Dhritarashtra, Pandu and Vidura

Bhishma declines Satyavati's suggestion to beget children on Vichitravirya's widows

The unfortunate Satyavati then became plunged in grief on account of her son. After performing with her daughters-in-law the funeral rites of the deceased, consoled, as best she could, her weeping daughters-in-law and Bhishma. Turning her eyes to Dharma, and to the paternal and maternal lines (of the Kurus), she addressed Bhishma and said

“The funeral cake, the achievements, and the perpetuation of the line of the virtuous and celebrated Santanu of Kuru's race, all now depend on you. As the attainment of heaven is inseparable from good deeds, as long life is inseparable from truth and faith, so is virtue inseparable from you. O virtuous one, you are well-acquainted, in detail and in the abstract, with the dictates of virtue, with various Srutis, and with all the branches of the Vedas; know very well that you are equal unto Sukra and Angiras as regards firmness in virtue, knowledge of the particular customs of families, and readiness of inventions under difficulties. Therefore, relying on you greatly, I shall appoint you in a certain matter. Hearing me, it beholds you to do my bidding. My son and your brother, endued with energy and dear unto you, has gone childless to heaven while still a boy. These wives of your brother, the amiable daughters of the ruler of Kasi, possessing beauty and youth, have become desirous of children. Therefore, at my command, raise offspring on them for the perpetuation of our line. It beholds you to guard virtue against loss. Install yourself on the throne and rule the kingdom of the Bharatas. Wed you duly a wife. Plunge not your ancestors into hell.”

Thus addressed by his mother and friends and relatives, the virtuous Bhishma, gave this reply conformable to the dictates of virtue,

“O mother, what you say is certainly sanctioned by virtue. But you know what my vow is in the matter of begetting children. You know also all that transpired in connection with your dower. O Satyavati, I repeat the pledge I once gave, viz., I would renounce three worlds, the empire of heaven, anything that may be greater than that, but truth I would never renounce. The earth may renounce its scent, water may renounce its moisture, light may renounce its attribute of exhibiting forms, air may renounce its attribute of touch, the sun may renounce his glory, fire, its heat, the moon, his cooling rays, space, its capacity of generating sound, the slayer of Vritra, his prowess, the god of justice, his impartiality; but I cannot renounce truth.”

Thus addressed by her son endued with wealth of energy, Satyavati said unto Bhishma,

“I know of your firmness in truth. You can, if so minded, create, by the help of your energy, three worlds other than those that exist. I know what your vow was on my account. But considering this emergency, bear you the burden of the duty that one owes to his ancestors. Act in such a way that the lineal link may not be broken and our friends and relatives may not grieve.”

Thus urged by the miserable and weeping Satyavati speaking such words inconsistent with virtue from grief at the loss of her son, Bhishma addressed her again and said,

“O Queen, turn not your eyes away from virtue. Destroy us not. Breach of truth by a Kshatriya is never applauded in our treatises on Dharma. I shall soon tell you, what the established Kshatriya usage is to which recourse may be had to prevent Shantanu's line becoming extinct on earth. Hearing me, reflect on what should be done in consultation with learned priests and those that are acquainted with practices allowable in times of emergency and distress, forgetting not at the same time what the ordinary course of social conduct is."

Bhishma continued,

“In olden days, Rama, the son of Jamadagni, in anger at the death of his father, slew with his battle axe the king of the Haihayas. Rama, by cutting off the thousand arms of Arjuna (the Haihaya king), achieved a most difficult feat in the world. Not content with this, he set out on his chariot for the conquest of the world, and taking up his bow he cast around his mighty weapons to exterminate the Kshatriyas. The illustrious scion of Bhrigu's race, by means of his swift arrows annihilated the Kshatriya tribe one and twenty times. When the earth was thus deprived of Kshatriyas by the great Rishi, the Kshatriya ladies all over the land had offspring raised by Brahmanas skilled in the Vedas. It has been said in the Vedas that the sons so raised belong to him that had married the mother. The Kshatriya ladies went in unto the Brahamanas not lustfully but from motives of virtue. Indeed, it was thus that the Kshatriya race was revived.

In this connection there is another old history that I will recite to you. There was in olden days a wise Rishi of the name of Utathya. He had a wife of the name Mamata whom he dearly loved. One day Utathya's younger brother Brihaspati, the priest of the celestials, endued with great energy, approached Mamata. The latter, however, told her husband's younger brother, that foremost of eloquent men, that she had conceived from her connection with his elder brother and that, therefore, he should not then seek for the consummation of his wishes. She continued,

“O illustrious Brihaspati, the child that I have conceived has studied in his mother's womb the Vedas with the six Angas. How can then this womb of mine afford room for two children at a time? Therefore, it beholds you not to seek for the consummation of your desire at such a time.”

