In the Mahabharata epic, Pandu ( Pāṇḍu, lit. yellowish, whitish, pale or jaundiced), was the king of Hastinapur, was the son of Ambalika and Rishi Veda Vyasa. He is more popularly known as the earthly father of the Pandavas. He was said to be a great warrior and expanded his kingdom during his rule.