Chapter 12: Pāṇḍu seeks heirs; Kuntī bears Yudhiṣṭhira, Bhīma and Arjuna, while Mādrī bears Nakula and Sahadeva by invoking deities.

Pāṇḍu’s childlessness, ancestral debt, and search for a means to obtain offspring.

Vaiśampāyana said:

[PV-KDV:01_018_1] (Bharata)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Pāṇḍu said:

[PV-KDV:01_018_12] (Bharata)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

The ascetics said:

[PV-KDV:01_018_20] (Bharata)

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)

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)

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 said:

[PV-KDV:01_018_24] (Bharata)

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)

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)

“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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Kuntī rejects union with another man and affirms exclusive devotion to Pāṇḍu.

Vaiśampāyana said:

[PV-KDV:01_018_53] (Bharata)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Pāṇḍu begs Kuntī, arguing that in times of distress a wife should do what her husband asks.

Vaiśampāyana said:

[PV-KDV:01_018_92] (Bharata)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Kuntī invokes Dharma, Vāyu and Indra through Durvāsas’s mantra, giving birth to Yudhiṣṭhira, Bhīma and Arjuna.

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Pandu said:

[PV-KDV:01_018_131] (Bharata)

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)

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)

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)

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 said:

[PV-KDV:01_018_136] (Bharata)

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 said:

[PV-KDV:01_018_180] (Bharata)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

We have heard that Indra, king of the gods, is foremost (BORI: 1-114-17A)

[PV-KDV:01_018_197] (Bharata)

Bear a son, fair-hipped one, a repository of Kshatriya splendor. (BORI: 1-114-26A)

[PV-KDV:01_018_207] (Bharata)

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)

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)

After conquering chieftains and kings, this mighty hero, (BORI: 1-114-33A)

[PV-KDV:01_018_215] (Bharata)

He will also obtain all the celestial weapons, (BORI: 1-114-35A)

[PV-KDV:01_018_218] (Bharata)

Kuntī refuses Pāṇḍu’s request for another child, citing the accepted limit on such procreation.

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)

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)

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)

Pāṇḍu persuades Kuntī to aid Mādrī, who invokes the Aśvins and bears Nakula and Sahadeva.

Vaiśampāyana said:

[PV-KDV:01_018_294] (Bharata)

The daughter of the king of Madra spoke privately to Pandu: (BORI: 1-115-1B)

[PV-KDV:01_018_296] (Bharata)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Pāṇḍu said:

[PV-KDV:01_018_302] (Bharata)

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)

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 said:

[PV-KDV:01_018_305] (Bharata)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Kuntī refuses a second invocation for Mādrī.

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)

Instructed only once, she obtained a pair; in this way she has deceived me. (BORI: 1-115-23A)

[PV-KDV:01_018_320] (Bharata)

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)

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)