Chapter 9: Pāṇḍu becomes king; Gāndhārī marries Dhṛtarāṣṭra, and Kuntī and Mādrī marry Pāṇḍu.
जनमेजय उवाच॥
Janamejaya said:
[PV-PAN:01_015_1] (Bharata)
किं कृतं कर्म धर्मेण येन शापमुपेयिवान् । कस्य शापाच्च ब्रह्मर्षे शूद्रयोनावजायत ॥BORI: १-१०१-१॥
What deed did Dharma commit that brought a curse upon him? And by whose curse, O Brahmarṣi, was he born from a Śūdra womb? (BORI: 1-101-1)
[PV-PAN:01_015_2] (Bharata)
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-PAN:01_015_3] (Bharata)
बभूव ब्राह्मणः कश्चिन्माण्डव्य इति विश्रुतः । धृतिमान्सर्वधर्मज्ञः सत्ये तपसि च स्थितः ॥BORI: १-१०१-२॥
There was a certain Brahmin, renowned as Māṇḍavya, who was steadfast, knew all the laws of dharma, and was devoted to truth and austerity. (BORI: 1-101-2)
[PV-PAN:01_015_4] (Bharata)
स आश्रमपदद्वारि वृक्षमूले महातपाः । ऊर्ध्वबाहुर्महायोगी तस्थौ मौनव्रतान्वितः ॥BORI: १-१०१-३॥
That great ascetic and mighty yogin stood beneath a tree at the entrance to his hermitage, his arms raised, observing a vow of silence. (BORI: 1-101-3)
[PV-PAN:01_015_5] (Bharata)
तस्य कालेन महता तस्मिंस्तपसि तिष्ठतः । तमाश्रमपदं प्राप्ता दस्यवो लोप्त्रहारिणः । अनुसार्यमाणा बहुभी रक्षिभिर्भरतर्षभ ॥BORI: १-१०१-४॥
After a long time, while he remained engaged in that austerity, robbers carrying plunder reached the hermitage, pursued by many guards, O bull of the Bharatas. (BORI: 1-101-4)
[PV-PAN:01_015_6] (Bharata)
ते तस्यावसथे लोप्त्रं निदधुः कुरुसत्तम । निधाय च भयाल्लीनास्तत्रैवान्वागते बले ॥BORI: १-१०१-५॥
They deposited the stolen goods in his dwelling, best of the Kurus, and then hid there in fear when the pursuing force arrived. (BORI: 1-101-5)
[PV-PAN:01_015_7] (Bharata)
तेषु लीनेष्वथो शीघ्रं ततस्तद्रक्षिणां बलम् । आजगाम ततोऽपश्यंस्तमृषिं तस्करानुगाः ॥BORI: १-१०१-६॥
Once they had hidden, the guards’ force quickly arrived; then the men pursuing the thieves saw the sage. (BORI: 1-101-6)
[PV-PAN:01_015_8] (Bharata)
तमपृच्छंस्ततो राजंस्तथावृत्तं तपोधनम् । कतरेण पथा याता दस्यवो द्विजसत्तम । तेन गच्छामहे ब्रह्मन्पथा शीघ्रतरं वयम् ॥BORI: १-१०१-७॥
Then they asked the ascetic, who remained just as he was, “Best of Brahmins, by which road did the bandits go? Tell us, so that we may quickly follow that road.” (BORI: 1-101-7)
[PV-PAN:01_015_9] (Bharata)
तथा तु रक्षिणां तेषां ब्रुवतां स तपोधनः । न किञ्चिद्वचनं राजन्नवदत्साध्वसाधु वा ॥BORI: १-१०१-८॥
But though the guards spoke to him in this way, O king, the ascetic said nothing at all, either good or bad. (BORI: 1-101-8)
[PV-PAN:01_015_10] (Bharata)
ततस्ते राजपुरुषा विचिन्वानास्तदाश्रमम् । ददृशुस्तत्र संलीनांस्तांश्चोरान्द्रव्यमेव च ॥BORI: १-१०१-९॥
Then the king’s men searched the hermitage and found the thieves hiding there, along with the stolen goods. (BORI: 1-101-9)
[PV-PAN:01_015_11] (Bharata)
ततः शङ्का समभवद्रक्षिणां तं मुनिं प्रति । संयम्यैनं ततो राज्ञे दस्यूंश्चैव न्यवेदयन् ॥BORI: १-१०१-१०॥
The guards then became suspicious of the sage. They bound him and brought him and the robbers before the king. (BORI: 1-101-10)
[PV-PAN:01_015_12] (Bharata)
तं राजा सह तैश्चोरैरन्वशाद्वध्यतामिति । स वध्यघातैरज्ञातः शूले प्रोतो महातपाः ॥BORI: १-१०१-११॥
