Mahabharata: The Great Indian Epic

By Sudarshan Ray

In this gripping retelling of the ancient Indian epic, you will be transported into a world of warring kingdoms, magic, and divine intervention. Through the eyes of the Pandavas and Kauravas, witness a tale of love, loss, and redemption, as they battle for control of their kingdom and their own destinies. With vivid descriptions of the Kurukshetra War and political intrigue— read the Mahabharata like never before! • A massive epic.• Explores concepts such as dharma, karma, and the nature of the self.• A rich and compelling work of literature.• Continues to be a source of inspiration and guidance for millions of people around the world.• Its themes of war, love, betrayal, and redemption are timeless.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fingerprint Publishing
• Release date: Jun 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9789358562620

Book preview

The Beginning

Chapter 1

Shantanu and Ganga

long time ago, Hasti, a king belonging to the lineage of Emperor Bharat *, founded the city of Hastinapur. Many hundred years later, Kuru, another king of the same ancestry, ascended the throne, and the royal house then came to be known as the Kuruvansh. The land on which Kuru performed many sacrifices, or yagna, † became the holy grounds of Kurukshetra where, centuries later, the house of Kuru would clash in a fearful civil war. Over the aeons, Hastinapur prospered into a city of wealth and grandeur, and the kingdom gradually expanded over the sweeping plains of Bharatvarsh. Seven generations of kings had ably ruled over Hastinapur since Kuru, when Rajkumar * Shantanu inherited the throne from his father, Maharaj † Pratipa.

One day, Shantanu was sitting on the banks of the river Ganga when a beautiful woman emerged from the water. Shantanu fell in love with her instantly. Who are you, divine lady? he asked amorously. "Surely, you are not an Apsara‡ or a beautiful illusion? I am the king of Hastinapur. Will you become my queen?" Shantanu proposed.

I am Ganga, replied the woman, smiling at her young suitor. I can marry you, but only on one condition. You may never reproach me for any of my actions. The moment you refuse to bend to my will, I shall abandon you.

Shantanu agreed. The King married Ganga and brought her to the royal palace. The townspeople of Hastinapur were delighted, and they celebrated the royal wedding for a whole month.

After the wedding, Shantanu and Ganga lived happily in their palace. Soon, the city was abuzz with the news that Ganga was expecting her first child. Then, a strange sequence of events shocked the king and his subjects.

As soon as the first prince was born, Ganga threw the infant into the swirling waves of the river. Shantanu watched in horror as the swift current drowned the helpless child. Over the next few years, Ganga repeated this ghastly infanticide six more times. The king wept for his seven dead sons but remained true to his promise. He did not question his wife’s actions, and Ganga neither repented nor gave any explanation for her cruelty.

On the eighth occasion, however, Shantanu could no longer hold himself back. As Ganga walked towards the river with the newborn in her arms, the king stopped her and said, My dear, why are you killing our children? Pray, at least, spare this child.

Ganga looked at the king with pity. I was not killing your children. I was only protecting them from a curse.

A curse? Shantanu was surprised.

"Yes, even the two of us are living a cursed life. You were once the famous king, Mahavisa, who, upon his death, had gone to Brahmaloka*, and I was Ganga, Brahma’s beautiful daughter. One day, you were seated in Brahma’s court when I entered to greet my father. At that moment, the wind picked up, and the thin veil slipped off my chest. The other Devtas† hurriedly lowered their gazes, but you continued to admire my naked beauty. I also forgot the strict decorum of Brahmaloka and basked unabashedly under your gaze. Brahma did not condone our lewdness. He cursed us both and sent us back here on this earth to live and suffer as humans."

But why did you take the lives of our children? Shantanu asked.

"Your sons were the eight Vasus. Among the Devtas, they were the epitome of nobility before they fell from grace. Once the Vasus and their wives were wandering on the Sumeru mountains when they came near Sage Vashistha’s‡ ashram§. The muni¶ was away from his hermitage, but his cow, Nandini, was grazing in the meadows. Nandini was a wonderful cow—a kaamdhenu—and its endless fountain of milk was a delicious elixir steeped in the magical gifts of eternal youth and immortality. The Vasus felt enticed. Dyu was the leader of the Vasus. His wife urged him to steal the cow, and finally, the Vasus carried Nandini away.