Thus addressed by her, Brihaspati, though possessed of great wisdom, succeeded not in suppressing his desire. The child in the womb then addressed him and said,

“O father, cease from your attempt. There is no space here for two. The room is small. I have occupied it first. It beholds you not to afflict me.”

But Brihaspati without listening to what that child in the womb said, sought the embraces of Mamata possessing the most beautiful pair of eyes. The illustrious Brihaspati, beholding this, became indignant, and reproached Utathya's child and cursed him, saying,

“Because you has spoken to me in the way you have at a time of pleasure that is sought after by all creatures, perpetual darkness shall overtake you.”

From this curse of the illustrious Brishaspati, Utathya's child who was equal unto Brihaspati in energy, was born blind and came to be called Dirghatamas (enveloped in perpetual darkness). The wise Dirghatamas, possessed of a knowledge of the Vedas, though born blind, succeeded yet by virtue of his learning, in obtaining for a wife a young and handsome Brahmana maiden of the name of Pradweshi. Having married her, the illustrious Dirghatamas, for the expansion of Utathya's race, begat upon her several children with Gautama as their eldest. These children, however, were all given to covetousness and folly. The virtuous and illustrious Dirghatamas possessing complete mastery over the Vedas, soon after learnt from Surabhi's son the practices of their order and fearlessly betook himself to those practices, regarding them with reverence. (For shame is the creature of sin and can never be where there is purity of intention). Then those best of Munis that dwelt in the same Ashrama, beholding him transgress the limits of propriety became indignant, seeing sin where sin was not. They said,

“O, this man, transgresses the limit of propriety. No longer does he deserve a place amongst us. Therefore, shall we all cast this sinful wretch off.”

They said many other things regarding the Muni Dirghatamas. His wife, too, having obtained children, became indignant with him. The husband then addressing his wife Pradweshi, said,

“Why is it that you also have been dissatisfied with me?”

His wife answered,

“The husband is called the Bhareri because he supports the wife. He is called Pati because he protects her. But you are neither, to me! On the other hand, you have been blind from birth, it is I who have supported you and your children. I shall not do so in future.”

Hearing these words of his wife, the Rishi became indignant and said unto her and her children,

“Take me unto the Kshatriyas and you shall then be rich.”

His wife replied (by saying),

“I desire not wealth that may be procured by you, for that can never bring me happiness. Do as you like. I shall not be able to maintain you as before.”

At these words of his wife, Dirghatamas said,

“I lay down from this day as a rule that every woman shall have to adhere to one husband for her life. Be the husband dead or alive, it shall not be lawful for a woman to have connection with another. She who may have such connection shall certainly be regarded as fallen. A woman without husband shall always be liable to be sinful. Even if she be wealthy she shall not be able to enjoy that wealth truly. Calumny and evil report shall ever dog her.”

Hearing these words of her husband Pradweshi became very angry, and commanded her sons, saying,

“Throw him into the waters of Ganga!”

At the command of their mother, the wicked Gautama and his brothers, those slaves of covetousness and folly, exclaiming,

“Indeed, why should we support this old man?”

Tied the Muni to a raft and committing him to the mercy of the stream returned home without compunction. The blind old man drifting along the stream on that raft, passed through the territories of many kings. One day a king named Bali conversant with every duty went to the Ganges to perform his ablutions. As the monarch was thus engaged, the raft to which the Rishi was tied, approached him. As it came, the king took the old man. The virtuous Bali, ever devoted to truth, then learning who the man was that was thus saved by him, chose him for raising up offspring. Bali said,

“O illustrious one, it beholds you to raise upon my wife a few sons that shall be virtuous and wise.”

Thus addressed, the Rishi endued with great energy, expressed his willingness. Thereupon king Bali sent his wife Sudeshna unto him. But the queen knowing that the latter was blind and old went not unto him, she sent unto him her nurse. Upon that Sudra woman the virtuous Rishi of passions under full control begat eleven children of whom Kakshivat was the eldest. Beholding those eleven sons with Kakshivat as the eldest, who had studied all the Vedas and who like Rishis were utterers of Brahma and were possessed of great power, king Bali one day asked the Rishi saying,

“Are these children mine?”

