Chapter 9: Pāṇḍu becomes king; Gāndhārī marries Dhṛtarāṣṭra, and Kuntī and Mādrī marry Pāṇḍu.

Bhīṣma raises the three princes; Pāṇḍu becomes king.

dhr̥tarāṣṭraśca pāṇḍuśca viduraśca mahāmatiḥ । janmaprabhr̥ti bhīṣmēṇa putravatparipālitāḥ ॥BORI: 1-102-15॥

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] (Jaya)

saṁskāraiḥ saṁskr̥tāstē tu vratādhyayanasaṁyutāḥ । śramavyāyāmakuśalāḥ samapadyanta yauvanam ॥BORI: 1-102-16॥

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] (Jaya)

dhanurvēdē’śvapr̥ṣṭhē ca gadāyuddhē’sicarmaṇi । tathaiva gajaśikṣāyāṁ nītiśāstrē ca pāragāḥ ॥BORI: 1-102-17॥

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] (Jaya)

itihāsapurāṇēṣu nānāśikṣāsu cābhibhō । vēdavēdāṅgatattvajñāḥ sarvatra kr̥taniśramāḥ ॥BORI: 1-102-18॥

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] (Jaya)

pāṇḍurdhanuṣi vikrāntō narēbhyō’bhyadhikō’bhavat । atyanyānbalavānāsīddhr̥tarāṣṭrō mahīpatiḥ ॥BORI: 1-102-19॥

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] (Jaya)

triṣu lōkēṣu na tvāsītkaścidvidurasaṁmitaḥ । dharmanityastatō rājandharmē ca paramaṁ gataḥ ॥BORI: 1-102-20॥

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] (Jaya)

dhr̥tarāṣṭrastvacakṣuṣṭvādrājyaṁ na pratyapadyata । karaṇatvācca viduraḥ pāṇḍurāsīnmahīpatiḥ ॥BORI: 1-102-23॥

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] (Jaya)

Bhīṣma hears of Kuntī, Gāndhārī and Mādrī as prospective brides and consults Vidura.

kadācidatha gāṅgēyaḥ sarvanītimatāṁ varaḥ । viduraṁ dharmatattvajñaṁ vākyamāha yathōcitam ॥KUMB: 1-118-33; NILA: 01.109.026॥

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] (Jaya)

bhīṣma uvāca॥

Bhishma said:

[PV-KDV:01_015_77] (Jaya)

guṇaiḥ samuditaṁ samyagidaṁ naḥ prathitaṁ kulam । atyanyānpr̥thivīpālānpr̥thivyāmadhirājyabhāk ॥BORI: 1-103-1॥

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] (Jaya)

rakṣitaṁ rājabhiḥ pūrvairdharmavidbhirmahātmabhiḥ । nōtsādamagamaccēdaṁ kadācidiha naḥ kulam ॥BORI: 1-103-2॥

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] (Jaya)

mayā ca satyavatyā ca kr̥ṣṇēna ca mahātmanā । samavasthāpitaṁ bhūyō yuṣmāsu kulatantuṣu ॥BORI: 1-103-3॥

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] (Jaya)

vardhatē tadidaṁ putra kulaṁ sāgaravadyathā । tathā mayā vidhātavyaṁ tvayā caiva viśēṣataḥ ॥BORI: 1-103-4॥

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] (Jaya)

śrūyatē yādavī kanyā anurūpā kulasya naḥ । subalasyātmajā caiva tathā madrēśvarasya ca ॥BORI: 1-103-5॥

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] (Jaya)

kulīnā rūpavatyaśca nāthavatyaśca sarvaśaḥ । ucitāścaiva sambandhē tē’smākaṁ kṣatriyarṣabhāḥ ॥BORI: 1-103-6॥

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] (Jaya)

manyē varayitavyāstā ityahaṁ dhīmatāṁ vara । santānārthaṁ kulasyāsya yadvā vidura manyasē ॥BORI: 1-103-7॥

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] (Jaya)

vidura uvāca॥

Vidura said:

[PV-KDV:01_015_85] (Jaya)

bhavānpitā bhavānmātā bhavānnaḥ paramō guruḥ । tasmātsvayaṁ kulasyāsya vicārya kuru yaddhitam ॥BORI: 1-103-8B॥

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] (Jaya)

Gāndhārī marries Dhṛtarāṣṭra and blindfolds herself so as not to surpass her husband.

vaiśampāyana uvāca॥

Vaiśampāyana said:

[PV-KDV:01_015_87] (Jaya)

atha śuśrāva viprēbhyō gāndhārīṁ subalātmajām ॥BORI: 1-103-9A॥

Then he heard from Brahmins about the Gandhari, daughter of Subala. (BORI: 1-103-9A)