"In their greedy haste, the Vasus had not considered the consequences of the sage’s wrath. When Vashistha discovered his cow had been stolen, he put a solemn imprecation on the thieves that they would take human births. He believed that a life of sorrow and suffering among mortals would be an appropriate punishment for their crime. The Vasus rushed to Sumeru to allay the monk’s fury. After much imploration, the muni finally granted that seven of the Vasus would be freed of their human bondage within the first year of their lives. But Dyu’s sin was the gravest; he would have to endure a lifetime of misery to redeem his share in the theft.

The Vasus requested that I become their mother, continued Ganga. "I agreed, and, as per their request, I set them free as soon as they were born. The first seven brothers are now reunited in heaven. This child is the eighth Vasu, and he will have to bear the brunt of the muni’s curse. Maharaj, he will indeed be spared having to fathom the deepest ocean of human grief. I will leave you now and take the child with me. I will return him to Hastinapur once he completes his education."

Ganga and her son, Devabrata, disappeared in the mist.

Devabrata Takes a Solemn Vow

After Ganga and Devabrata left, Shantanu returned to his empty palace. He continued to perform his royal duties diligently, but otherwise retired into gloomy solitude. Years passed by, and Shantanu waited impatiently for his son to return.

One morning, the king observed in astonishment that the gushing course of the river, which flowed through his palace garden, had almost dried up. On the bank, he then saw a magnificent warrior with a bow held firmly in his hand. It became apparent that this Kshatriya* had reduced the driving current of the mighty river into a narrow trickle. At that instant, Ganga appeared and brought the young man to the king.

"Maharaj, this is your son. I have fulfilled my promise. Devabrata has learned the Vedas from Vashistha, while Shukracharya† and Brihaspati‡ have taught him the Shastras§. Also, Parashuram has trained him in weaponry. His archery and arsenal are matchless in this world. He has accomplished the finest erudition in matters of politics, statecraft, and diplomacy. He is now worthy of your throne. You may take him back to the palace."

Shantanu’s long vigil was finally over. Soon after, he named Devabrata the Yuvraj* of Hastinapur. Then, fate took another curious turn.

Once, Shantanu was hunting near the river Yamuna when the slumbering passion inside him was stirred by an amorous scent that filled the forest air. He searched fervently for the source of the fragrance. Soon, he found a lovely woman lurking in the woods. A wild desire overpowered Shantanu. His voice trembled with eagerness as he looked into the dark eyes of the maiden and asked, Who are you? Are you wedded? Why are you wandering alone in this dangerous forest?

"I am Satyavati, daughter of Dasraj, replied the woman. She had promptly gauged that the king had fallen for her beauty. She continued, I live in the fishing village on the fringes of this jungle. My father is a fisherman, and my boat is moored over yonder. I ferry travellers across this river."

Will you marry me? the king almost begged.

That is not for me to decide. My father, Dasraj, is my guardian.

Shantanu sought Dasraj’s approval for Satyavati’s hand in marriage, but Dasraj intended to make the most of the king’s proposal. He said, Maharaj, you are certainly a desirable husband for any woman. But you have to fulfil a condition before I can give away my daughter to you.

I can only give whatever is in my power to grant, Shantanu replied cautiously.

The sly fisherman closed the net around his catch. Satyavati’s son should succeed you to the throne of Hastinapur. That is the condition I set for this marriage.

The king’s heart sank. A thousand flames of lust wickedly licked at his heart, but he did not give in to the extortion.

The throne of Hastinapur has already been spoken for. It belongs to my son, Devabrata. I cannot disinherit him unjustly for anything or anyone, not even for Satyavati. Shantanu returned to the palace, carrying in his heart the bitter disappointment of unrequited love.

The lovelorn king once again lapsed into grim depression. The delicate curves, the lovely eyes, and the perfumed skin of the fisherman’s daughter haunted him without respite. Devabrata also noticed the torment on his father’s face. Father, what ails you? the prince accosted his father one day. You seldom summon me to your side. The entire kingdom is loyal to you. But of late, you have shown little interest in politics, hunting, or any other leisure activity. Your pale eyes and gaunt face worry me. Can I not help you in any way?