The Rishi replied,

“No, they are mine. Kakshivat and others have been begotten by me upon a Sudra woman. Your unfortunate queen Sudeshna, seeing me blind and old, insulted me by not coming herself but sending unto me, instead, her nurse.”

The king then pacified that best of Rishis and sent unto him his queen Sudeshna. The Rishi by merely touching her person said to her,

“You shall have five children named Anga, Vanga, Kalinga, Pundra and Suhma, who shall be like unto Surya (Sun) himself in glory. And after their names as many countries shall be known on earth. It is after their names that their dominions have come to be called Anga, Vanga, Kalinga, Pundra and Suhma."

It was thus that the line of Bali was perpetuated, in days of old, by a great Rishi. It was thus also that many mighty bowmen and great car-warriors wedded to virtue, sprung in the Kshatriya race from the seed of Brahmanas. Hearing this, O mother, do as you like, as regards the matter in hand.”

Bhishma, continued,

"Listen, O mother, to me as I indicate the means by which the Bharata line may be perpetuated. Let an accomplished Brahmana be invited by an offer of wealth, and let him raise offspring upon the wives of Vichitravirya.”

Satyavati, then, smiling softly and in voice broken in bashfulness, addressed Bhishma saying,

“O Bharata of mighty arms, what you say is true. From my confidence in you I shall now indicate the means of perpetuating our line. You shall not be able to reject it, being conversant, as you are, with the practices permitted in seasons of distress. In our race, you are Virtue, and you are Truth, and you are, too, our sole refuge. Therefore hearing what I say truly, do what may be proper.

My father was a virtuous man. For virtue's sake he had kept a (ferry) boat. One day, in the prime of my youth, I went to ply that boat. It so happened that the great and wise Rishi Parasara, that foremost of all virtuous men, came, and betook himself to my boat for crossing the Yamuna. As I was rowing him across the river, the Rishi became excited with desire and began to address me in soft words. The fear of my father was uppermost in my mind. But the terror of the Rishi's curse at last prevailed. Having obtained from him a precious boon, I could not refuse his solicitations. The Rishi by his energy brought me under his complete control, and gratified his desire then and there, having first enveloped the region in a thick fog. Before this there was a revolting fishy odour in my body; but the Rishi dispelled it and gave me my present fragrance. The Rishi also told me that by bringing forth his child in an island of the river, I would still continue (to be) a virgin. The child of Parasara so born of me in my maidenhood has become a great Rishi endued with large ascetic powers and known by the name of Dwaipayana (the island-born). That illustrious Rishi having by his ascetic power divided the Vedas into four pares has come to be called on earth by the name of Vyasa (the divider or arranger), and for his dark colour, Krishna (the dark). Truthful in speech, free from passion, a mighty ascetic who has burnt all his sins, he went away with his father immediately after his birth. Appointed by me and you also, that Rishi of incomparable splendour will certainly beget good children upon the wives of your brother. He told me when he went away, “Mother, think of me when you are in difficulty.” I will now call him up, if you, O Bhishma so desire. If you are willing, I am sure that great ascetic will beget children upon Vichitravirya's field.”

Mention being made of the great Rishi, Bhishma with joined palms said,

“That man is truly intelligent who fixes his eyes judiciously on virtue, profit, and pleasure, and who after reflecting with patience, acts in such a way that virtue may lead to future virtue, profit to future profit and pleasure to future pleasure. Therefore, that which has been said by you and which, besides being beneficial to us, is consistent with virtue, is certainly the best advice and has my full approval.”

Satyavati asks her son Vyasa to beget children on Vichitravirya's widows

When Bhishma had said this, Satyavati thought of the Muni Dwaipayana and Dwaipayana who was then engaged in interpreting the Vedas, learning that he was being called up by his mother, came instantly unto her without anybody's knowing it. Satyavati then duly greeted her son and embraced him with arms, bathing him in her tears, for the daughter of the fisherman wept bitterly at the sight of her son after so long a time. Her first son, the great Vyasa, beholding her weeping, washed her with cool water, and bowing unto her, said,

“I have come, O mother, to fulfil your wishes. Therefore, command me without delay. I shall accomplish your desire.”

