Chapter 12: Pāṇḍu seeks heirs; Kuntī bears Yudhiṣṭhira, Bhīma and Arjuna, while Mādrī bears Nakula and Sahadeva by invoking deities.
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_018_1] (Bharata)
tatrāpi tapasi śrēṣṭhē vartamānaḥ sa vīryavān । siddhacāraṇasaṅghānāṁ babhūva priyadarśanaḥ ॥BORI: 1-111-1॥
There too, while engaged in the highest austerity, that mighty man became a welcome sight to the hosts of Siddhas and Charanas. (BORI: 1-111-1)
[PV-KDV:01_018_2] (Bharata)
śuśrūṣuranahaṁvādī saṁyatātmā jitēndriyaḥ । svargaṁ gantuṁ parākrāntaḥ svēna vīryēṇa bhārata ॥BORI: 1-111-2॥
Eager to serve, free from arrogance, self-controlled, and master of his senses, he strove to reach heaven by his own prowess, O descendant of Bharata. (BORI: 1-111-2)
[PV-KDV:01_018_3] (Bharata)
kēṣāñcidabhavadbhrātā kēṣāñcidabhavatsakhā । r̥ṣayastvaparē cainaṁ putravatparyapālayan ॥BORI: 1-111-3॥
To some he became a brother, to others a friend, while still other sages cared for him as a son. (BORI: 1-111-3)
[PV-KDV:01_018_4] (Bharata)
sa tu kālēna mahatā prāpya niṣkalmaṣaṁ tapaḥ । brahmarṣisadr̥śaḥ pāṇḍurbabhūva bharatarṣabha ॥BORI: 1-111-4॥
In the course of a long time, Pandu attained stainless ascetic perfection and became like a Brahmarshi, O bull of the Bharatas. (BORI: 1-111-4)
[PV-KDV:01_018_5] (Bharata)
svargapāraṁ titīrṣansa śataśr̥ṅgādudaṅmukhaḥ । pratasthē saha patnībhyāmabruvaṁstatra tāpasāḥ । uparyupari gacchantaḥ śailarājamudaṅmukhāḥ ॥BORI: 1-111-5॥
Wishing to reach the farther shore of heaven, he set out northward from Shatashringa with his two wives. There the ascetics said, “As we traveled ever higher over the king of mountains, heading north…” (BORI: 1-111-5)
[PV-KDV:01_018_6] (Bharata)
dr̥ṣṭavantō girērasya durgāndēśānbahūnvayam । ākrīḍabhūtāndēvānāṁ gandharvāpsarasāṁ tathā ॥BORI: 1-111-6॥
We have seen many inaccessible regions of this mountain, which serve as playgrounds for the gods, Gandharvas, and Apsarases... (BORI: 1-111-6)
[PV-KDV:01_018_7] (Bharata)
udyānāni kubērasya samāni viṣamāṇi ca । mahānadīnitambāṁśca durgāṁśca girigahvarān ॥BORI: 1-111-7॥
Kubera’s gardens, both level and rugged, the banks of great rivers, and inaccessible mountain caverns. (BORI: 1-111-7)
[PV-KDV:01_018_8] (Bharata)
santi nityahimā dēśā nirvr̥kṣamr̥gapakṣiṇaḥ । santi kēcinmahāvarṣā durgāḥ kēciddurāsadāḥ ॥BORI: 1-111-8॥
There are regions perpetually covered in snow, devoid of trees, animals, and birds. Some receive heavy rainfall; some are impassable, and others difficult to approach. (BORI: 1-111-8)
[PV-KDV:01_018_9] (Bharata)
atikrāmēnna pakṣī yānkuta ēvētarē mr̥gāḥ । vāyurēkō’tigādyatra siddhāśca paramarṣayaḥ ॥BORI: 1-111-9॥
No bird could cross them, much less any other animal; only the wind, the Siddhas, and the great seers can pass through them. (BORI: 1-111-9)
[PV-KDV:01_018_10] (Bharata)
gacchantyau śailarājē’sminrājaputryau kathaṁ tvimē । na sīdētāmaduḥkhārhē mā gamō bharatarṣabha ॥BORI: 1-111-10॥
But how could these two princesses, who do not deserve hardship, travel on this king of mountains without becoming exhausted? Do not go, bull of the Bharatas. (BORI: 1-111-10)
[PV-KDV:01_018_11] (Bharata)
pāṇḍuruvāca॥
Pāṇḍu said:
[PV-KDV:01_018_12] (Bharata)
aprajasya mahābhāgā na dvāraṁ paricakṣatē । svargē tēnābhitaptō’hamaprajastadbravīmi vaḥ ॥BORI: 1-111-11॥
O blessed ones, they say that there is no gateway to heaven for a childless man. Being childless, I am tormented by this, and so I tell you of it. (BORI: 1-111-11)
[PV-KDV:01_018_13] (Bharata)