The king ordered that he be executed along with those thieves. Not recognized by the executioners, the great ascetic was impaled on a stake. (BORI: 1-101-11)
[PV-PAN:01_015_13] (Bharata)
ततस्ते शूलमारोप्य तं मुनिं रक्षिणस्तदा । प्रतिजग्मुर्महीपालं धनान्यादाय तान्यथ ॥BORI: १-१०१-१२॥
Then the guards impaled the sage and returned to the king, taking the stolen goods with them. (BORI: 1-101-12)
[PV-PAN:01_015_14] (Bharata)
शूलस्थः स तु धर्मात्मा कालेन महता ततः । निराहारोऽपि विप्रर्षिर्मरणं नाभ्युपागमत् । धारयामास च प्राणानृषींश्च समुपानयत् ॥BORI: १-१०१-१३॥
Though impaled, that righteous brahmin sage did not die, even after a long time without food. He sustained his life and caused the sages to gather around him. (BORI: 1-101-13)
[PV-PAN:01_015_15] (Bharata)
शूलाग्रे तप्यमानेन तपस्तेन महात्मना । सन्तापं परमं जग्मुर्मुनयोऽथ परन्तप ॥BORI: १-१०१-१४॥
As that great-souled man suffered on the tip of the stake and continued his austerities, the sages became deeply distressed, O scorcher of foes. (BORI: 1-101-14)
[PV-PAN:01_015_16] (Bharata)
ते रात्रौ शकुना भूत्वा संन्यवर्तन्त सर्वतः । दर्शयन्तो यथाशक्ति तमपृच्छन्द्विजोत्तमम् । श्रोतुमिच्छामहे ब्रह्मन्किं पापं कृतवानसि ॥BORI: १-१०१-१५॥
At night they took the form of birds and gathered from every direction. Revealing themselves as best they could, they asked that foremost of the twice-born, “Brahmin, we wish to hear what sin you have committed.” (BORI: 1-101-15)
[PV-PAN:01_015_17] (Bharata)
ततः स मुनिशार्दूलस्तानुवाच तपोधनान् । दोषतः कं गमिष्यामि न हि मेऽन्योऽपराध्यति ॥BORI: १-१०१-१६॥
Then that tiger among sages said to those rich in austerities, “Whom shall I blame? No one else has wronged me.” (BORI: 1-101-16)
[PV-PAN:01_015_18] (Bharata)
राजा च तमृषिं श्रुत्वा निष्क्रम्य सह मन्त्रिभिः । प्रसादयामास तदा शूलस्थमृषिसत्तमम् ॥BORI: १-१०१-१७॥
When the king heard of the sage, he went out with his ministers and sought the forgiveness of that eminent sage, who was still impaled. (BORI: 1-101-17)
[PV-PAN:01_015_19] (Bharata)
यन्मयापकृतं मोहादज्ञानादृषिसत्तम । प्रसादये त्वां तत्राहं न मे त्वं क्रोद्धुमर्हसि ॥BORI: १-१०१-१८॥
“Best of sages, whatever wrong I did to you through delusion and ignorance, I ask your forgiveness for it. You should not be angry with me.” (BORI: 1-101-18)
[PV-PAN:01_015_20] (Bharata)
एवमुक्तस्ततो राज्ञा प्रसादमकरोन्मुनिः । कृतप्रसादो राजा तं ततः समवतारयत् ॥BORI: १-१०१-१९॥
Thus addressed by the king, the sage forgave him. Once the sage had granted his pardon, the king brought him down. (BORI: 1-101-19)
[PV-PAN:01_015_21] (Bharata)
अवतार्य च शूलाग्रात्तच्छूलं निश्चकर्ष ह । अशक्नुवंश्च निष्क्रष्टुं शूलं मूले स चिच्छिदे ॥BORI: १-१०१-२०॥
After taking him down from the tip of the stake, he tried to pull it out. Unable to extract it, he cut the stake off at its base. (BORI: 1-101-20)
[PV-PAN:01_015_22] (Bharata)
स तथान्तर्गतेनैव शूलेन व्यचरन्मुनिः । स तेन तपसा लोकान्विजिग्ये दुर्लभान्परैः । अणीमाण्डव्य इति च ततो लोकेषु कथ्यते ॥BORI: १-१०१-२१॥
The sage went about with the stake still lodged within him. Through that austerity he conquered worlds unattainable by others, and thereafter he became known throughout the worlds as Aṇīmāṇḍavya. (BORI: 1-101-21)