Shantanu was touched by his son’s compassion. "Devabrata, you are my only heir. You are the ablest of all Kshatriyas. But I am always anxious that should any terrible misfortune befall you, our lineage will perish, and the kingdom will be orphaned forever." Devabrata could not fully comprehend the hint that Shantanu was trying to convey.

The old counsellor of the state, the mahamantri, was Shantanu’s closest friend. He explained the king’s condition to Devabrata, and the prince immediately set out for the fisherman’s hamlet.

Satyavati’s father, Dasraj, was still adamant. I want Satyavati’s son to become the king after Shantanu.

That can be easily arranged, Devabrata said calmly. I shall abdicate the crown in favour of my unborn brothers.

What about your son, Devabrata? He may still have a claim on the throne, Dasraj persisted.

If you are still concerned, I promise that I shall never marry or make love to a woman. I shall lead a life of strict celibacy. It was an unprecedented sacrifice, and as soon as Devabrata pronounced his vow, the Devtas and Apsaras showered petals on him from the heavens.

Devabrata returned to Hastinapur with Satyavati. Who has ever made a graver sacrifice or taken a sterner vow! The townspeople hailed their noble prince. "From today, Devabrata will have a new name—Bhishma*."

Shantanu was overjoyed. "You forfeited every worldly pleasure for my happiness. I bless you, my son, with the boon of icchamrityu. Death won’t be able to come near you unless you wish it upon yourself. You will be the supreme master of your life and death."

In a grand ceremony, Shantanu wed Satyavati, and Bhishma became the most revered icon across Bharatvarsh. However, no one in Hastinapur could have predicted the tumultuous events that Bhishma’s sacrifice would foreshadow.

Satyavati, Parashar, and

Krishna Dwaipayan Vyas

Satyavati had a past that was unknown to Shantanu. She had grown up in a small fishing village on the banks of the Yamuna. From a young age, she was an expert rower and transported pilgrims and travellers across the river. Once, Muni Parashar, who was out on a pilgrimage, stepped into Satyavati’s boat.

The monk marvelled at the beauty of young Satyavati. Who is the oarsman of this boat? he asked, his eyes caressing Satyavati’s sensuous curves.

My father does not have a son; hence, I am in charge, replied Satyavati as she raised the anchor and steered the boat along the current. Parashar was the lone passenger in the boat.

Make love to me; give me a son, murmured Parashar after a while. Satyavati quickly surveyed her surroundings. But, my Lord, she mumbled coyly, we will be seen by everyone.

Parashar waved his hand in a sweeping gesture. Immediately, a thick mist descended upon the river and hid the couple from the curious eyes. Satyavati was impressed by the magic, but she still demurred coquettishly, Muni, my virginity is inviolable. I cannot bring disgrace to my father.

Don’t worry, Parashar sounded impatient, with my blessings, your virginity will remain intact.

The wind pushed the boat gently along the stream. Parashar and Satyavati made arduous love in the middle of the river. Soon after she conceived, Satyavati moved to an island where her son, Krishna Dwaipayan, was born. Dwaipayan took after his father; he studied the Vedas* and classified them according to their origin and utility. Hence, he was known as Veda Vyas (one who has organised the Vedas) or Vyasdev.

This connection between Satyavati, Parashar, and Veda Vyas remained unknown in Hastinapur. Satyavati had buried her past well; it would, however, not stay buried for too long.

Chitrangad, Vichitravirya,

and the Princesses of Kashi

Satyavati gave birth to two princes—Chitrangad and Vichitravirya. Shantanu did not live for long after the princes were born. Hence, Bhishma had to raise his foster brothers, and he performed this duty with care and affection. After Shantanu died, Bhishma put Chitrangad on the throne of Hastinapur. Chitrangad possessed exceptional physical strength, but he had one grave flaw—he was insolent. Once, he recklessly challenged a Gandharva† king to a duel. The Gandharva killed the Kuru king in a fierce combat on the banks of the Hirnmati river.

Vichitravirya, Chitrangad’s younger brother, now became the king. Since he was still very young, Bhishma had to closely supervise the state affairs of Hastinapur. When Vichitravirya came of age, Bhishma started to look for suitable matches for him. The king of Kashi announced the swayamvar-sabha of his three daughters at the time—Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika.