r̥ṇaiścaturbhiḥ saṁyuktā jāyantē manujā bhuvi । pitr̥dēvarṣimanujadēyaiḥ śatasahasraśaḥ ॥BORI: 1-111-12॥
Humans are born on earth in their hundreds and thousands, bound by four debts owed to the ancestors, the gods, the seers, and their fellow human beings. (BORI: 1-111-12)
[PV-KDV:01_018_14] (Bharata)
ētāni tu yathākālaṁ yō na budhyati mānavaḥ । na tasya lōkāḥ santīti dharmavidbhiḥ pratiṣṭhitam ॥BORI: 1-111-13॥
The experts in dharma have established that a person who fails to recognize these obligations at the proper times has no worlds awaiting him. (BORI: 1-111-13)
[PV-KDV:01_018_15] (Bharata)
yajñaiśca dēvānprīṇāti svādhyāyatapasā munīn । putraiḥ śrāddhaiḥ pitr̥ṁścāpi ānr̥śaṁsyēna mānavān ॥BORI: 1-111-14॥
Through sacrifices he pleases the gods; through sacred study and austerity, the sages; through sons and ancestral rites, the ancestors; and through compassion, human beings. (BORI: 1-111-14)
[PV-KDV:01_018_16] (Bharata)
r̥ṣidēvamanuṣyāṇāṁ parimuktō’smi dharmataḥ । pitryādr̥ṇādanirmuktastēna tapyē tapōdhanāḥ ॥BORI: 1-111-15॥
I have been duly freed from my debts to sages, gods, and human beings, but I am not free from my debt to the ancestors. That is why I grieve, O ascetics rich in austerity. (BORI: 1-111-15)
[PV-KDV:01_018_17] (Bharata)
tāpasā ūcuḥ॥
The ascetics said:
[PV-KDV:01_018_20] (Bharata)
asti vai tava dharmātmanvidma dēvōpamaṁ śubham । apatyamanaghaṁ rājanvayaṁ divyēna cakṣuṣā ॥BORI: 1-111-18॥
O righteous king, we know through divine sight that you will indeed have a blessed, godlike, and blameless child. (BORI: 1-111-18)
[PV-KDV:01_018_21] (Bharata)
daivadiṣṭaṁ naravyāghra karmaṇēhōpapādaya । akliṣṭaṁ phalamavyagrō vindatē buddhimānnaraḥ ॥BORI: 1-111-19॥
Bring about through action what fate has ordained here, O tiger among men. An intelligent man, remaining calm, obtains the fruit without hardship. (BORI: 1-111-19)
[PV-KDV:01_018_22] (Bharata)
tasmindr̥ṣṭē phalē tāta prayatnaṁ kartumarhasi । apatyaṁ guṇasampannaṁ labdhvā prītimavāpsyasi ॥BORI: 1-111-20॥
With that result in view, dear one, you should make the effort. Having obtained a virtuous child, you will find joy. (BORI: 1-111-20)
[PV-KDV:01_018_23] (Bharata)
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_018_24] (Bharata)
tacchrutvā tāpasavacaḥ pāṇḍuścintāparō’bhavat । ātmanō mr̥gaśāpēna jānannupahatāṁ kriyām ॥BORI: 1-111-21॥
Hearing those words of the ascetics, Pandu became deeply troubled, knowing that the deer's curse had thwarted his ability to beget children. (BORI: 1-111-21)
[PV-KDV:01_018_25] (Bharata)
sō’bravīdvijanē kuntīṁ dharmapatnīṁ yaśasvinīm । apatyōtpādanē yōgamāpadi prasamarthayan ॥BORI: 1-111-22॥
In private, he spoke to Kunti, his illustrious lawful wife, justifying a means of obtaining offspring in a time of distress: (BORI: 1-111-22)
[PV-KDV:01_018_26] (Bharata)
apatyaṁ nāma lōkēṣu pratiṣṭhā dharmasaṁhitā । iti kunti vidurdhīrāḥ śāśvataṁ dharmamāditaḥ ॥BORI: 1-111-23॥
“Offspring is one’s foundation in the worlds, ordained by dharma.” The wise, Kunti, know this as the eternal law from the beginning. (BORI: 1-111-23)
[PV-KDV:01_018_27] (Bharata)
iṣṭaṁ dattaṁ tapastaptaṁ niyamaśca svanuṣṭhitaḥ । sarvamēvānapatyasya na pāvanamihōcyatē ॥BORI: 1-111-24॥
For one who has no offspring, sacrifices performed, gifts given, austerities practiced, and vows properly observed—all this is said to have no purifying power in this world. (BORI: 1-111-24)
[PV-KDV:01_018_28] (Bharata)
sō’hamēvaṁ viditvaitatprapaśyāmi śucismitē । anapatyaḥ śubhām̐llōkānnāvāpsyāmīti cintayan ॥BORI: 1-111-25॥