[PV-PAN:01_015_23] (Bharata)
स गत्वा सदनं विप्रो धर्मस्य परमार्थवित् । आसनस्थं ततो धर्मं दृष्ट्वोपालभत प्रभुः ॥BORI: १-१०१-२२॥
The Brahmin, a knower of the highest truth, went to Dharma’s abode. There the powerful sage saw Dharma seated and reproached him. (BORI: 1-101-22)
[PV-PAN:01_015_24] (Bharata)
किं नु तद्दुष्कृतं कर्म मया कृतमजानता । यस्येयं फलनिर्वृत्तिरीदृश्यासादिता मया । शीघ्रमाचक्ष्व मे तत्त्वं पश्य मे तपसो बलम् ॥BORI: १-१०१-२३॥
What evil deed did I unknowingly commit, for which I have suffered such a consequence? Tell me the truth at once—behold the power of my austerities! (BORI: 1-101-23)
[PV-PAN:01_015_25] (Bharata)
धर्म उवाच॥
Dharma said:
[PV-PAN:01_015_26] (Bharata)
पतङ्गकानां पुच्छेषु त्वयेषीका प्रवेशिता । कर्मणस्तस्य ते प्राप्तं फलमेतत्तपोधन ॥BORI: १-१०१-२४॥
You stuck blades of grass into the tails of small insects; this is the consequence you have incurred for that deed, O ascetic. (BORI: 1-101-24)
[PV-PAN:01_015_27] (Bharata)
अणीमाण्डव्य उवाच॥
Aṇīmāṇḍavya said:
[PV-PAN:01_015_28] (Bharata)
अल्पेऽपराधे विपुलो मम दण्डस्त्वया कृतः । शूद्रयोनावतो धर्म मानुषः सम्भविष्यसि ॥BORI: १-१०१-२५॥
For a slight offense, you inflicted a severe punishment upon me. Therefore, Dharma, you will be born as a human in a Shudra womb. (BORI: 1-101-25)
[PV-PAN:01_015_29] (Bharata)
मर्यादां स्थापयाम्यद्य लोके धर्मफलोदयाम् । आ चतुर्दशमाद्वर्षान्न भविष्यति पातकम् । परेण कुर्वतामेवं दोष एव भविष्यति ॥BORI: १-१०१-२६॥
Today I establish a rule in the world that will determine the arising of the fruits of dharma: until the age of fourteen, an act will not be sinful; thereafter, those who act in this way will indeed incur guilt. (BORI: 1-101-26)
[PV-PAN:01_015_30] (Bharata)
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-PAN:01_015_31] (Bharata)
एतेन त्वपराधेन शापात्तस्य महात्मनः । धर्मो विदुररूपेण शूद्रयोनावजायत ॥BORI: १-१०१-२७॥
Because of this transgression and the curse of that great-souled man, Dharma was born in a Shudra womb in the form of Vidura. (BORI: 1-101-27)
[PV-PAN:01_015_32] (Bharata)
धर्मे चार्थे च कुशलो लोभक्रोधविवर्जितः । दीर्घदर्शी शमपरः कुरूणां च हिते रतः ॥BORI: १-१०१-२८॥
Skilled in matters of dharma and statecraft, free from greed and anger, farsighted, devoted to tranquility, and intent on the welfare of the Kurus. (BORI: 1-101-28)
[PV-PAN:01_015_33] (Bharata)
धृतराष्ट्रश्च पाण्डुश्च विदुरश्च महामतिः । जन्मप्रभृति भीष्मेण पुत्रवत्परिपालिताः ॥BORI: १-१०२-१५॥
From birth, Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and the wise Vidura were cared for by Bhishma as though they were his own sons. (BORI: 1-102-15)
[PV-KDV:01_015_58] (Bharata)
संस्कारैः संस्कृतास्ते तु व्रताध्ययनसंयुताः । श्रमव्यायामकुशलाः समपद्यन्त यौवनम् ॥BORI: १-१०२-१६॥
Having undergone the prescribed rites, they devoted themselves to vows and study, became skilled in strenuous physical exercise, and reached manhood. (BORI: 1-102-16)
[PV-KDV:01_015_59] (Bharata)
धनुर्वेदेऽश्वपृष्ठे च गदायुद्धेऽसिचर्मणि । तथैव गजशिक्षायां नीतिशास्त्रे च पारगाः ॥BORI: १-१०२-१७॥
They became proficient in archery, horsemanship, fighting with the mace, sword and shield, as well as in elephant training and the science of polity. (BORI: 1-102-17)