[PV-KDV:01_015_88] (Jaya)

iti śrutvā ca tattvēna bhīṣmaḥ kurupitāmahaḥ । tatō gāndhārarājasya prēṣayāmāsa bhārata ॥BORI: 1-103-10॥

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] (Jaya)

acakṣuriti tatrāsītsubalasya vicāraṇā । kulaṁ khyātiṁ ca vr̥ttaṁ ca buddhyā tu prasamīkṣya saḥ । dadau tāṁ dhr̥tarāṣṭrāya gāndhārīṁ dharmacāriṇīm ॥BORI: 1-103-11॥

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] (Jaya)

gāndhārī tvapi śuśrāva dhr̥tarāṣṭramacakṣuṣam । ātmānaṁ ditsitaṁ cāsmai pitrā mātrā ca bhārata ॥BORI: 1-103-12॥

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] (Jaya)

tataḥ sā paṭṭamādāya kr̥tvā bahuguṇaṁ śubhā । babandha nētrē svē rājanpativrataparāyaṇā । nātyaśnīyāṁ patimahamityēvaṁ kr̥taniścayā ॥BORI: 1-103-13॥

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] (Jaya)

tatō gāndhārarājasya putraḥ śakunirabhyayāt । svasāraṁ parayā lakṣmyā yuktāmādāya kauravān ॥BORI: 1-103-14॥

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] (Jaya)

dattvā sa bhaginīṁ vīrō yathārhaṁ ca paricchadam । punarāyātsvanagaraṁ bhīṣmēṇa pratipūjitaḥ ॥BORI: 1-103-15॥

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] (Jaya)

Kuntī, daughter of Kuntibhoja, chooses Pāṇḍu at her svayaṃvara and marries him.

vaiśampāyana uvāca॥

Vaiśampāyana said:

[PV-KDV:01_015_162] (Jaya)

rūpasattvaguṇōpētā dharmārāmā mahāvratā । duhitā kuntibhōjasya kr̥tē pitrā svayaṁvarē ॥BORI: 1-105-1॥

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] (Jaya)

tāṁ tu tējasvinīṁ kanyāṁ rūpayauvanaśālinīm । vyāvr̥ṇvanpārthivāḥ kēcidatīva strīguṇairyutām ॥KUMB: 1-121-2; NILA: 01.112.002॥

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] (Jaya)

tataḥ sā kuntibhōjēna rājñāhūya narādhipān । pitrā svayaṁvarē dattā duhitā rājasattama ॥KUMB: 1-121-3; NILA: 01.112.003॥

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] (Jaya)

tataḥ sā raṅgamadhyasthaṁ tēṣāṁ rājñāṁ manasvinī । dadarśa rājaśārdūlaṁ pāṇḍuṁ bharatasattamam ॥KUMB: 1-121-4; NILA: 01.112.004॥

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] (Jaya)

tiṣṭhantaṁ rājasamitau purandaramivāparam । taṁ dr̥ṣṭvā sā’navadyāṅgī kuntibhōjasutā śubhā ॥KUMB: 1-121-6; NILA: 01.112.006॥

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] (Jaya)

pāṇḍuṁ naravaraṁ raṅgē hr̥dayēnākulā’bhavat । tataḥ kāmaparītāṅgī sakr̥tpracalamānasā ॥KUMB: 1-121-7; NILA: 01.112.007॥

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] (Jaya)

vrīḍamāna srajaṁ kuntī rājñaḥ skandhē samāsajat । taṁ niśamya vr̥taṁ pāṇḍuṁ kuntyā sarvē narādhipāḥ ॥KUMB: 1-121-8; NILA: 01.112.008॥

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] (Jaya)

yathāgataṁ samājagmurgajairaśvai rathaistathā । tatastasyāḥ pitā rājanvivāhamakarōtprabhuḥ ॥KUMB: 1-121-9; NILA: 01.112.009॥

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] (Jaya)

kuntyāḥ pāṇḍōśca rājēndra kuntibhōjō mahīpatiḥ । kr̥tvōdvāhaṁ tadā taṁ tu nānāvasubhirarcitam । svapuraṁ prēṣayāmāsa sa rājā kurusattama ॥KUMB: 1-121-11; NILA: 01.112.011॥

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] (Jaya)

sa tayā kuntibhōjasya duhitrā kurunandanaḥ । yuyujē’mitasaubhāgyaḥ paulōmyā maghavāniva ॥BORI: 1-105-3॥

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] (Jaya)

tatō balēna mahatā nānādhvajapatākinā । stūyamānaḥ sa cāśīrbhirbrāhmaṇaiśca maharṣibhiḥ ॥KUMB: 1-121-12; NILA: 01.112.012॥

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] (Jaya)

saṁprāpya nagaraṁ rājā pāṇḍuḥ kauravanandanaḥ । nyavēśata tāṁ bhāryāṁ kuntīṁ svabhavanē prabhuḥ ॥KUMB: 1-121-13; NILA: 01.112.013॥