Knowing this, O you of pure smile, I foresee, as I reflect, that without offspring I shall not attain the blessed worlds. (BORI: 1-111-25)
[PV-KDV:01_018_29] (Bharata)
mr̥gābhiśāpānnaṣṭaṁ mē prajanaṁ hyakr̥tātmanaḥ । nr̥śaṁsakāriṇō bhīru yathaivōpahataṁ tathā ॥BORI: 1-111-26॥
Because of the deer's curse, my power of procreation has indeed been lost, O timid one, for I lacked self-control and acted cruelly; it has been struck down just as described. (BORI: 1-111-26)
[PV-KDV:01_018_30] (Bharata)
imē vai bandhudāyādāḥ ṣaṭputrā dharmadarśanē । ṣaḍēvābandhudāyādāḥ putrāstāñśr̥ṇu mē pr̥thē ॥BORI: 1-111-27॥
According to dharma, there are six kinds of sons who are both kinsmen and heirs, and six who are heirs but not kinsmen. Hear about them from me, Pritha. (BORI: 1-111-27)
[PV-KDV:01_018_31] (Bharata)
svayañjātaḥ praṇītaśca parikrītaśca yaḥ sutaḥ । paunarbhavaśca kānīnaḥ svairiṇyāṁ yaśca jāyatē ॥BORI: 1-111-28॥
The son begotten by oneself, one begotten by an appointed man, one begotten by a man hired for the purpose, the son of a remarried woman, the son of an unmarried girl, and one born to a promiscuous woman. (BORI: 1-111-28)
[PV-KDV:01_018_32] (Bharata)
dattaḥ krītaḥ kr̥trimaśca upagacchētsvayaṁ ca yaḥ । sahōḍhō jātarētāśca hīnayōnidhr̥taśca yaḥ ॥BORI: 1-111-29॥
one given as a son, one purchased, one made a son, one who comes of his own accord, one born to a bride who was already pregnant, one who has reached sexual maturity, and one borne by a woman of lower caste... (BORI: 1-111-29)
[PV-KDV:01_018_33] (Bharata)
pūrvapūrvatamābhāvē matvā lipsēta vai sutam । uttamādavarāḥ puṁsaḥ kāṅkṣantē putramāpadi ॥BORI: 1-111-30॥
In the absence of each preceding kind, one should consider the matter and seek to obtain a son; men inferior to the best seek a son in times of adversity. (BORI: 1-111-30)
[PV-KDV:01_018_34] (Bharata)
apatyaṁ dharmaphaladaṁ śrēṣṭhaṁ vindanti sādhavaḥ । ātmaśukrādapi pr̥thē manuḥ svāyambhuvō’bravīt ॥BORI: 1-111-31॥
The virtuous obtain offspring that yields the fruit of righteousness and is superior even to offspring from their own seed. So Manu Svayambhuva said, O Pritha. (BORI: 1-111-31)
[PV-KDV:01_018_35] (Bharata)
tasmātprahēṣyāmyadya tvāṁ hīnaḥ prajananātsvayam । sadr̥śācchrēyasō vā tvaṁ viddhyapatyaṁ yaśasvini ॥BORI: 1-111-32॥
Therefore, being unable to procreate myself, I shall now send you to a man equal or superior to me. Obtain a child from him, illustrious woman. (BORI: 1-111-32)
[PV-KDV:01_018_36] (Bharata)
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_018_53] (Bharata)
ēvamuktā mahārāja kuntī pāṇḍumabhāṣata । kurūṇāmr̥ṣabhaṁ vīraṁ tadā bhūmipatiṁ patim ॥BORI: 1-112-1॥
Thus addressed, O great king, Kunti then spoke to Pandu—her husband, the heroic lord of the earth and bull of the Kurus: (BORI: 1-112-1)
[PV-KDV:01_018_54] (Bharata)
na māmarhasi dharmajña vaktumēvaṁ kathañcana । dharmapatnīmabhiratāṁ tvayi rājīvalōcana ॥BORI: 1-112-2॥
O knower of dharma, you should never speak thus to me, your lawful wife, devoted to you, lotus-eyed king. (BORI: 1-112-2)
[PV-KDV:01_018_55] (Bharata)
tvamēva tu mahābāhō mayyapatyāni bhārata । vīra vīryōpapannāni dharmatō janayiṣyasi ॥BORI: 1-112-3॥
But you yourself, mighty-armed Bharata, shall lawfully beget upon me children endowed with heroic strength, O hero. (BORI: 1-112-3)
[PV-KDV:01_018_56] (Bharata)
svargaṁ manujaśārdūla gacchēyaṁ sahitā tvayā । apatyāya ca māṁ gaccha tvamēva kurunandana ॥BORI: 1-112-4॥
May I go to heaven together with you, O tiger among men; and you alone must approach me to beget offspring, O delight of the Kurus. (BORI: 1-112-4)