Bhishma rode in his chariot to Kashi, where Kshatriyas from kingdoms far and near had gathered to attend the swayamvar. The royal sisters had an abundance of choices. Their slender fingers held garlands laden with the fresh flowers of spring—the varmala—which they would offer to their desired husbands.

The princesses of Kashi were gorgeous too; their exquisite forms curved delectably into luscious breasts and voluptuous hips. The gentle sway of their slight waists evoked lustful passion in the hearts of the kings and princes. Bhishma, now well past his youth, seated himself in the sabha amidst much derision. The princesses looked askance at his greying hair, while the other kings taunted him unkindly. Why is this senile man sitting amongst us? Bhishma is supposedly a celibate, but he seems to be quite taken in by the beauty of our princesses.

Bhishma’s roar silenced the jeering. "There are many ways to win over a woman. I am a Kshatriya, and my method is direct. I will forcibly take these women to Hastinapur. I challenge all the Kshatriyas who are present here to dare my might." He ordered the princesses to get into his chariot.

Amba, the eldest of the Kashi sisters, was already in love with Shalva, a king from a nearby kingdom. Shalva and the other Kshatriyas surrounded Bhishma, but his brilliant archery caused absolute mayhem. His weapons smashed chariots, killed horses, and beheaded countless soldiers. The kings soon realised that they were fighting against an insuperable force.

However, Shalva did not give up without a fight. He hurled a volley of arrows, which beat Bhishma’s defence and struck him on his chest and limbs. The other kings cheered for Shalva, but the cameo was brief. Bhishma’s Varunastra* killed Shalva’s horses, destroyed his weapons, and decapitated the charioteer. He then galloped towards Hastinapur with the three princesses. The humiliated Shalva lay sprawled ungraciously inside his chariot, grievously wounded but alive.

Upon reaching Hastinapur, the sisters learned that Bhishma was not their groom. He was, in fact, planning to marry them off to his brother, Vichitravirya. Amba plainly refused. I am already betrothed to Shalva, she explained to Bhishma.

Back in Kashi, Bhishma had not asked the princesses for their consent. But now, he did not force his will on Amba. Along with her entourage, she was sent off to Shalva’s kingdom. However, Shalva did not accept Amba.

The poor princess had nowhere to go. Bhishma is the cause of my humiliation, Amba decided. Her plight was insufferable—once a haughty princess, she was now an object of pity and ridicule. While she seethed in vindictive rage, at Hastinapur, Vichitravirya married her sisters, Ambika and Ambalika.

Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidur

Vichitravirya spent seven happy years of frivolous lovemaking with Ambika and Ambalika. While he remained the titular head of the state, it was Bhishma who governed the country. Then suddenly, Vichitravirya contracted a virulent lung disease. He was still childless when he died, leaving behind two young wives and an heirless kingdom. Hastinapur was thrown into a state of impasse.

An anxious Satyavati summoned Bhishma. My sons are both gone. Our kingdom needs a king and an heir. Hence, you should sit on the throne of Hastinapur. Also, marry Ambika and Ambalika, and preserve the Kuruvansh.

I cannot renege on my promise of celibacy, replied Bhishma. This deadlock can still be resolved though. You may invite a Brahmin or a sage to the palace. If Ambika and Ambalika conceive from that Brahmin, their sons, according to the established precepts of dharma, would be considered Kuru princes and legitimate heirs of Vichitravirya.

Satyavati was waiting for this opportune proposal. In that case, let me call upon Veda Vyas. The queen looked fleetingly at Bhishma before pressing on. Dwaipayan Vyas is my eldest son, born out of wedlock with Muni Parashar. Vyas, like his father, is a sage of extraordinary intellect. I can request him to visit Ambika and Ambalika.

Vyas was indeed a very learned monk, but his outward appearance was ugly. After listening to Satyavati’s plan, he said, Mother, I have been dwelling in the forest for long in solitude and amidst many hardships. Ambika and Ambalika will find me revolting. At least a year needs to pass before I can become intimate with a woman.

But Satyavati was desperate. A male heir is essential for the stability of this kingdom. Vyas, I need you to act immediately.

Ambika waited nervously in her bedchamber. Satyavati had informed the princess that Muni Vyas intended to see her that night. The purpose of the nocturnal visit was also made clear to Ambika. The thought of the muni was repulsive; hence, Ambika resorted to fantasies about Bhishma to stoke herself into readiness for physical union.