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] (Jaya)

Bhīṣma purchases Mādrī for Pāṇḍu and arranges their marriage.

tataḥ śāntanavō bhīṣmō rājñaḥ pāṇḍōryaśasvinaḥ । vivāhasyāparasyārthē cakāra matimānmatim ॥KUMB: 1-122-1; NILA: 01.113.001॥

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] (Jaya)

yātvā dēvavratēnāpi madrāṇāṁ puṭabhēdanam । viśrutā triṣu lōkēṣu mādrī madrapatēḥ sutā ॥BORI: 1-105-4॥

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] (Jaya)

sarvarājasu vikhyātā rūpēṇāsadr̥śī bhuvi ॥BORI: 1-105-5A॥

She was renowned among all kings and unrivalled in beauty on earth. (BORI: 1-105-5A)

[PV-KDV:01_015_178] (Jaya)

sō’mātyaiḥ sthaviraiḥ sārdhaṁ brāhmaṇaiśca maharṣibhiḥ । balēna caturaṅgēṇa yayau madrapatēḥ puram ॥KUMB: 1-122-2; NILA: 01.113.002॥

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] (Jaya)

tamāgatamabhiśrutya bhīṣmaṁ vāhīkapuṅgavaḥ । pratyudgamyārcayitvā ca puraṁ prāvēśayannr̥paḥ ॥KUMB: 1-122-3; NILA: 01.113.003॥

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] (Jaya)

dattvā tasyāsanaṁ śubhraṁ pādyamarghyaṁ tathaiva ca । madhuparkaṁ ca madrēśaḥ papracchāgamanē’rthitām ॥KUMB: 1-122-4; NILA: 01.113.004॥

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] (Jaya)

taṁ bhīṣmaḥ pratyuvācēdaṁ madrarājaṁ kurūdvahaḥ । āgataṁ māṁ vijānīhi kanyārthinamarindama ॥KUMB: 1-122-5; NILA: 01.113.005॥

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] (Jaya)

śrūyatē bhavataḥ sādhvī svasā mādrī yaśasvinī । tāmahaṁ varayiṣyāmi pāṇḍōrarthē yaśasvinīm ॥KUMB: 1-122-6; NILA: 01.113.006॥

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] (Jaya)

yuktarūpō hi saṁbandhē tvaṁ nō rājanvayaṁ tava । ētatsaṁcintya madrēśa gr̥hāṇāsmānyathāvidhi ॥KUMB: 1-122-7; NILA: 01.113.007॥

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] (Jaya)

tamēvaṁvādinaṁ bhīṣmaṁ pratyabhāṣata madrapaḥ । na hi mē’nyō varastvattaḥ śrēyāniti matirmama ॥KUMB: 1-122-8; NILA: 01.113.008॥

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] (Jaya)

pūrvaiḥ pravartitaṁ kiṁcitkulē’sminnr̥pasattamaiḥ । sādhu vā yadi vā’sādhu tannātikrāntumutsahē ॥KUMB: 1-122-9; NILA: 01.113.009॥

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] (Jaya)

vyaktaṁ tadbhavataścāpi viditaṁ nātra saṁśayaḥ । na ca yuktaṁ tathā vaktuṁ bhavāndēhīti sattama ॥KUMB: 1-122-10; NILA: 01.113.010॥

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] (Jaya)

kuladharmaḥ sa nō vīra pramāṇaṁ paramaṁ ca tat । tēna tvāṁ na bravīmyētadasaṁdigdhaṁ vacō’rihan ॥KUMB: 1-122-11; NILA: 01.113.011॥

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] (Jaya)

taṁ bhīṣmaḥ pratyuvācēdaṁ madrarājaṁ janādhipaḥ । dharma ēṣa parō rājansvayamuktaḥ svayaṁbhuvā ॥KUMB: 1-122-12; NILA: 01.113.012॥

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] (Jaya)

nātra kaścana dōṣō’sti pūrvairvidhirayaṁ kr̥taḥ । viditēyaṁ ca tē śalya maryādā sādhusaṁmatā ॥KUMB: 1-122-13; NILA: 01.113.013॥

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] (Jaya)

pāṇḍōrarthē parikrītā dhanēna mahatā tadā । vivāhaṁ kārayāmāsa bhīṣmaḥ pāṇḍōrmahātmanaḥ ॥BORI: 1-105-5B॥

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] (Jaya)

sa tābhyāṁ vyacaratsārdhaṁ bhāryābhyāṁ rājasattamaḥ । kuntyā mādryā ca rājēndrō yathākāmaṁ yathāsukham ॥KUMB: 1-122-20; NILA: 01.113.020॥

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] (Jaya)