[PV-KDV:01_018_57] (Bharata)
na hyahaṁ manasāpyanyaṁ gacchēyaṁ tvadr̥tē naram । tvattaḥ prativiśiṣṭaśca kō’nyō’sti bhuvi mānavaḥ ॥BORI: 1-112-5॥
For even in my thoughts I would not go to any man but you. What other man on earth is more distinguished than you? (BORI: 1-112-5)
[PV-KDV:01_018_58] (Bharata)
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_018_92] (Bharata)
ēvamuktastayā rājā tāṁ dēvīṁ punarabravīt । dharmaviddharmasaṁyuktamidaṁ vacanamuttamam ॥BORI: 1-113-1॥
Thus addressed by her, the king, who knew dharma, again spoke to the queen these excellent words, in keeping with dharma: (BORI: 1-113-1)
[PV-KDV:01_018_93] (Bharata)
bhartā bhāryāṁ rājaputri dharmyaṁ vādharmyamēva vā । yadbrūyāttattathā kāryamiti dharmavidō viduḥ ॥BORI: 1-113-27॥
Princess, whatever a husband tells his wife to do, whether righteous or unrighteous, must be done just so—this is what those who know dharma hold. (BORI: 1-113-27)
[PV-KDV:01_018_119] (Bharata)
viśēṣataḥ putragr̥ddhī hīnaḥ prajananātsvayam । yathāhamanavadyāṅgi putradarśanalālasaḥ ॥BORI: 1-113-28॥
especially when he longs for a son but is himself incapable of procreation, as I am, O flawless-limbed woman, yearning to see a son. (BORI: 1-113-28)
[PV-KDV:01_018_120] (Bharata)
manniyōgātsukēśāntē dvijātēstapasādhikāt । putrānguṇasamāyuktānutpādayitumarhasi । tvatkr̥tē’haṁ pr̥thuśrōṇi gacchēyaṁ putriṇāṁ gatim ॥BORI: 1-113-30॥
At my behest, O lovely-haired woman, you should bear sons endowed with virtue by a Brahmin eminent in austerity. Through you, O broad-hipped woman, I may attain the destiny of those who have sons. (BORI: 1-113-30)
[PV-KDV:01_018_122] (Bharata)
ēvamuktā tataḥ kuntī pāṇḍuṁ parapurañjayam । pratyuvāca varārōhā bhartuḥ priyahitē ratā ॥BORI: 1-113-31॥
Thus addressed, Kunti, the lovely-hipped woman devoted to her husband’s pleasure and welfare, replied to Pandu, the conqueror of enemy cities: (BORI: 1-113-31)
[PV-KDV:01_018_123] (Bharata)
pitr̥vēśmanyahaṁ bālā niyuktātithipūjanē । ugraṁ paryacaraṁ tatra brāhmaṇaṁ saṁśitavratam ॥BORI: 1-113-32॥
As a young girl in my father’s house, I was assigned to attend to guests. There I served a stern Brahmin of strict vows. (BORI: 1-113-32)
[PV-KDV:01_018_124] (Bharata)
nigūḍhaniścayaṁ dharmē yaṁ taṁ durvāsasaṁ viduḥ । tamahaṁ saṁśitātmānaṁ sarvayatnairatōṣayam ॥BORI: 1-113-33॥
I pleased with every effort that self-controlled man whom people know as Durvasas, whose conviction concerning dharma was profound. (BORI: 1-113-33)
[PV-KDV:01_018_125] (Bharata)
sa mē’bhicārasaṁyuktamācaṣṭa bhagavānvaram । mantragrāmaṁ ca mē prādādabravīccaiva māmidam ॥BORI: 1-113-34॥
That blessed one offered me a boon endowed with magical power, gave me a collection of mantras, and said this to me: (BORI: 1-113-34)
[PV-KDV:01_018_126] (Bharata)
yaṁ yaṁ dēvaṁ tvamētēna mantrēṇāvāhayiṣyasi । akāmō vā sakāmō vā sa tē vaśamupaiṣyati ॥BORI: 1-113-35॥
Whichever god you invoke with this mantra, whether willingly or unwillingly, will come under your control. (BORI: 1-113-35)
[PV-KDV:01_018_127] (Bharata)
ityuktāhaṁ tadā tēna pitr̥vēśmani bhārata । brāhmaṇēna vacastathyaṁ tasya kālō’yamāgataḥ ॥BORI: 1-113-36॥
Thus was I told then by that Brahmin in my father’s house, O Bharata. His word is true, and the time for it has now come. (BORI: 1-113-36)
[PV-KDV:01_018_128] (Bharata)
anujñātā tvayā dēvamāhvayēyamahaṁ nr̥pa । tēna mantrēṇa rājarṣē yathā syānnau prajā vibhō ॥BORI: 1-113-37॥