Ambika closed her eyes in revulsion as soon as Vyas entered the room. A wild beard covered the muni’s hollow cheeks, his eyes burned with an uncanny glow, and his parched skin emitted a rotten stench. The torment that followed was unbearable. Next, it was Ambalika’s turn. She turned white with terror when she saw the hideous monk next to her.

Later, Vyas warned Satyavati, Mother, Ambika and Ambalika were intimidated by me. My union with both the princesses was unpleasant. Ambika shall give birth to a prince of uncommon physical strength, but the child will be blind at birth. Ambalika’s son will grow up to become a great warrior; however, he too shall never enjoy good health.

The rishi’s* premonitions turned out to be true. Ambika’s son, Dhritarashtra, was born first, and he was indeed blind, while Ambalika’s son, Pandu, who was born next, looked unnaturally pale. His bloodless face and pallid skin bore unmistakable signs of poor health. Satyavati again appealed to Vyas. Both Dhritarashtra and Pandu have innate disabilities. They are not fit for the crown. Hastinapur has to be ruled by a king of sound health. Visit Ambika once more.

This time a scared Ambika sent a beautiful palace-maid to Vyas in her stead. The raw virility of Dwaipayan, which had repelled the royal women, allured the royal attendant like a magnet, and a night of wild lovemaking gratified the couple. In the morning, a satiated Vyas blessed the maidservant, saying, You shall no longer remain a slave in this palace. Your son will become the highest authority in statecraft and diplomacy. He will be one of the wisest men in the history of humankind. A few months later, Vidur was born to the palace-maid.

Bhishma mentored Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidur. Dhritarashtra, with his sinewy arms and broad shoulders, could easily bend iron rods with his bare hands. His blindness, however, disqualified him in the race for the throne. So, his younger brother, Pandu, ascended the throne of Hastinapur. Pandu was a crafty warrior and a matchless archer. Vidur, the youngest of the three, had mastered the art of politics and diplomacy. Bhishma, impressed by Vidur’s acumen, made him the chief counsellor of the state. However, because of his nether origin, Vidur had no claim on the throne, but he was not devoid of ambition either.

Karna—Suryadev’s Son

The Yadavas were an influential Kshatriya clan in the northern part of Bharatvarsh. Shurasena was one such powerful Yadava chief. He had a son called Vasudev* and a daughter named Pritha. Shurasena gave up his daughter, Pritha, for adoption to his childless cousin, Kuntibhoj. In the palace of Kuntibhoj, Pritha got her new name, Kunti. The princess matured into a beautiful young woman under the loving care of Kuntibhoj.

One day, Muni Durvasa visited the palace of Kuntibhoj. The muni was infamous for his evil temper and vile curses. Kunti braved the monk’s capricious demands and tirelessly served his entourage of ten thousand disciples. Even Durvasa could not find any fault with Kunti’s hospitality. The muni, in a rare gesture of gratitude, rewarded the princess with an unusual boon. You may summon any Devta from the heavens with this mantra, said the monk before he whispered an arcane spell into Kunti’s ears. These Devtas are highly desirable lovers, and they will make sweet love to you. Your sons, born out of these pleasurable unions, will be endowed with extraordinary skills and powers. Durvasa’s boon would prove to be a mixed blessing for Kunti.

After Durvasa left, a curious Kunti chanted the mantra that the muni had taught her. She imagined Suryadev’s† magnificent radiance, and before long, a delicious warmth stole over her body. Kunti opened her eyes to find Suryadev amorously admiring her voluptuous beauty. The princess suddenly felt shy.

Suryadev, I was testing out the power of Durvasa’s boon. Pray, forgive my curiosity, I cannot make love to you.

But Suryadev was delirious with desire. Kunti, you should not spurn me after having stoked my lust. Let me allay your angst. I am a tender lover, and I shall not impale your virginity.

In a few months, Kunti gave birth to a handsome boy. A glowing armour and a pair of shining earrings clasped the body of the newborn. Suryadev said, "This kavach-kundal (armour and earrings) will defend my son from all his enemies."

After Suryadev vanished, Kunti lost her nerve.

How would I explain this child to my people? I cannot bring him up in this palace.

