Chapter 9: Pāṇḍu becomes king; Gāndhārī marries Dhṛtarāṣṭra, and Kuntī and Mādrī marry Pāṇḍu.
From birth, Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and the wise Vidura were cared for by Bhishma as though they were his own sons. (BORI: 1-102-15)
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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)
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)
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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)
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Pandu was valiant with the bow and became superior to other men, while King Dhritarashtra was stronger than all others. (BORI: 1-102-19)
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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)
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Dhritarashtra did not inherit the kingdom because he was blind, nor did Vidura because of his birth; Pandu became king. (BORI: 1-102-23)
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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)
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Bhishma said:
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This celebrated dynasty of ours, fully endowed with virtues, surpassing the other kings and holding sovereignty over the earth... (BORI: 1-103-1)
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Protected by the great-souled kings of old, who knew dharma, this lineage of ours never came to ruin here. (BORI: 1-103-2)
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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)
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)
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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)
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)
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)
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Vidura said:
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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)
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Vaiśampāyana said:
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Then he heard from Brahmins about the Gandhari, daughter of Subala. (BORI: 1-103-9A)
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Having learned the truth of this, Bhishma, grandfather of the Kurus, then sent to the king of Gandhara, O Bharata… (BORI: 1-103-10)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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Vaiśampāyana said:
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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)
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That fortunate descendant of Kuru was united with her, the daughter of Kuntibhoja, as Maghavan was with Paulomi. (BORI: 1-105-3)
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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)
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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)
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)
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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)
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She was renowned among all kings and unrivalled in beauty on earth. (BORI: 1-105-5A)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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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)
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)
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