With your permission, O king, I would invoke a god by that mantra, O royal sage, so that we might have a child, O lord. (BORI: 1-113-37)
[PV-KDV:01_018_129] (Bharata)
āvāhayāmi kaṁ dēvaṁ brūhi tattvavidāṁ vara । tvattō’nujñāpratīkṣāṁ māṁ viddhyasminkarmaṇi sthitām ॥BORI: 1-113-38॥
Tell me which god I should summon, O best of those who know the truth. Know that I stand ready to perform this act, awaiting your permission. (BORI: 1-113-38)
[PV-KDV:01_018_130] (Bharata)
pāṇḍuruvāca॥
Pandu said:
[PV-KDV:01_018_131] (Bharata)
adyaiva tvaṁ varārōhē prayatasva yathāvidhi । dharmamāvāhaya śubhē sa hi dēvēṣu puṇyabhāk ॥BORI: 1-113-39॥
This very day, fair-hipped woman, prepare yourself according to the prescribed rite. Auspicious lady, invoke Dharma, for among the gods he is endowed with righteousness. (BORI: 1-113-39)
[PV-KDV:01_018_132] (Bharata)
adharmēṇa na nō dharmaḥ saṁyujyēta kathañcana । lōkaścāyaṁ varārōhē dharmō’yamiti maṁsyatē ॥BORI: 1-113-40॥
In this way, our righteousness will never be tainted by unrighteousness, and the world, fair-hipped one, will regard this as righteous. (BORI: 1-113-40)
[PV-KDV:01_018_133] (Bharata)
dhārmikaśca kurūṇāṁ sa bhaviṣyati na saṁśayaḥ । dattasyāpi ca dharmēṇa nādharmē raṁsyatē manaḥ ॥BORI: 1-113-41॥
He will be righteous among the Kurus, without doubt; and since he is bestowed by Dharma, his mind will not delight in unrighteousness. (BORI: 1-113-41)
[PV-KDV:01_018_134] (Bharata)
tasmāddharmaṁ puraskr̥tya niyatā tvaṁ śucismitē । upacārābhicārābhyāṁ dharmamārādhayasva vai ॥BORI: 1-113-42॥
Therefore, O fair-smiling one, place righteousness foremost, remain disciplined, and propitiate Dharma with due rites and incantations. (BORI: 1-113-42)
[PV-KDV:01_018_135] (Bharata)
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_018_136] (Bharata)
sā tathōktā tathētyuktvā tēna bhartrā varāṅganā । abhivādyābhyanujñātā pradakṣiṇamavartata ॥BORI: 1-113-43॥
Thus addressed by her husband, the beautiful woman said, “So be it.” After bowing to him and receiving his permission, she walked clockwise around him. (BORI: 1-113-43)
[PV-KDV:01_018_137] (Bharata)
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_018_180] (Bharata)
sā baliṁ tvaritā dēvī dharmāyōpajahāra ha । jajāpa japyaṁ vidhivaddattaṁ durvāsasā purā ॥BORI: 1-114-2॥
The goddess hastily made an offering to Dharma and duly recited the invocation that Durvasas had given her long before. (BORI: 1-114-2)
[PV-KDV:01_018_182] (Bharata)
saṅgamya sā tu dharmēṇa yōgamūrtidharēṇa vai । lēbhē putraṁ varārōhā sarvaprāṇabhr̥tāṁ varam ॥BORI: 1-114-3॥
Uniting with Dharma, who had assumed a form through his yogic power, the lovely woman obtained a son who was the best of all living beings. (BORI: 1-114-3)
[PV-KDV:01_018_183] (Bharata)
aindrē candrasamāyuktē muhūrtē’bhijitē’ṣṭamē । divā madhyagatē sūryē tithau puṇyē’bhipūjitē ॥BORI: 1-114-4॥
When the moon was conjoined with the asterism sacred to Indra, during the eighth muhūrta, Abhijit, at midday when the sun had reached the meridian, on an auspicious and highly honored lunar day... (BORI: 1-114-4)
[PV-KDV:01_018_184] (Bharata)
samr̥ddhayaśasaṁ kuntī suṣāva samayē sutam । jātamātrē sutē tasminvāguvācāśarīriṇī ॥BORI: 1-114-5॥
At the appointed time, Kunti gave birth to a son destined for abundant fame. As soon as that son was born, a bodiless voice declared: (BORI: 1-114-5)
[PV-KDV:01_018_185] (Bharata)
ēṣa dharmabhr̥tāṁ śrēṣṭhō bhaviṣyati na saṁśayaḥ । yudhiṣṭhira iti khyātaḥ pāṇḍōḥ prathamajaḥ sutaḥ ॥BORI: 1-114-6॥