[PV-KDV:01_015_60] (Bharata)
इतिहासपुराणेषु नानाशिक्षासु चाभिभो । वेदवेदाङ्गतत्त्वज्ञाः सर्वत्र कृतनिश्रमाः ॥BORI: १-१०२-१८॥
versed also in histories, Purāṇas, and various branches of learning, O lord; knowing the principles of the Vedas and Vedāṅgas, and thoroughly trained in every field. (BORI: 1-102-18)
[PV-KDV:01_015_61] (Bharata)
पाण्डुर्धनुषि विक्रान्तो नरेभ्योऽभ्यधिकोऽभवत् । अत्यन्यान्बलवानासीद्धृतराष्ट्रो महीपतिः ॥BORI: १-१०२-१९॥
Pandu was valiant with the bow and became superior to other men, while King Dhritarashtra was stronger than all others. (BORI: 1-102-19)
[PV-KDV:01_015_62] (Bharata)
त्रिषु लोकेषु न त्वासीत्कश्चिद्विदुरसंमितः । धर्मनित्यस्ततो राजन्धर्मे च परमं गतः ॥BORI: १-१०२-२०॥
In the three worlds, however, there was no one equal to Vidura. O king, he was ever devoted to dharma and had attained its highest degree. (BORI: 1-102-20)
[PV-KDV:01_015_63] (Bharata)
धृतराष्ट्रस्त्वचक्षुष्ट्वाद्राज्यं न प्रत्यपद्यत । करणत्वाच्च विदुरः पाण्डुरासीन्महीपतिः ॥BORI: १-१०२-२३॥
Dhritarashtra did not inherit the kingdom because he was blind, nor did Vidura because of his birth; Pandu became king. (BORI: 1-102-23)
[PV-KDV:01_015_66] (Bharata)
कदाचिदथ गाङ्गेयः सर्वनीतिमतां वरः । विदुरं धर्मतत्त्वज्ञं वाक्यमाह यथोचितम् ॥KUMB: १-११८-३३; NILA: ०१.१०९.०२६॥
Then one day, Gāṅgeya, foremost of all those versed in statecraft, duly addressed these words to Vidura, who knew the essence of dharma. (KUMB: 1-118-33; NILA: 01.109.026)
[PV-KDV:01_015_76] (Bharata)
भीष्म उवाच॥
Bhishma said:
[PV-KDV:01_015_77] (Bharata)
गुणैः समुदितं सम्यगिदं नः प्रथितं कुलम् । अत्यन्यान्पृथिवीपालान्पृथिव्यामधिराज्यभाक् ॥BORI: १-१०३-१॥
This celebrated dynasty of ours, fully endowed with virtues, surpassing the other kings and holding sovereignty over the earth... (BORI: 1-103-1)
[PV-KDV:01_015_78] (Bharata)
रक्षितं राजभिः पूर्वैर्धर्मविद्भिर्महात्मभिः । नोत्सादमगमच्चेदं कदाचिदिह नः कुलम् ॥BORI: १-१०३-२॥
Protected by the great-souled kings of old, who knew dharma, this lineage of ours never came to ruin here. (BORI: 1-103-2)
[PV-KDV:01_015_79] (Bharata)
मया च सत्यवत्या च कृष्णेन च महात्मना । समवस्थापितं भूयो युष्मासु कुलतन्तुषु ॥BORI: १-१०३-३॥
Through me, Satyavati, and the great-souled Krishna, it was once again firmly established in you, the continuers of the line. (BORI: 1-103-3)
[PV-KDV:01_015_80] (Bharata)
वर्धते तदिदं पुत्र कुलं सागरवद्यथा । तथा मया विधातव्यं त्वया चैव विशेषतः ॥BORI: १-१०३-४॥
This very lineage is growing like the ocean, my son. Accordingly, I must make provision for it—and you especially must do so. (BORI: 1-103-4)
[PV-KDV:01_015_81] (Bharata)
श्रूयते यादवी कन्या अनुरूपा कुलस्य नः । सुबलस्यात्मजा चैव तथा मद्रेश्वरस्य च ॥BORI: १-१०३-५॥
We hear that a Yadava maiden is a fitting match for our family, as are the daughters of Subala and the lord of Madra. (BORI: 1-103-5)
[PV-KDV:01_015_82] (Bharata)
कुलीना रूपवत्यश्च नाथवत्यश्च सर्वशः । उचिताश्चैव सम्बन्धे तेऽस्माकं क्षत्रियर्षभाः ॥BORI: १-१०३-६॥
They are high-born, beautiful, and have protectors on every side; and those foremost Kshatriyas are indeed suitable for an alliance with us. (BORI: 1-103-6)