The princess hurriedly secured the infant inside a wicker basket and ran to the banks of the river Ganga. After a momentary hesitation, she pushed the basket against the waves. Kunti watched her child drift with the current and finally disappear around the bend of the river.

The course of the Ganga meandered through the city of Hastinapur. Adhirath, a charioteer in royal service, was walking on the riverside when suddenly the shrill wailing of a child interrupted his evening stroll. He rushed down to the waterfront and discovered a tiny canoe, bobbing above the waves. He recovered the infant from the river and brought him home to his wife, Radha. Adhirath and Radha named the child, Vasushen. From his childhood, the boy was dexterous with the bow, and his reputation as a gifted archer spread throughout Hastinapur. The world came to know him by a different name though—Karna.

Karna was also a man of charity. Every morning, he stood in the river and worshipped the Sun God, although he was unaware that Suryadev was his biological father. Brahmins gathered around him and pleaded for gifts and favours. Karna never refused a mendicant regardless of the demand, and his generosity earned him the title of Daata-Karna: Karna, the giver.

As Karna’s reputation as a skilled archer grew, his parents became worried about his future. Adhirath belonged to a quiet community of charioteers who survived on meagre allowances from the palace. He had trained Karna in his trade, but the boy had his eyes set on the bow and arrow.

"But, son, you are a sutaputra*, and archery is a skill taught by Brahmins and practised by Kshatriyas, Adhirath tried to reason with his son. No guru will accept you as his pupil."

Karna refused to give up. He heard that Parashuram, a Brahmin of extraordinary calibre, had his ashram in the distant hills. Parashuram† was a brilliant teacher, one who had waged many battles against the Kshatriya clan. Karna decided to approach the Brahmin.

One morning, Parashuram saw a young man clambering up the slopes towards his ashram. Sweat glistened on his young face as he trudged into the muni’s training ground.

Who are you? asked the Brahmin.

My name is Karna. I came all the way from Hastinapur to learn archery from you.

The muni regarded the handsome boy with wonder. His limbs and shoulders were perfectly chiselled for archery, and his eyes shone brilliantly beneath a tranquil expression.

Are you a Kshatriya? Parashuram queried.

No, I am a Brahmin, answered Karna, trying to avoid Parashuram’s intent gaze.

Parashuram already knew that Karna had the potential to become an exceptional marksman, and so, despite his suspicions about the boy’s lineage, caste, and identity, he admitted him into his Gurukul*.

*Bharat was the son of Dushmanta and Shakuntala. The name Bharatvarsh derives from the name of this legendary king.

†yagna: a grand sacrifice.

*Rajkumar: the prince.

†Maharaj: the king.

‡apsara: a celestial nymph. These beautiful women (Rambha, Urvashi, Menaka, etc.) were dancers in Indra’s court known as Indraloka.

*Brahmaloka: the celestial abode of Lord Brahma who, according to Hindu mythology, is the creator of the universe.

†Devtas: Hindu Gods who live in Devaloka or Swarg. Indra, Yama, and Varun are some of the important Devtas. Indra is also known as Devraj or king of the Devtas.

‡Vashistha: an erudite sage or a muni.

§ashram: hermitage of a monk or sage.

¶muni: a sage or a monk.

*There are four castes in Hindu society. This caste system originated in the Vedic period. According to this system, the society is organised in the following hierarchy:

Brahmin: the most erudite class, performing priestly work. The sages of ancient Bharatvarsh were generally Brahmins.

Kshatriya: the warrior class. Kings and princes were all Kshatriyas.

Vaishya: the traders.

Shudra: the slaves.

†Shukracharya: guru of the Asuras. Asuras were the rival group of the Devtas.

‡Brihaspati: guru of the Devtas.

§Shastras: scriptures

*Yuvraj: the crown prince.

*Bhishma: a title conferred on someone who has undertaken an impossibly difficult task or vow. After he abdicated the throne, the noble Devabrata became known as Bhishma.

*Vedas: ancient Hindu texts.

†Gandharva: a clan of demigods in ancient Bharatvarsh.

*Varunastra: a divine weapon or divyastra (divya means divine, and astra means weapon) that produced torrential rain. Varun, in Hindu mythology, is the Lord of the Oceans.

*rishi: a muni or a sage.

*Vasudev: father of Krishna, Balaram, and Subhadra.

†Suryadev: the Sun God.