He will undoubtedly be the foremost of those who uphold dharma. Known as Yudhishthira, he will be Pandu’s firstborn son. (BORI: 1-114-6)
[PV-KDV:01_018_186] (Bharata)
bhavitā prathitō rājā triṣu lōkēṣu viśrutaḥ । yaśasā tējasā caiva vr̥ttēna ca samanvitaḥ ॥BORI: 1-114-7॥
He will become a renowned king, famed throughout the three worlds and endowed with glory, splendor, and virtuous conduct. (BORI: 1-114-7)
[PV-KDV:01_018_187] (Bharata)
dhārmikaṁ taṁ sutaṁ labdhvā pāṇḍustāṁ punarabravīt । prāhuḥ kṣatraṁ balajyēṣṭhaṁ balajyēṣṭhaṁ sutaṁ vr̥ṇu ॥BORI: 1-114-8॥
Having obtained that righteous son, Pandu again said to her, “They say that the warrior class is preeminent in strength; choose a son preeminent in strength.” (BORI: 1-114-8)
[PV-KDV:01_018_188] (Bharata)
tatastathōktā patyā tu vāyumēvājuhāva sā । tasmājjajñē mahābāhurbhīmō bhīmaparākramaḥ ॥BORI: 1-114-9॥
Then, thus addressed by her husband, she invoked Vāyu himself. From him was born the mighty-armed Bhīma, a man of formidable prowess. (BORI: 1-114-9)
[PV-KDV:01_018_189] (Bharata)
tamapyatibalaṁ jātaṁ vāgabhyavadadacyutam । sarvēṣāṁ balināṁ śrēṣṭhō jātō’yamiti bhārata ॥BORI: 1-114-10॥
A voice also proclaimed of him, born immensely strong and invincible, “This child is the foremost of all strong men,” O Bharata. (BORI: 1-114-10)
[PV-KDV:01_018_190] (Bharata)
idamatyadbhutaṁ cāsījjātamātrē vr̥kōdarē । yadaṅkātpatitō mātuḥ śilāṁ gātrairacūrṇayat ॥BORI: 1-114-11॥
And this most astonishing thing happened when Vṛkodara had just been born: falling from his mother’s lap, he shattered a rock with his limbs. (BORI: 1-114-11)
[PV-KDV:01_018_191] (Bharata)
kuntī vyāghrabhayōdvignā sahasōtpatitā kila । nānvabudhyata saṁsuptamutsaṅgē svē vr̥kōdaram ॥BORI: 1-114-12॥
Kunti, alarmed by fear of a tiger, is said to have sprung up suddenly, unaware that Vrikodara lay fast asleep on her lap. (BORI: 1-114-12)
[PV-KDV:01_018_192] (Bharata)
tataḥ sa vajrasaṅghātaḥ kumārō’bhyapatadgirau । patatā tēna śatadhā śilā gātrairvicūrṇitā । tāṁ śilāṁ cūrṇitāṁ dr̥ṣṭvā pāṇḍurvismayamāgamat ॥BORI: 1-114-13॥
Then the boy, solid as a thunderbolt, fell upon the mountain. As he fell, his limbs shattered the rock into a hundred pieces. Seeing the rock pulverized, Pandu was astonished. (BORI: 1-114-13)
[PV-KDV:01_018_193] (Bharata)
jātē vr̥kōdarē pāṇḍuridaṁ bhūyō’nvacintayat । kathaṁ nu mē varaḥ putrō lōkaśrēṣṭhō bhavēditi ॥BORI: 1-114-15॥
After Vṛkodara was born, Pāṇḍu reflected again: “How might I have an excellent son, the foremost in the world?” (BORI: 1-114-15)
[PV-KDV:01_018_195] (Bharata)
daivē puruṣakārē ca lōkō’yaṁ hi pratiṣṭhitaḥ । tatra daivaṁ tu vidhinā kālayuktēna labhyatē ॥BORI: 1-114-16॥
This world rests upon both fate and human effort; of these, fate is secured through a rite performed at the proper time. (BORI: 1-114-16)
[PV-KDV:01_018_196] (Bharata)
indrō hi rājā dēvānāṁ pradhāna iti naḥ śrutam । apramēyabalōtsāhō vīryavānamitadyutiḥ ॥BORI: 1-114-17॥
We have heard that Indra, king of the gods, is foremost (BORI: 1-114-17A)
[PV-KDV:01_018_197] (Bharata)
putraṁ janaya suśrōṇi dhāma kṣatriyatējasām ॥BORI: 1-114-26A॥
Bear a son, fair-hipped one, a repository of Kshatriya splendor. (BORI: 1-114-26A)
[PV-KDV:01_018_207] (Bharata)
ēvamuktā tataḥ śakramājuhāva yaśasvinī । athājagāma dēvēndrō janayāmāsa cārjunam ॥BORI: 1-114-27॥
Thus addressed, the illustrious woman invoked Śakra. Then the lord of the gods came and fathered Arjuna. (BORI: 1-114-27)
[PV-KDV:01_018_209] (Bharata)
jātamātrē kumārē tu vāguvācāśarīriṇī । mahāgambhīranirghōṣā nabhō nādayatī tadā ॥BORI: 1-114-28॥