[PV-KDV:01_015_83] (Bharata)
मन्ये वरयितव्यास्ता इत्यहं धीमतां वर । सन्तानार्थं कुलस्यास्य यद्वा विदुर मन्यसे ॥BORI: १-१०३-७॥
I think they should be sought in marriage for the continuation of our lineage, O wisest of the wise—or do as you think best, Vidura. (BORI: 1-103-7)
[PV-KDV:01_015_84] (Bharata)
विदुर उवाच॥
Vidura said:
[PV-KDV:01_015_85] (Bharata)
भवान्पिता भवान्माता भवान्नः परमो गुरुः । तस्मात्स्वयं कुलस्यास्य विचार्य कुरु यद्धितम् ॥BORI: १-१०३-८॥
You are our father, you are our mother, and you are our supreme teacher. Consider for yourself what is best for this family and do it. (BORI: 1-103-8)
[PV-KDV:01_015_86] (Bharata)
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_015_87] (Bharata)
अथ शुश्राव विप्रेभ्यो गान्धारीं सुबलात्मजाम् ॥BORI: १-१०३-९A॥
Then he heard from Brahmins about the Gandhari, daughter of Subala. (BORI: 1-103-9A)
[PV-KDV:01_015_88] (Bharata)
इति श्रुत्वा च तत्त्वेन भीष्मः कुरुपितामहः । ततो गान्धारराजस्य प्रेषयामास भारत ॥BORI: १-१०३-१०॥
Having learned the truth of this, Bhishma, grandfather of the Kurus, then sent to the king of Gandhara, O Bharata… (BORI: 1-103-10)
[PV-KDV:01_015_90] (Bharata)
अचक्षुरिति तत्रासीत्सुबलस्य विचारणा । कुलं ख्यातिं च वृत्तं च बुद्ध्या तु प्रसमीक्ष्य सः । ददौ तां धृतराष्ट्राय गान्धारीं धर्मचारिणीम् ॥BORI: १-१०३-११॥
Subala hesitated because Dhritarashtra was blind; but after carefully considering the family, its renown, and its conduct, he gave him his virtuous daughter Gandhari. (BORI: 1-103-11)
[PV-KDV:01_015_91] (Bharata)
गान्धारी त्वपि शुश्राव धृतराष्ट्रमचक्षुषम् । आत्मानं दित्सितं चास्मै पित्रा मात्रा च भारत ॥BORI: १-१०३-१२॥
Gandhari, for her part, learned that Dhritarashtra was blind and that her father and mother wished to give her to him in marriage, O Bharata. (BORI: 1-103-12)
[PV-KDV:01_015_92] (Bharata)
ततः सा पट्टमादाय कृत्वा बहुगुणं शुभा । बबन्ध नेत्रे स्वे राजन्पतिव्रतपरायणा । नात्यश्नीयां पतिमहमित्येवं कृतनिश्चया ॥BORI: १-१०३-१३॥
Then the noble woman took a strip of cloth, folded it into many layers, and bound it over her own eyes, O king. Wholly devoted to her husband, she had resolved, “I will not surpass my husband.” (BORI: 1-103-13)
[PV-KDV:01_015_93] (Bharata)
ततो गान्धारराजस्य पुत्रः शकुनिरभ्ययात् । स्वसारं परया लक्ष्म्या युक्तामादाय कौरवान् ॥BORI: १-१०३-१४॥
Then Śakuni, son of the king of Gandhāra, came to the Kauravas, bringing his sister, who was endowed with surpassing beauty. (BORI: 1-103-14)
[PV-KDV:01_015_94] (Bharata)
दत्त्वा स भगिनीं वीरो यथार्हं च परिच्छदम् । पुनरायात्स्वनगरं भीष्मेण प्रतिपूजितः ॥BORI: १-१०३-१५॥
After giving his sister in marriage and bestowing a fitting dowry, the valiant man returned to his own city, duly honored by Bhishma. (BORI: 1-103-15)
[PV-KDV:01_015_95] (Bharata)
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-PAN:01_015_105] (Bharata)
शूरो नाम यदुश्रेष्ठो वसुदेवपिताभवत् । तस्य कन्या पृथा नाम रूपेणासदृशी भुवि ॥BORI: १-१०४-१॥
There was a foremost Yadava named Shura, the father of Vasudeva. He had a daughter named Pritha, unrivaled in beauty on earth. (BORI: 1-104-1)
[PV-PAN:01_015_106] (Bharata)