The family priest of the Bharatas then worshipped the great Rishi duly, and the latter accepted the offerings of worship, uttering the usual mantras. Gratified with the worship he received, he took his seat. Satyavati, beholding him seated at his ease, after the usual inquiries, addressed him and said,

“O learned one, sons derive their birth both from the father and the mother. They are, therefore, the common property of both parents. There cannot be the least doubt about it that the mother, has as much power over them as the father. As you are, indeed, my eldest son according to the ordinance, O Brahmarshi, so is Vichitravirya my youngest son. As Bhishma is Vichitravirya's brother on the father's side, so are you his brother on the same mother's side. I do not know what you may think, but this is what, O son, I think. This Bhishma, the son of Santanu, devoted to truth, does not, for the sake, of truth, entertain the desire of either begetting children or ruling the kingdom. Therefore, from affection for your brother Vichitravirya, for the perpetuation of our dynasty, for the sake of this Bhishma's request and my command, for kindness to all creatures, for the protection of the people and from the liberality of your heart, it beholds you to do what I say. Your younger brother has left two widows like unto the daughters of the celestials themselves, endued with youth and great beauty. For the sake of virtue and Dharma, they have become desirous of offspring. You are the fittest person to be appointed. Therefore beget upon them children worthy of our race and for the continuance of our line.”

Vyasa, hearing this, said,

“O Satyavati, you know what virtue is both in respect of this life and the other. Your affections also are set on virtue. Therefore, at your command, making virtue my motive, I shall do what you desire. Indeed, this practice that is conformable to the true and eternal Dharma is known to me, I shall give unto my brother children that shall be like unto Mitra and Varuna. Let the ladies then duly observe for one full year the vow I indicate. They shall then be purified. No women shall ever approach me without having observed a rigid vow.”

Satyavati then said,

“O sinless one, it must be as you say. Take such steps that the ladies may conceive immediately. In a kingdom where there is no king, the people perish from want of protection; sacrifices and other holy acts are suspended; the clouds send no showers; and the gods disappear. How can a kingdom be protected that has no king? Therefore, see you that the ladies conceive. Bhishma will watch over the children as long as they are in their mother's wombs.”

Vyasa replied,

“If I am to give unto my brother children so unseasonably, then let the ladies bear my ugliness. That in itself shall, in their case, be the austerest of penances. If the princess of Kosala can bear my strong odour, my ugly and grim visage, my attire and body, she shall then conceive an excellent child.”

Having spoken thus unto Satyavati, Vyasa of great energy addressed her and said,

“Let the princess of Kosala clad in clean attire and checked with ornaments wait for me in her bed-chamber.”

Saying this, the Rishi disappeared, Satyavati then went to her daughter-in-law and seeing her in private spoke to her these words of beneficial and virtuous import,

“O princess of Kosala, listen to what I say. It is consistent with virtue. The dynasty of the Bharatas has become extinct from my misfortune. Beholding my affliction and the extinction of his paternal line, the wise Bhishma, impelled also by the desire of perpetuating our race, has made me a suggestion, which suggestion, however, for its accomplishment is dependent on you. Accomplish it, and restore the lost line of the Bharatas. Bring you forth a child equal in splendour unto the chief of the celestials. He shall bear the onerous burden of this our hereditary kingdom.”

Satyavati having succeeded with great difficulty in procuring the assent of her virtuous daughter-in-law to her proposal which was not inconsistent with virtue, then fed Brahmanas and Rishis and numberless guests who arrived on die occasion.

The birth of Dhritarashtra, Pandu and Vidura

Soon after the monthly season of the princess of Kosala had been over, Satyavati, purifying her daughter-in-law with a bath, led her into the sleeping apartment. There seating her upon a luxurious bed, she addressed her, saying,

“O Princess of Kosala, your husband has an elder brother who shall this day enter your womb as your child. Wait for him tonight without dropping off to sleep.”

Hearing these words of her mother-in-law, the amiable princess, as she lay on her bed, began to think of Bhishma and the other elders of the Kuru race. Then the Rishi of truthful speech, who had given his promise in respect of Ambika (the eldest of the princesses) in the first instance, entered her chamber while the lamp was burning. The princess, seeing his dark visage, his matted locks of copper hue, blazing eyes, his grim beard, closed her eyes in fear. The Rishi, from desire of accomplishing his mother's wishes, however knew her. But the latter, struck with fear, opened not her eyes even once to look at him. When Vyasa came out, he was met by his mother, who asked him,

“Shall the princess have an accomplished son?”

Hearing her, he replied,

“The son of the princess she will bring forth shall be equal in might unto ten thousand elephants. He will be an illustrious royal sage, possessed of great learning and intelligence and energy. The high-souled one shall have in his time a century of sons. But from the fault of his mother he shall be blind.”