As soon as the prince was born, a bodiless voice, deep and mighty in its resonance, rang through the heavens and spoke: (BORI: 1-114-28)
[PV-KDV:01_018_210] (Bharata)
grāmaṇīśca mahīpālānēṣa jitvā mahābalaḥ ॥BORI: 1-114-33A॥
After conquering chieftains and kings, this mighty hero, (BORI: 1-114-33A)
[PV-KDV:01_018_215] (Bharata)
tathā divyāni cāstrāṇi nikhilānyāhariṣyati । vipranaṣṭāṁ śriyaṁ cāyamāhartā puruṣarṣabhaḥ ॥BORI: 1-114-35॥
He will also obtain all the celestial weapons, (BORI: 1-114-35A)
[PV-KDV:01_018_218] (Bharata)
pāṇḍustu punarēvaināṁ putralōbhānmahāyaśāḥ । prāhiṇōddarśanīyāṅgīṁ kuntī tvēnamathābravīt ॥BORI: 1-114-64॥
But the illustrious Pandu, longing for sons, urged the lovely-limbed Kunti once again. Kunti then said to him: (BORI: 1-114-64)
[PV-KDV:01_018_248] (Bharata)
nātaścaturthaṁ prasavamāpatsvapi vadantyuta । ataḥ paraṁ cāriṇī syātpañcamē bandhakī bhavēt ॥BORI: 1-114-65॥
They say that even in adversity a woman should not bear a fourth child. Beyond that she would be promiscuous, and with a fifth she would become a prostitute. (BORI: 1-114-65)
[PV-KDV:01_018_249] (Bharata)
sa tvaṁ vidvandharmamimaṁ buddhigamyaṁ kathaṁ nu mām । apatyārthaṁ samutkramya pramādādiva bhāṣasē ॥BORI: 1-114-66॥
Since you know this rule, which is discernible by reason, how can you speak to me as though heedlessly transgressing it for the sake of offspring? (BORI: 1-114-66)
[PV-KDV:01_018_250] (Bharata)
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_018_294] (Bharata)
madrarājasutā pāṇḍuṁ rahō vacanamabravīt ॥BORI: 1-115-1B॥
The daughter of the king of Madra spoke privately to Pandu: (BORI: 1-115-1B)
[PV-KDV:01_018_296] (Bharata)
na mē’sti tvayi santāpō viguṇē’pi parantapa । nāvaratvē varārhāyāḥ sthitvā cānagha nityadā ॥BORI: 1-115-2॥
I feel no anguish over your incapacity, O scorcher of foes, nor over always having remained in an inferior position though worthy of the highest, O sinless one... (BORI: 1-115-2)
[PV-KDV:01_018_297] (Bharata)
idaṁ tu mē mahadduḥkhaṁ tulyatāyāmaputratā । diṣṭyā tvidānīṁ bharturmē kuntyāmapyasti santatiḥ ॥BORI: 1-115-4॥
But this is my great sorrow: though Kunti and I are equals, I am childless. Fortunately, my husband now has offspring through Kunti. (BORI: 1-115-4)
[PV-KDV:01_018_299] (Bharata)
yadi tvapatyasantānaṁ kuntirājasutā mayi । kuryādanugrahō mē syāttava cāpi hitaṁ bhavēt ॥BORI: 1-115-5॥
If Kunti, the king’s daughter, would provide me with offspring, it would be a favor to me and would also be to your benefit. (BORI: 1-115-5)
[PV-KDV:01_018_300] (Bharata)
stambhō hi mē sapatnītvādvaktuṁ kuntisutāṁ prati । yadi tu tvaṁ prasannō mē svayamēnāṁ pracōdaya ॥BORI: 1-115-6॥
For because she is my co-wife, I feel inhibited from speaking to Kunti's daughter. But if you are pleased with me, urge her yourself. (BORI: 1-115-6)
[PV-KDV:01_018_301] (Bharata)
pāṇḍuruvāca॥
Pāṇḍu said:
[PV-KDV:01_018_302] (Bharata)
mamāpyēṣa sadā mādri hr̥dyarthaḥ parivartatē । na tu tvāṁ prasahē vaktumiṣṭāniṣṭavivakṣayā ॥BORI: 1-115-7॥
The same thought has always been on my mind, Madri, but I could not bring myself to speak to you, uncertain whether you would welcome it or not. (BORI: 1-115-7)
[PV-KDV:01_018_303] (Bharata)
tava tvidaṁ mataṁ jñātvā prayatiṣyāmyataḥ param । manyē dhruvaṁ mayōktā sā vacō mē pratipatsyatē ॥BORI: 1-115-8॥
But now that I know your wish, I shall make the effort from this point on. I believe that, when I speak to her, she will surely heed my words. (BORI: 1-115-8)
[PV-KDV:01_018_304] (Bharata)
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_018_305] (Bharata)