*sutaputra: a person of low origin.

†Parashuram taught some of the greatest Kshatriyas of his time. Bhishma, as mentioned earlier, was Parashuram’s finest pupil.

*Gurukul: a school or ashram in ancient Bharatvarsh set up by a guru to teach his students.

Chapter 2

Pandavas and Kauravas

eanwhile, Kunti married Pandu, the king of Hastinapur. She lived happily in the palace and never felt any remorse for the infant she had abandoned on the river. Pandu also took another wife, Madri. She was the princess of Madra, a prosperous kingdom on the western border of Hastinapur. Madri’s brother, Madraraj* Shalya, received considerable largesse as dowry from Pandu in exchange for Madri’s hand in marriage.

After a careful search, Bhishma picked Gandhari, the princess of Gandhar, as Dhritarashtra’s bride. She was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. The princess was also devoted to her husband; she wrapped a piece of cloth around her beautiful eyes and said, My husband is sightless. Hence, this blindfold will ensure that I never surpass him.

After the wedding, Shakuni, the prince of Gandhar, also accompanied his sister to Hastinapur. While Gandhari was a righteous woman, Shakuni was a canny politician, and the court of Hastinapur would prove to be highly conducive to his ambitions.

Pandu ruled with an able hand. He further extended the frontiers of Hastinapur and amassed prodigious amounts of gold and jewels from his conquests. The royal treasury was thus rarely dependent on domestic taxes, and the subjects of Hastinapur lived luxuriously on the plundered wealth. Pandu also shared his exploits generously with Bhishma, Vidur, and Dhritarashtra.

Dhritarashtra was the eldest of the brothers. As per tradition, he had the first claim on the throne, but his blindness had deprived him of his birthright, and he was forced to live on Pandu’s charity. The blind prince resented this ignominy, but he never made his frustration known to anyone. He secretly hoped that the throne would one day pass down to his son.

*****

A dense forest abundant with game surrounded the royal retreat of Hastinapur. Once, Pandu took a brief leave from the court and rode into the woods with Kunti and Madri. One evening, the king was hunting amidst a herd of scampering animals when his attention was caught by a deer couple mating in the distance. The deer and doe, absorbed in their lovemaking, did not perceive the impending danger. Pandu shot five arrows that went straight through the couple’s chests. The doe was dead instantly. Then, to Pandu’s dismay, the deer spoke in a human voice.

Maharaj, I am Rishi Kindam. My wife and I had transformed into deer to make love away from voyeurs. You grossly violated the huntsman’s code of honour. Which cruel hunter ever kills a helpless, copulating animal? My wife and I were at the peak of gratification when you callously ended our lives. Your cowardice razed my bloodline. Pandu, I curse you: you will never be able to make love to a woman again. You will die the instant you become intimate with your wives. The muni died with these dreadful words, casting Hastinapur once again into a whirlpool of chaos.

Pandu shuddered in terror and remorse at the muni’s curse. After this incident, Pandu vowed to spend the rest of his life in penance. He surrendered the crown to his elder brother, Dhritarashtra, and retired permanently into the forest. Kunti and Madri followed their husband in a gallant display of loyalty.

In the woods, Pandu and his wives lived a life of austerity with the monks. Pandu’s innate infirmity, aggravated by Kindam’s curse, reduced the once mighty emperor into an impotent wreck. He could no longer make love to his women. The deeply disturbed Pandu was also concerned that he would die without an heir.

Kunti, the sages have warned that I won’t be able to attain heaven upon death if a male progeny does not survive me, whimpered Pandu one day. Kindam has cast such a gruesome curse on our marital life. We cannot reproduce and have our own children. But our age-old customs have prescribed other methods through which an unfortunate man like me may still become a father. In ancient times, women had absolute freedom to enjoy affection within or without marriage. Even in our society, a wife with the consent of her husband can conceive from a savant or a Brahmin. I urge you to redeem our sterile marriage. Bring some happiness back to our barren lives.

It was then that Kunti disclosed Durvasa’s boon to Pandu. "Aryaputra*, I have the power to tempt any Devta of my choosing with the aid of Rishi Durvasa’s mantra."

Kunti called upon Dharma, the God of Justice, to the desolate Shatashringya mountain. The union was fervent and fruitful. In due course, a handsome prince