At these words of her son, Satyavati said,

“O you of ascetic wealth, how can one that is blind become a monarch worthy of the Kurus? How can one that is blind become the protector of his relatives and family, and the glory of his father's race? It beholds you to give another king unto the Kurus.” Saying, “So be it,”

Vyasa went away. And the first princess of Kosala in due time brought forth a blind son.

Soon after Satyavati summoned Vyasa, after having secured the assent of her daughter-in-law. Vyasa came according to his promise, and approached, as before, the second wife of his brother. Ambalika beholding the Rishi, became pale with fear. Beholding her so afflicted and pale with fear, Vyasa addressed her and said,

“Because you has been pale with fear at the sight of my grim visage, therefore, your child shall be pale in complexion. The name also your child shall bear will be Pandu (the pale).”  

Saying this, the illustrious and best of Rishis came out of her chamber. As he came out, he was met by his mother who asked him about the would-be-child. The Rishi told her that the child would be of pale complexion and known by the name of Pandu. Satyavati again begged of the Rishi another child, and the Rishi told her in reply, “So be it.” Ambalika, then, when her time came, brought forth a son of pale complexion. Blazing with beauty the child was endued with all auspicious marks. Indeed, it was this child who afterwards became the father of those mighty archers, the Pandavas.

Some time after, when the oldest of Vichitravirya's widows again had her monthly season, she was solicited by Satyavati to approach Vyasa once again. Possessed of beauty like a daughter of a celestial, the princess refused to do her mother-in-law's bidding, remembering the grim visage and strong odour of the Rishi. She, however, sent unto him, a maid of hers, endued with the beauty of an Apsara and decked with her own ornaments. When the Vyasa arrived, the maid rose up and saluted him. She waited upon him respectfully and took her seat near him when asked. The great Rishi of rigid vows, was well-pleased with her, and when he rose to go away, he addressed her and said,

“Amiable one, you shall no longer be a slave. Your child also shall be greatly fortunate and virtuous, and the foremost of all intelligent men on earth!”

The son thus begotten upon her by Krishna-Dwaipayana was afterwards known by the name of Vidura. He was thus the brother of Dhritarashtra and the illustrious Pandu. Vidura was free from desire and passion and was conversant with the rules of government, and was the god of justice born on earth under the curse of the illustrious Rishi Mandavya. And Krishna-Dwaipayana, when he met his mother as before, informed her as to how he had been deceived by the senior most of the princesses and how he had begotten a son upon a Sudra woman. Having spoken thus unto his mother the Rishi disappeared from her sight.

Thus were born, in the field of Vichitravirya, even of Dwaipayana those sons of the splendour of celestial children, those propagators of the Kuru race.

Dhritarashtra and Gandhari

Upon the birth of those three children, Dhritarashtra, Pandu and Vidura, Kurujangala, Kurukshetra, and the Kurus grew in prosperity. The earth began to yield abundant harvest, and the crops also were of good flavour. The clouds began to pour rain in season and trees became full of fruits and flowers. The draught cattle were all happy and the birds and other animals rejoiced exceedingly. The flowers became fragrant and the fruits became sweet; the cities and towns became filled with merchants, artisans, traders and artists of every description. The people became brave, learned, honest and happy. There were no robbers then, nor anybody who was sinful. It seemed that the golden age had come upon every part of the kingdom. The people devoted to virtuous acts, sacrifices and truth, and regarding one another with love and affection grew in prosperity. Free from pride, wrath and covetousness, they rejoiced in perfectly innocent sports. The capital of the Kurus, full as the ocean, was a second Amaravati, teeming with hundreds of palaces and mansions, and possessing gates and arches dark as the clouds. Men in great cheerfulness sported constantly on rivers, lakes and tanks, and in fine groves and charming woods. The southern Kurus, in their virtuous rivalry with their northern kinsmen, walked about in the company of Siddhas and Charanas and Rishis. All over that delightful country whose prosperity was thus increased by the Kurus, there were no misers and no widowed women. The wells and lakes were ever full; the groves abounded with trees, and the houses and abodes of Brahmanas were full of wealth and the whole kingdom was full of festivities. Virtuously ruled by Bhishma, the kingdom was adorned with hundreds of sacrificial stakes. The wheel of virtue having been set in motion by Bhishma, and the country became so contented that the subjects of other kingdoms, quitting their homes, came to dwell there and increase its population. The citizens and the people were filled with hope, upon seeing the youthful acts of their illustrious princes. In the house of the Kuru chiefs as also of the principal citizens, “give”, “eat” were the only words constantly heard. Dhritarashtra and Pandu and Vidura of great intelligence were from their birth brought up by Bhishma, as if they were his own sons. The children, having passed through the usual rites of their order, devoted themselves to vows and study. They grew up into fine young men skilled in the Vedas and all athletic sports. They became well-skilled in the practice of bow, in horsemanship, in encounters with mace, sword and shield, in the management of elephants in battle, and in the science of morality. Well-read in history and the Puranas and various branches of learning, and acquainted with the truths of the Vedas and their branches they acquired knowledge, which was versatile and deep. Pandu, possessed of great prowess, excelled all men in archery while Dhritarashtra excelled all in personal strength, while in the three worlds there was no one equal to Vidura in devotion to virtue and in the knowledge of the dictates of morality. Beholding the restoration of the extinct line of Santanu, the saying became current in all countries that among mothers of heroes, the daughters of the king of Kasi were the first; that among countries Kurujangala was the first; that among virtuous men, Vidura was the first; that among cities Hastinapura was the first. Pandu became king, for Dhritarashtra, owing to the blindness, and Vidura, for his birth by a Sudra woman, did not obtain the kingdom.