tataḥ kuntīṁ punaḥ pāṇḍurvivikta idamabravīt । kulasya mama santānaṁ lōkasya ca kuru priyam ॥BORI: 1-115-9॥
Then, when they were alone, Pandu again said this to Kunti: “Continue my lineage, and do what is pleasing to the world—” (BORI: 1-115-9)
[PV-KDV:01_018_306] (Bharata)
mama cāpiṇḍanāśāya pūrvēṣāmapi cātmanaḥ । matpriyārthaṁ ca kalyāṇi kuru kalyāṇamuttamam ॥BORI: 1-115-10॥
To ensure that I, our ancestors, and you yourself are not left without descendants to offer the funeral oblation, and for my sake, blessed lady, perform this supremely good deed. (BORI: 1-115-10)
[PV-KDV:01_018_307] (Bharata)
sā tvaṁ mādrīṁ plavēnēva tārayēmāmaninditē । apatyasaṁvibhāgēna parāṁ kīrtimavāpnuhi ॥BORI: 1-115-14॥
Therefore, blameless woman, rescue this Mādrī as though in a boat; by granting her a share in offspring, attain the highest renown. (BORI: 1-115-14)
[PV-KDV:01_018_311] (Bharata)
ēvamuktābravīnmādrīṁ sakr̥ccintaya daivatam । tasmāttē bhavitāpatyamanurūpamasaṁśayam ॥BORI: 1-115-15॥
Thus addressed, she said to Madri, “Think of a deity just once. From him you will undoubtedly have a child resembling him.” (BORI: 1-115-15)
[PV-KDV:01_018_312] (Bharata)
tatō mādrī vicāryaiva jagāma manasāśvinau । tāvāgamya sutau tasyāṁ janayāmāsaturyamau ॥BORI: 1-115-16॥
Then Madri, after due consideration, fixed her mind on the Ashvins. They came and fathered twin sons upon her. (BORI: 1-115-16)
[PV-KDV:01_018_313] (Bharata)
nakulaṁ sahadēvaṁ ca rūpēṇāpratimau bhuvi । tathaiva tāvapi yamau vāguvācāśarīriṇī ॥BORI: 1-115-17॥
Nakula and Sahadeva, unequalled in beauty on earth… A disembodied voice likewise addressed the twins: (BORI: 1-115-17)
[PV-KDV:01_018_314] (Bharata)
nāmāni cakrirē tēṣāṁ śataśr̥ṅganivāsinaḥ । bhaktyā ca karmaṇā caiva tathāśīrbhirviśāṁ patē ॥BORI: 1-115-19॥
The inhabitants of Shatashringa gave them names with devotion, ritual observances, and blessings, O lord of the people. (BORI: 1-115-19)
[PV-KDV:01_018_316] (Bharata)
jyēṣṭhaṁ yudhiṣṭhirētyāhurbhīmasēnēti madhyamam । arjunēti tr̥tīyaṁ ca kuntīputrānakalpayan ॥BORI: 1-115-20॥
They called the eldest Yudhishthira, the middle one Bhimasena, and the third Arjuna, thus naming Kunti’s sons. (BORI: 1-115-20)
[PV-KDV:01_018_317] (Bharata)
pūrvajaṁ nakulētyēvaṁ sahadēvēti cāparam । mādrīputrāvakathayaṁstē viprāḥ prītamānasāḥ । anusaṁvatsaraṁ jātā api tē kurusattamāḥ ॥BORI: 1-115-21॥
Those delighted Brahmins called the elder of Mādrī’s sons Nakula and the other Sahadeva. Although those foremost Kurus were born at one-year intervals… (BORI: 1-115-21)
[PV-KDV:01_018_318] (Bharata)
kuntīmatha punaḥ pāṇḍurmādryarthē samacōdayat । tamuvāca pr̥thā rājanrahasyuktā satī sadā ॥BORI: 1-115-22॥
Then Pandu again urged Kunti on Madri’s behalf. O king, the ever-virtuous Pritha, addressed by him in private, said to him: (BORI: 1-115-22)
[PV-KDV:01_018_319] (Bharata)
uktā sakr̥ddvandvamēṣā lēbhē tēnāsmi vañcitā ॥BORI: 1-115-23A॥
Instructed only once, she obtained a pair; in this way she has deceived me. (BORI: 1-115-23A)
[PV-KDV:01_018_320] (Bharata)
tasmānnāhaṁ niyōktavyā tvayaiṣō’stu varō mama ॥BORI: 1-115-24B॥
Therefore you must not ask this of me again; let this be the boon you grant me. (BORI: 1-115-24B)
[PV-KDV:01_018_323] (Bharata)
vivardhamānāstē tatra puṇyē haimavatē girau । vismayaṁ janayāmāsurmaharṣīṇāṁ samēyuṣām ॥BORI: 1-115-27॥
As they grew up there on the sacred Himalayan mountain, they inspired wonder among the great seers who had assembled. (BORI: 1-115-27)
[PV-KDV:01_018_326] (Bharata)