sacred ford known as Somashravayana. At this location, Chitraratha is sporting in the water with his wives. Disturbed by the noise of the approaching party, he confronts them in a state of rage. Chitraratha asserts his dominion over that stretch of the river, claiming that during the hours of dusk and night, the waters belong exclusively to the [[Yaksha]]s, [[Gandharva]]s and [[Rakshasas]].{{sfn|Buitenen|2011|p=314-323}}{{Sfn|Hopkins|1984|p=155}}{{Sfn|Mani|2015|p=186}}

The Pandava prince [[Arjuna]] challenges Chitraratha’s claim, asserting that the ocean, the [[Himalayas]], and the Ganges are open to all at any time. In the ensuing skirmish, Chitraratha attacks with blazing arrows, but Arjuna counters by using the [[Agneyastra]]—a divine weapon of fire he had received through his preceptor [[Drona]].
The weapon destroys Chitraratha’s chariot and renders him unconscious. Arjuna seizes him to bring him before his brothers. However, Chitraratha’s wife, Kumbhinasi, appeals to the eldest Pandava, [[Yudhishthira|Yudhisthira]], for mercy. Yudhisthira grants her request and orders Arjuna to release Chitraratha.{{sfn|Buitenen|2011|p=314-323}}{{Sfn|Hopkins|1984|p=155}}{{Sfn|Mani|2015|p=186}}

Following his defeat, Chitraratha abandons his name "Angaraparna" (meaning "he whose chariot is like burning coal") out of shame of his defeat, and expresses gratitude for being spared. In exchange for his life and as a gesture of friendship, Chitraratha provides Arjuna with ''Chakshushi'', a spiritual knowledge/power which Chitraratha obtained from another Gandharva named [[Vishvavasu]]. It allows the possessor to see anything they wished within the three worlds. Chitraratha also promises one hundred horses of Gandharva breed to each of the Pandavas. In return, Arjuna gifts Chitraratha the knowledge of the Agneya weapon.{{sfn|Buitenen|2011|p=314-323}}{{Sfn|Hopkins|1984|p=155}}{{Sfn|Mani|2015|p=186}}

Chitraratha then explains to the Pandavas that they had been vulnerable to his attack because they traveled without a dedicated priest (''[[Purohita]]'') and did not maintain the sacred fires. When Arjuna inquires if he knows of someone suitable for the role, Chitraratha directs them to the sage [[Dhaumya]]. He further recounts historical narratives of Pandavas’ ancestors, including the stories of [[Tapati]] and [[Vasishtha]]. Following this advice, the Pandavas depart to find Dhaumya.{{sfn|Buitenen|2011|p=314-323}}{{Sfn|Hopkins|1984|p=155}}{{Sfn|Mani|2015|p=186}}

The ''[[Sabha Parva]]'' narrates that later during Yudhishthira's coronation as Emperor, Chitraratha visits the [[Rajasuya|ceremony]] along with his brother, [[Tumburu]], and gifts speckled horses.{{Sfn|Hopkins|1984|p=155}}

==Other mythology==
Chitraratha's role as a skilled musician and his high status among the Gandharvas remain consistent across various Puranic texts, which mention him performing at different events and specifically note his appointment as the king of the Gandharvas by the creator god [[Brahma]].