One day Bhishma, properly addressing Vidura conversant with the truth of Dharma and virtue, said as follows.

“This our celebrated race, resplendent with every virtue and accomplishment, has all along sovereignty over all other monarchs on earth. Its glory maintained and itself perpetuated by many virtuous and illustrious monarchs of old, the illustrious Krishna (Dwaipayana) and Satyavati and myself have raised you (three) up, in order that it may not be extinct. It beholds myself and you also to take such steps that this our dynasty may expand again as the sea. It has been heard by me that there are three maidens worthy of being allied to our race. One is the daughter of Surasena of the Yadava race; the other is the daughter of Subala; and the third is the princess of Madra. O son, all these maidens are of course of blue blood. Possessed of beauty and pure blood, they are eminently fit for an alliance with our family. I think we should choose them for the growth of our race. Tell me what you think.”

Thus addressed, Vidura replied,

“You are our father and you are our mother, too. You are our respected spiritual instructor. Therefore, do you what may be best for us in your eyes.”

Soon after Bhishma heard from the Brahmanas that Gandhari, the amiable daughter of Subala, having worshipped Hara had obtained from the deity the boon that she should have a century of sons. Bhishma, having heard this, sent messengers unto the king of Gandhara. King Subala at first hesitated on account of the blindness of the bridegroom, but taking into consideration the blood of the Kurus, their fame and behaviour, he gave his virtuous daughter unto Dhritarashtra and the chaste Gandhari hearing that Dhritarashtra was blind and that her parents had consented to marry her to him, from love and respect for her future husband, blindfolded her own eyes. Sakuni, the son of Subala, bringing unto the Kurus his sister endued with youth and beauty, formally gave her away unto Dhritarashtra. Gandhari was received with great respect and the nuptials were celebrated with great pomp under Bhishma's directions. The heroic Sakuni, after having bestowed his sister along with many valuable robes, and having received Bhishma's adorations, returned to his own city. The beautiful Gandhari gratified all the Kurus by her behaviour and respectful attentions. Gandhari, ever devoted to her husband, gratified her superiors by her good conduct; and as she was chaste, she never referred even by words to men other than her husband or such superiors.

Kunti obtains a son from the Sun God

Sura, the foremost of the Yadus, was the father of Vasudeva. He had a daughter called Pritha, who for her beauty, was unrivalled on earth. Sura, having promised in the presence of fire that he would give his firstborn child to Kuntibhoja, the son of his paternal aunt, who was without offspring, gave his daughter unto the monarch in expectation of his favours. Kuntibhoja thereupon made her his daughter. She became, thenceforth, in the house of her (adoptive) father, engaged in attending upon Brahmanas and guests. One day she had to wait upon the wrathful ascetic of rigid vows, Durvasa by name, acquainted with truth and fully conversant with the mysteries of Dharma. Pritha with all possible care gratified the wrathful Rishi with soul under complete control. The holy one, gratified with the attentions bestowed on him by the maiden, told her:

“I am satisfied, O fortunate one, with you! By this mantra that I am about to give you, you shall be able to summon to your side whatever celestials you likest. By their grace, shall you also obtain children.”