पैतृष्वसेयाय स तामनपत्याय वीर्यवान् । अग्र्यमग्रे प्रतिज्ञाय स्वस्यापत्यस्य वीर्यवान् ॥BORI: १-१०४-२॥
That valiant and vigorous man, having previously promised his childless cousin the first of his own children… (BORI: 1-104-2)
[PV-PAN:01_015_107] (Bharata)
अग्रजातेति तां कन्यामग्र्यानुग्रहकाङ्क्षिणे । प्रददौ कुन्तिभोजाय सखा सख्ये महात्मने ॥BORI: १-१०४-३॥
Saying, “She is the firstborn,” he gave that girl to Kuntibhoja, who desired this exceptional favor—the great-souled friend giving her to his friend. (BORI: 1-104-3)
[PV-PAN:01_015_108] (Bharata)
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_015_162] (Bharata)
रूपसत्त्वगुणोपेता धर्मारामा महाव्रता । दुहिता कुन्तिभोजस्य कृते पित्रा स्वयंवरे ॥BORI: १-१०५-१॥
Endowed with beauty, courage, and virtue, devoted to dharma and firm in her great vows, Kuntibhoja’s daughter, at the svayamvara arranged by her father… (BORI: 1-105-1)
[PV-KDV:01_015_163] (Bharata)
तां तु तेजस्विनीं कन्यां रूपयौवनशालिनीम् । व्यावृण्वन्पार्थिवाः केचिदतीव स्त्रीगुणैर्युताम् ॥KUMB: १-१२१-२; NILA: ०१.११२.००२॥
Some kings sought the hand of that radiant maiden, who possessed beauty and youth and was exceptionally endowed with womanly virtues. (KUMB: 1-121-2; NILA: 01.112.002)
[PV-KDV:01_015_164] (Bharata)
ततः सा कुन्तिभोजेन राज्ञाहूय नराधिपान् । पित्रा स्वयंवरे दत्ता दुहिता राजसत्तम ॥KUMB: १-१२१-३; NILA: ०१.११२.००३॥
Then her father, King Kuntibhoja, summoned the rulers and presented his daughter at a svayamvara, O best of kings. (KUMB: 1-121-3; NILA: 01.112.003)
[PV-KDV:01_015_165] (Bharata)
ततः सा रङ्गमध्यस्थं तेषां राज्ञां मनस्विनी । ददर्श राजशार्दूलं पाण्डुं भरतसत्तमम् ॥KUMB: १-१२१-४; NILA: ०१.११२.००४॥
Then the high-spirited woman saw, standing in the midst of the arena among those kings, Pandu, tiger among kings and foremost of the Bharatas... (KUMB: 1-121-4; NILA: 01.112.004)
[PV-KDV:01_015_166] (Bharata)
तिष्ठन्तं राजसमितौ पुरन्दरमिवापरम् । तं दृष्ट्वा साऽनवद्याङ्गी कुन्तिभोजसुता शुभा ॥KUMB: १-१२१-६; NILA: ०१.११२.००६॥
standing in the royal assembly like another Purandara. Seeing him, the lovely, flawless-limbed daughter of Kuntibhoja… (KUMB: 1-121-6; NILA: 01.112.006)
[PV-KDV:01_015_167] (Bharata)
पाण्डुं नरवरं रङ्गे हृदयेनाकुलाऽभवत् । ततः कामपरीताङ्गी सकृत्प्रचलमानसा ॥KUMB: १-१२१-७; NILA: ०१.११२.००७॥
Her heart was agitated by Pandu, the finest of men, standing in the arena. Then, her body overcome by desire and her mind suddenly stirred… (KUMB: 1-121-7; NILA: 01.112.007)
[PV-KDV:01_015_168] (Bharata)
व्रीडमान स्रजं कुन्ती राज्ञः स्कन्धे समासजत् । तं निशम्य वृतं पाण्डुं कुन्त्या सर्वे नराधिपाः ॥KUMB: १-१२१-८; NILA: ०१.११२.००८॥
Bashfully, Kunti placed the garland upon the king’s shoulders. When all the rulers learned that Kunti had chosen Pandu… (KUMB: 1-121-8; NILA: 01.112.008)
[PV-KDV:01_015_170] (Bharata)
यथागतं समाजग्मुर्गजैरश्वै रथैस्तथा । ततस्तस्याः पिता राजन्विवाहमकरोत्प्रभुः ॥KUMB: १-१२१-९; NILA: ०१.११२.००९॥
They returned the way they had come, with elephants, horses, and chariots. Then, O king, her father, the lord, celebrated her marriage… (KUMB: 1-121-9; NILA: 01.112.009)
[PV-KDV:01_015_171] (Bharata)
