( The 'th' in this name is pronounced like 'th' in 'with' . The L is pronounced like L in 'link'.)
Maathali is the driver of Indra's chariot . Gomukha was his son and Gunakeshi was his daughter. He decided to give his daughter Gunakeshi to a naaga youth Sumukha whom Garuda already marked to kill but Maathali could see that Sumkha was saved with the grace of Indra and Vishnu. this story was described by Kanva to Dhritharaashtra (in Udyoga parva).
Maathali is often quoted as a standard of driving skills . Excellent chariot drivers like Krishna , Shalya and Nala were compared with him .
In Mahaabhaaratham, he drove - beside his master's - Arjuna's chariot when the latter was commissioned to deracinate two races of demons Nivaathakavachas and Kaalakeyas who were undefeatable to the gods .
"After praying to Naaraayana, Nara, Sarasvathi and Vyaasa, then one should read the Jayam."
DEDICATED TO MY DEAR NIECE VYSHNAVI KRISHNA