Thus addressed, the girl a little while after, seized with curiosity, summoned, during the period of her maiden-hood, the god Surya. The lord of light thereupon made her conceive and begot on her a son who became the first of all wielders of weapons. From fear of relatives she brought forth in secrecy that child who had come out with ear-rings and coat of mail. He was gifted with the beauty of a celestial infant, and in splendour was like unto the maker of day himself. Every part of his body was symmetrical and well-adorned. Kunti cast the handsome child into the water. But the child thus thrown into the water was taken up by the excellent husband of Radha and given by him to his wife to be adopted by her as their son. The couple gave him the name of Vasusena, by which appellation the child soon became known all over the land. As he grew up, he became very strong and excelled in all weapons. The first of all successful persons, he soon mastered the sciences. When the intelligent one having truth for his strength recited the Vedas, there was nothing he would not then give to the Brahmanas. At that time Indra, the originator of all things, moved by the desire of benefiting his own son Arjuna, assumed the guise of a Brahmana, came to him, and begged of the hero his ear-rings and natural armour. The hero taking off his ear-rings and armour gave them unto the Brahmana. Indra (accepting the gift) presented to the giver a dart, surprised (at his open handedness), and addressed him in these words:

“O invincible one, amongst the celestials, Asuras, men, Gandharvas, Nagas, and Rakshasas, he at whom you hurl (this weapon), that one shall certainly be slain.”

The son of Surya was at first known in the world by the name of Vasusena. But, for his deeds, he subsequently came to be called Karna. Because that hero of great fame had taken off his natural armour, therefore was he - the first son of Pritha--called Karna. The hero began to grow up in the Suta caste. Karna was the friend and counsellor of Duryodhana.

Pandu and Kunti

Pritha was endued with beauty and every accomplishment. Of rigid vows, she was devoted to virtue and possessed of every good quality. But though endued with beauty and youth and every womanly attribute, yet it so happened that no king asked-for her hand. Her father Kuntibhoja seeing this, invited, the princes and kings of other countries and desired his daughter to select her husband from among her guests. The intelligent Kunti, entering the amphitheatre, beheld Pandu--the foremost of the Bharatas--in that concourse of crowned heads. Proud as the lion, broad-chested, bull-eyed, endued with great strength, and outshining all other monarchs in splendour, he looked like another Indra in that royal assemblage. The amiable daughter of Kuntibhoja, beholding Pandu--that best of men--in that assembly, became very much agitated. Advancing with modesty, all the while quivering with emotion, she placed the nuptial garland about Pandu's neck. The other monarchs, seeing Kunti choose Pandu for her lord, returned to their respective kingdoms on elephants, horses and cars, as they had come. Then, the bride's father caused the nuptial rites to be performed duly. The Kuru prince blessed with great good fortune and the daughter of Kuntibhoja formed a couple like Maghavat and Paulomi (the king and queen of the celestials). King Kuntibhoja, after the nuptials were over, presented his son-in-law with much wealth and sent him back to his capital. Then the Kuru prince Pandu, accompanied by a large force bearing various kinds of banners and pennons, and eulogised by Brahmanas and great Rishis pronouncing benedictions, reached his capital. After arriving at his own palace, he established his queen therein.

Pandu and Madri

Some time after, Bhishma set his heart upon getting Pandu married to a second wife. Accompanied by an army composed of four kinds of force, and also by aged councillors and Brahmanas and great Rishis, he went to the capital of the king of Madra. That bull of the Balhikas--the king of Madra—hearing that Bhishma had arrived, went out to receive him. Having received him with respect, he got him to enter his palace. Arriving there, the king of Madra offered unto Bhishma a white carpet for a seat; water to wash his feet with, and usual oblation of various ingredients indicative of respect. When he was seated at ease, the king asked him about the reason of his visit. Then Bhishma addressed the king of Madra and said, “Know that I have come for the hand of a maiden. It has been heard by us that you has a sister named Madri celebrated for her beauty and endued with every virtue; I would chose her for Pandu. You are, O king, in every respect worthy of an alliance with us, and we also are worthy of you. Reflecting upon all this, O king of Madra, accept us duly.” The ruler of Madra, thus addressed by Bhishma, replied, “To my mind, there is none else than one of your family with whom I can enter into an alliance. But there is a custom in our family observed by our ancestors, which, be it good or bad, I am incapable of transgressing. It is well-known, and therefore is known to you as well, I doubt not. Therefore, it is not proper for you to say to me,--Bestow your sister. The custom to which I allude is our family custom. With us that is a virtue and worthy of observance. It is for this only, I cannot give you any assurance in the matter of your request.” On hearing this, Bhishma answered the king of Madra, saying, “O king, this, no doubt, is a virtue. The self-create himself has said it. Your ancestors were observant of custom. There is no fault to find with it. It is also well-known, O Salya, that this custom in respect of family dignity has the approval of the wise and the good.” Saying this Bhishma of great energy, gave unto Salya much gold both coined and uncoined, and precious stones of various colours by thousands, and elephants and horses and cars, and much cloth and many ornaments, and gems and pearls and corals. Salya accepting with a cheerful heart those precious gifts then gave away his sister decked in ornaments unto that bull of the Kuru race. Then the wise Bhishma rejoiced at the issue of his mission, took Madri with him, and returned to the Kuru capital named after the elephant.