कुन्त्याः पाण्डोश्च राजेन्द्र कुन्तिभोजो महीपतिः । कृत्वोद्वाहं तदा तं तु नानावसुभिरर्चितम् । स्वपुरं प्रेषयामास स राजा कुरुसत्तम ॥KUMB: १-१२१-११; NILA: ०१.११२.०११॥
O king of kings, King Kuntibhoja then celebrated the wedding of Kunti and Pandu and, after honoring Pandu with various treasures, sent him to his own city, O best of the Kurus. (KUMB: 1-121-11; NILA: 01.112.011)
[PV-KDV:01_015_172] (Bharata)
स तया कुन्तिभोजस्य दुहित्रा कुरुनन्दनः । युयुजेऽमितसौभाग्यः पौलोम्या मघवानिव ॥BORI: १-१०५-३॥
That fortunate descendant of Kuru was united with her, the daughter of Kuntibhoja, as Maghavan was with Paulomi. (BORI: 1-105-3)
[PV-KDV:01_015_173] (Bharata)
ततो बलेन महता नानाध्वजपताकिना । स्तूयमानः स चाशीर्भिर्ब्राह्मणैश्च महर्षिभिः ॥KUMB: १-१२१-१२; NILA: ०१.११२.०१२॥
Then, accompanied by a great host with many standards and banners, and praised with blessings by Brahmins and great seers… (KUMB: 1-121-12; NILA: 01.112.012)
[PV-KDV:01_015_174] (Bharata)
संप्राप्य नगरं राजा पाण्डुः कौरवनन्दनः । न्यवेशत तां भार्यां कुन्तीं स्वभवने प्रभुः ॥KUMB: १-१२१-१३; NILA: ०१.११२.०१३॥
Upon reaching the city, King Pandu, delight of the Kauravas, installed his wife Kunti in his own palace. (KUMB: 1-121-13; NILA: 01.112.013)
[PV-KDV:01_015_175] (Bharata)
ततः शान्तनवो भीष्मो राज्ञः पाण्डोर्यशस्विनः । विवाहस्यापरस्यार्थे चकार मतिमान्मतिम् ॥KUMB: १-१२२-१; NILA: ०१.११३.००१॥
Then the wise Bhishma, son of Shantanu, resolved to arrange another marriage for the illustrious King Pandu. (KUMB: 1-122-1; NILA: 01.113.001)
[PV-KDV:01_015_176] (Bharata)
यात्वा देवव्रतेनापि मद्राणां पुटभेदनम् । विश्रुता त्रिषु लोकेषु माद्री मद्रपतेः सुता ॥BORI: १-१०५-४॥
After Devavrata had also gone to the capital of the Madras, Madri, the daughter of the king of Madras and renowned throughout the three worlds... (BORI: 1-105-4)
[PV-KDV:01_015_177] (Bharata)
सर्वराजसु विख्याता रूपेणासदृशी भुवि ॥BORI: १-१०५-५A॥
She was renowned among all kings and unrivalled in beauty on earth. (BORI: 1-105-5A)
[PV-KDV:01_015_178] (Bharata)
सोऽमात्यैः स्थविरैः सार्धं ब्राह्मणैश्च महर्षिभिः । बलेन चतुरङ्गेण ययौ मद्रपतेः पुरम् ॥KUMB: १-१२२-२; NILA: ०१.११३.००२॥
Accompanied by elder ministers, Brahmins, great seers, and a fourfold army, he went to the king of Madra’s city. (KUMB: 1-122-2; NILA: 01.113.002)
[PV-KDV:01_015_179] (Bharata)
तमागतमभिश्रुत्य भीष्मं वाहीकपुङ्गवः । प्रत्युद्गम्यार्चयित्वा च पुरं प्रावेशयन्नृपः ॥KUMB: १-१२२-३; NILA: ०१.११३.००३॥
Hearing that Bhishma had arrived, the foremost of the Vahikas, the king, went out to meet him, honored him, and escorted him into the city. (KUMB: 1-122-3; NILA: 01.113.003)
[PV-KDV:01_015_180] (Bharata)
दत्त्वा तस्यासनं शुभ्रं पाद्यमर्घ्यं तथैव च । मधुपर्कं च मद्रेशः पप्रच्छागमनेऽर्थिताम् ॥KUMB: १-१२२-४; NILA: ०१.११३.००४॥
After offering him a splendid seat, water for washing his feet, the customary welcome, and the honeyed drink, the king of Madra asked the purpose of his visit. (KUMB: 1-122-4; NILA: 01.113.004)
[PV-KDV:01_015_181] (Bharata)
तं भीष्मः प्रत्युवाचेदं मद्रराजं कुरूद्वहः । आगतं मां विजानीहि कन्यार्थिनमरिन्दम ॥KUMB: १-१२२-५; NILA: ०१.११३.००५॥
Bhishma, scion of Kuru, replied to the king of Madra: “Know that I have come to seek a maiden in marriage, O subduer of foes.” (KUMB: 1-122-5; NILA: 01.113.005)
