01.103
Core:Dhritarstra marries Gandhari
Bhīṣma said.
This lineage of ours, rightly endowed with virtues, has become renowned; it has surpassed other kings and enjoyed sovereignty over the earth.
This lineage of ours, protected by great and righteous kings, has never suffered ruin at any time.
By me, Satyavatī, and the great Vyāsa, this lineage was once again firmly established among you.
This lineage, O son, grows like the ocean; therefore it must be preserved by me and especially by you.
A Yādava maiden is heard to be suitable for our lineage, as are the daughters of Subala and the king of Madra.
They are noble-born, beautiful, well-protected, and altogether fit for alliance, O best of Kṣatriyas.
I think they should be chosen, O wise Vidura, for the sake of continuing the lineage—or as you consider best.
Vidura said.
You are our father, mother, and supreme guide; therefore, do yourself what is best for this lineage after due consideration.
Vaiśampāyana said.
He heard from brāhmaṇas that Gāndhārī, daughter of Subala, had obtained a boon from Śiva after worshiping him: the auspicious one would bear a hundred sons.
Hearing this truth, Bhīṣma, the grandsire of the Kurus, sent a message to the king of Gāndhāra, O Bhārata.
Though Dhṛtarāṣṭra was blind, Subala deliberated and, examining his lineage, fame, and conduct, gave his daughter Gāndhārī, a righteous woman, in marriage to him.
Gāndhārī also heard that Dhṛtarāṣṭra was blind and that she was being given to him by her father and mother, O Bhārata.
Then the auspicious Gāndhārī, firmly devoted to her husband, took a many-folded cloth and bound her own eyes, declaring, “I shall not see more than my husband.”
Then Śakuni, son of the Gāndhāra king, came to the Kauravas, bringing his sister adorned with great beauty.
Having given his sister with befitting dowry, the hero returned to his city, honored by Bhīṣma.
Gāndhārī, of excellent form, by her noble conduct and actions, brought joy to all the Kurus, O Bhārata.
By her conduct she pleased all, and being devoted to her husband, the virtuous Gāndhārī did not even speak of other men.