Then selecting on auspicious day and moment as indicated by the wise for the ceremony, King Pandu was duly united with Madri. After the nuptials were over, the Kuru king established his beautiful bride in handsome apartments. That best of monarchs then gave himself up to enjoyment in the company of his two wives as best he liked and to the limit of his desires. After thirty days had elapsed, the Kuru king, started from his capital for the conquest of the world. After reverentially saluting and bowing to Bhishma and the other elders of the Kuru race, and with adieus to Dhritarashtra and others of the family, and obtaining their leave, he set out on his grand campaign, accompanied by a large force of elephants, horses, and cars, and well-pleased with the blessings uttered by all around and the auspicious rites performed by the citizens for his success. Pandu, accompanied by such a strong force marched against various foes. That tiger among men--that spreader of the fame of the Kurus--first subjugated the robber tribes of Asarna. He next turned his army composed of innumerable elephants, cavalry, infantry, and charioteers, with standards of various colours against Dhirga--the ruler of the kingdom of Maghadha who was proud of his strength, and offended against numerous monarchs. Attacking him in his capital, Pandu slew him there, and took everything in his treasury and also vehicles and draught animals without number. He then marched into Mithila and subjugated the Videhas. Then, Pandu led his army against Kasi, Sumbha, and Pundra, and by the strength and prowess of his arms spread the fame of the Kurus. Pandu, that oppressor of foes, like unto a mighty fire whose far-reaching flames were represented by his arrows and splendour by his weapons, began to consume all kings that came in contact with him. These with their forces, vanquished by Pandu at the head of his army, were made the vassals of the Kurus. All kings of the world, thus vanquished by him, regarded him as the one single hero on earth even as the celestials regard Indra in heaven. The kings of earth with joined palms bowed to him and waited on him with presents of various kinds of gems and wealth, precious stones and pearls and corals, and much gold and silver, and first-class kine and handsome horses and fine cars and elephants, and asses and camels and buffaloes, and goats and sheep, and blankets and beautiful hides, and cloths woven out of furs. The king of Hastinapura accepting those offerings retraced his steps towards his capital, to the great delight of his subjects. The citizens and others filled with joy, and kings and ministers, all began to say, “O, the fame of the achievements of Santanu, that tiger among kings, and of the wise Bharata, which were about to die, has been revived by Pandu. They who robbed before the Kurus of both territory and wealth have been subjugated by Pandu--the tiger of Hastinapura--and made to pay tribute.” All the citizens with Bhishma at their head went out to receive the victorious king. They had not proceeded far when they saw the attendants of the king laden with much wealth, and the train of various conveyances laden with all kinds of wealth, and of elephants, horses, cars, kine, camels and other animals, was so long that they saw not its end. Then Pandu, beholding Bhishma, who was a father to him, worshipped his feet and saluted the citizens and others as each deserved. Bhishma, too, embracing Pandu as his son who had returned victorious after grinding many hostile kingdoms, wept tears of joy. Pandu, instilling joy into the hearts of his people with a flourish of trumpets and conchs and kettle-drums, entered his capital.

Pandu, then, at the command of Dhritarashtra, offered the wealth he had acquired by the prowess of his arms to Bhishma, their grand-mother Satyavati and their mothers. He sent portion of his wealth to Vidura also. The virtuous Pandu gratified his other relatives also with similar presents. Then Satyavati and Bhishma and the Kosala princes were all gratified with the presents Pandu made out of the acquisitions of his prowess. Ambalika in particular, upon embracing her son of incomparable prowess, became as glad as the queen of heaven upon embracing Jayanta. With the wealth acquired by that hero Dhritarashtra performed five great sacrifices that were equal unto a hundred great horse-sacrifices, at all of which the offerings to Brahmanas were by hundreds and thousands.

Vidura weds

Meanwhile Bhishma heard that king Devaka had a daughter endued with youth and beauty and begotten upon a Sudra wife. Bringing her from her father's abode, Bhishma married her to Vidura of great wisdom. Vidura begot upon her many children like unto himself in accomplishments.