[PV-KDV:01_015_182] (Bharata)
श्रूयते भवतः साध्वी स्वसा माद्री यशस्विनी । तामहं वरयिष्यामि पाण्डोरर्थे यशस्विनीम् ॥KUMB: १-१२२-६; NILA: ०१.११३.००६॥
I hear that your sister Madri is virtuous and renowned. I wish to seek her, illustrious as she is, in marriage for Pandu. (KUMB: 1-122-6; NILA: 01.113.006)
[PV-KDV:01_015_183] (Bharata)
युक्तरूपो हि संबन्धे त्वं नो राजन्वयं तव । एतत्संचिन्त्य मद्रेश गृहाणास्मान्यथाविधि ॥KUMB: १-१२२-७; NILA: ०१.११३.००७॥
For such an alliance, you are a fitting match for us, O king, and we for you. Bearing this in mind, lord of Madra, receive us in due form. (KUMB: 1-122-7; NILA: 01.113.007)
[PV-KDV:01_015_184] (Bharata)
तमेवंवादिनं भीष्मं प्रत्यभाषत मद्रपः । न हि मेऽन्यो वरस्त्वत्तः श्रेयानिति मतिर्मम ॥KUMB: १-१२२-८; NILA: ०१.११३.००८॥
The king of Madra replied to Bhishma, who had spoken thus: “I believe there is no better suitor for me than you.” (KUMB: 1-122-8; NILA: 01.113.008)
[PV-KDV:01_015_185] (Bharata)
पूर्वैः प्रवर्तितं किंचित्कुलेऽस्मिन्नृपसत्तमैः । साधु वा यदि वाऽसाधु तन्नातिक्रान्तुमुत्सहे ॥KUMB: १-१२२-९; NILA: ०१.११३.००९॥
There is a certain custom in this family, established by the foremost kings of old. Whether it is good or bad, I dare not transgress it. (KUMB: 1-122-9; NILA: 01.113.009)
[PV-KDV:01_015_186] (Bharata)
व्यक्तं तद्भवतश्चापि विदितं नात्र संशयः । न च युक्तं तथा वक्तुं भवान्देहीति सत्तम ॥KUMB: १-१२२-१०; NILA: ०१.११३.०१०॥
Clearly, you too know that; there is no doubt about it. Nor, O best of men, is it proper to say to you, “Please give it.” (KUMB: 1-122-10; NILA: 01.113.010)
[PV-KDV:01_015_187] (Bharata)
कुलधर्मः स नो वीर प्रमाणं परमं च तत् । तेन त्वां न ब्रवीम्येतदसंदिग्धं वचोऽरिहन् ॥KUMB: १-१२२-११; NILA: ०१.११३.०११॥
That is our family custom, hero, and it is our highest authority. Therefore, foe-slayer, I do not state this to you explicitly. (KUMB: 1-122-11; NILA: 01.113.011)
[PV-KDV:01_015_188] (Bharata)
तं भीष्मः प्रत्युवाचेदं मद्रराजं जनाधिपः । धर्म एष परो राजन्स्वयमुक्तः स्वयंभुवा ॥KUMB: १-१२२-१२; NILA: ०१.११३.०१२॥
Bhishma, lord of the people, replied to the king of Madra: “This is the highest law, O king, proclaimed by the Self-existent One himself.” (KUMB: 1-122-12; NILA: 01.113.012)
[PV-KDV:01_015_189] (Bharata)
नात्र कश्चन दोषोऽस्ति पूर्वैर्विधिरयं कृतः । विदितेयं च ते शल्य मर्यादा साधुसंमता ॥KUMB: १-१२२-१३; NILA: ०१.११३.०१३॥
There is no fault in this; this practice was established by the ancients. And you know, Shalya, that this custom is approved by the virtuous. (KUMB: 1-122-13; NILA: 01.113.013)
[PV-KDV:01_015_190] (Bharata)
पाण्डोरर्थे परिक्रीता धनेन महता तदा । विवाहं कारयामास भीष्मः पाण्डोर्महात्मनः ॥BORI: १-१०५-५B॥
Bhishma then purchased her for Pandu with great wealth and arranged her marriage to the noble Pandu. (BORI: 1-105-5B)
[PV-KDV:01_015_191] (Bharata)
स ताभ्यां व्यचरत्सार्धं भार्याभ्यां राजसत्तमः । कुन्त्या माद्र्या च राजेन्द्रो यथाकामं यथासुखम् ॥KUMB: १-१२२-२०; NILA: ०१.११३.०२०॥
That foremost of kings, the lord of kings, lived with his two wives, Kunti and Madri, as he pleased and in happiness. (KUMB: 1-122-20; NILA: 01.113.020)
[PV-KDV:01_015_192] (Bharata)