The ''[[Bhagavata Purana]]'' mentions another bathing incident involving Chitraratha in which he, wearing only a garland of lotuses, enjoys erotic dalliances with his women while bathing in a river. This is witnessed by [[Renuka]], the wife of a sage, who experiences a temporary yet intense desire for Chitraratha, causing her to lose the powers she had gained through her chastity.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Subrahmaniam |first=N. S. |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=14rXAAAAMAAJ&q=bhagavata+renuka+gandharva&dq=bhagavata+renuka+gandharva&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&ovdme=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwirjrzL46eUAxVTV2wGHRuUAX4Q6AF6BAgKEAM#bhagavata%20renuka%20gandharva |title=The Bhagavatam |date=1983 |publisher=Jaico |language=en}}</ref> Although the same episode is narrated in other texts, including the ''Mahabharata'', Chitraratha there is described as a king of [[Martikavati|Marttikavata]] rather than a Gandharva. However some scholars specifically identifies him as the Gandharva himself.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Collins |first=Brian |url=https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Other_R%C4%81ma.html?id=jyT0DwAAQBAJ#v=onepage&q=renuka%20citraratha&f=false |title=The Other Rāma: Matricide and Genocide in the Mythology of Paraśurāma |date=2020-10-01 |publisher=State University of New York Press |isbn=978-1-4384-8040-4 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Sørensen |first=Søren |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=c1ROAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA177&dq=renuka+citraratha&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&ovdme=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiFztWv3KeUAxXsaXADHQVLNLYQ6AF6BAgNEAM#v=onepage&q=renuka%20citraratha&f=false |title=An Index to the Names in the Mahabharata: With Short Explanations and a Concordance to the Bombay and Calcutta Editions and P. C. Roy's Translation |date=1904 |publisher=Williams & Norgate |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Athavale|1949|p=97}}

Across the texts, Chitraratha is also famous for the park he created, called Chaitraratha (lit. ‘belonging to Chitraratha). The ''Ramayana'' mentions it being owned by both Indra and Kubera, while the ''Mahabharata'' assigns it only to Kubera. The park is noted for its beautiful and scenic landscape, making it a popular spot for pilgrims,{{Sfn|Hopkins|1984|p=155}} as well as the place where the king [[Yayati]] enjoyed his sexual dalliances with the nymph Vishvachi.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2010-10-13 |title=Section LXXV [Mahabharata, English] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-mahabharata-mohan/d/doc4057.html |access-date=2026-04-27 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>

==References==
=== Citations ===
{{Reflist|25em}}

=== Bibliography ===
*{{Cite book |last=Athavale |first=V. B. |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=geHU2ls62pQC&q=chitraratha+gandharva&dq=chitraratha+gandharva&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&ovdme=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjGw7ThyY6UAxW5j68BHVz8MLwQ6AF6BAgJEAM#chitraratha%20gandharva |title=Annals of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Poona |date=1949 |publisher=The Institute |language=en |chapter=Movement of the Pāṇḍavas}}
*{{Cite book |last=Hopkins |first=E. Washburn |url=https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Epic_Mythology/4nDiDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=vi%C5%9Bv%C4%81vasu&pg=PA154&printsec=frontcover |title=Epic Mythology |date=1984-01-01 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-0-8426-0560-1 |language=en}}
*{{Cite book |last=Mani |first=Vettam |url=https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Puranic_Encyclopedia/mvXsDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=vi%C5%9Bv%C4%81vasu&pg=PA361&printsec=frontcover |title=Puranic Encyclopedia: A Comprehensive Work with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature |date=2015-01-01 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-0597-2 |language=en}}
*{{Cite book |last=Buitenen |first=J. A. B. van |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=pPVJCgAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=the+book+of+beginnings+mahabharata&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&ovdme=1&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=the%20book%20of%20beginnings%20mahabharata&f=false |title=The Mahabharata, Volume 1: Book 1: The Book of the Beginning |date=2011-05-04 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |isbn=978-0-226-21754-3 |language=en}}
* {{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2024-08-04 |title=Strīkāmā vai gandharvāḥ. Spirit-possession, women, and initiation in Vedic India |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/history/journal/acta-orientalia/d/doc1428131.html |access-date=2026-04-29 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}
* {{Cite book |last=Singh |first=Nagendra Kr |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=jXw7-PdwZ7oC&pg=PA178&dq=citraratha+suryavarcas&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&ovdme=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjHuuL7xZOUAxV1V3ADHfvYIIoQ6AF6BAgHEAM#v=onepage&q=citraratha%20suryavarcas&f=false |title=Vedic Mythology |date=1997 |publisher=APH Publishing |isbn=978-81-7024-867-5 |language=en}}
{{Hindu apsaras and gandharvas}}

[[Category:Gandharvas]]
[[Category:Characters in the Mahabharata]]

Chitraratha - Revision history

Hearthospital at 18:19, 7 May 2026