Chapter 14: Satyavatī summons Vyāsa to preserve the Kuru line; Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Pāṇḍu and Vidura are born.
Then, O Bharata, the distressed and pitiable Satyavati, longing for offspring, performed the rites for her son together with her two daughters-in-law… (BORI: 1-097-1)
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Mindful of dharma and of both the paternal and maternal lineages, the noble, high-minded woman spoke these words to the son of Gaṅgā: (BORI: 1-097-2)
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On you depend the funeral offerings, fame, and continuation of the line of the illustrious Kaurava Shantanu, ever devoted to righteousness. (BORI: 1-097-3)
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Just as one who performs a good deed is certain to attain heaven, and just as long life is assured through truthfulness, so dharma is firmly established in you. (BORI: 1-097-4)
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O knower of dharma, you know the laws of dharma both in brief and in detail. You know the various sacred traditions and all the Vedas in their entirety. (BORI: 1-097-5)
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I see in you steadfastness in dharma, observance of family tradition, and, in times of difficulty, resourcefulness like that of Śukra and Aṅgiras. (BORI: 1-097-6)
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Therefore, take heart, O best of upholders of dharma. I shall appoint you to a task, and when you have heard it, you should carry it out. (BORI: 1-097-7)
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My son—your brother, valiant and very dear to you—went to heaven while still young and childless, O bull among men. (BORI: 1-097-8)
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Here are your brother’s two queens, the fair daughters of the king of Kashi, endowed with beauty and youth and longing for sons, O Bharata. (BORI: 1-097-9)
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Beget children by these two women to continue our lineage. At my command, illustrious one, you should perform this duty here. (BORI: 1-097-10)
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Have yourself consecrated as king, rule the Bharatas, and take wives in accordance with dharma. Do not let your forefathers sink. (BORI: 1-097-11)
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Thus addressed by his mother and his friends, that righteous scorcher of foes replied with these words, wholly in keeping with dharma: (BORI: 1-097-12)
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Without doubt, Mother, you have set forth the highest duty. But you also know well my solemn vow concerning offspring. (BORI: 1-097-13)
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You also know what happened in your case because of the bride-price. Therefore, Satyavati, I solemnly promise you once again... (BORI: 1-097-14)
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I might renounce the three worlds, kingship among the gods, or even something greater than either of these—but never the truth. (BORI: 1-097-15)
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The earth might relinquish its fragrance, the waters their own taste; fire might likewise relinquish form, and wind its quality of touch. (BORI: 1-097-16)
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The sun might give up its radiance, and the comet its heat; likewise, space might give up sound, and the moon its cool rays. (BORI: 1-097-17)
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The slayer of Vritra might abandon his valor, and the king of Dharma might abandon dharma, but I could never resolve to forsake truth. (BORI: 1-097-18)
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Thus addressed by her son, who possessed immense wealth and prowess, his mother Satyavatī then spoke to Bhīṣma. (BORI: 1-097-19)
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I know your supreme steadfastness in truth, O you of unfailing prowess. If you wished, you could create three other worlds by your own power. (BORI: 1-097-20)
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I also know that what you said for my sake is true. Consider the law that applies in times of distress, and bear the ancestral burden. (BORI: 1-097-21)
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Act, O scorcher of foes, so that your family line and your duty may not fail, and your friends may rejoice. (BORI: 1-097-22)
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As she lamented thus—wretched, craving a son, and speaking contrary to dharma—Bhishma said this to her once more: (BORI: 1-097-23)
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Queen, consider the laws of righteousness. Do not bring destruction upon us all. A Kshatriya’s departure from truth is not commended among the ways of righteousness. (BORI: 1-097-24)
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O queen, I shall tell you the eternal duty of the warrior order, so that Shantanu’s line too may remain unbroken on earth. (BORI: 1-097-25)
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After hearing it, you should follow it together with wise priests skilled in duty and expediency in times of crisis, while also considering the ways of the world. (BORI: 1-097-26)
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After consoling those two daughters-in-law, crushed by grief for their husband, and considering duty and both the paternal and maternal lineages, the illustrious lady spoke these words to Gāṅgeya. (KUMB: 1-112-2; NILA: 01.103.002)
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That queen, however, tormented by grief and sinking in an ocean of sorrow: “Upon you rest the funeral offering, fame, and continuation of the line of the glorious Śantanu, the Kaurava ever devoted to dharma.” (KUMB: 1-112-3)
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Your brother Vicitravirya has met the end that comes to all beings. Just as ascent to heaven is assured after performing a good deed, and life is assured through truth, so righteousness is firmly established in you. (KUMB: 1-112-4)
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Therefore I would never act otherwise, even at the dissolution of the worlds, for the sake of immortality or the wealth of the three worlds. (KUMB: 1-112-19)
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“What is good for you, my child, is also dear to me, O Bharata.” As she went on lamenting in this way, pitiable in her longing for a son and speaking words contrary to dharma, Bhishma again said this to her: (KUMB: 1-112-24)
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O greatly blessed lady, the enraged Rama, son of Jamadagni, unable to endure his father’s murder, slew the lord of the Haihayas and severed Arjuna’s thousand arms. (BORI: 1-098-1)
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Then, taking up his bow once more and unleashing mighty weapons, Rama repeatedly burned away the Kshatriya order as he conquered the earth in his chariot. (BORI: 1-098-2)
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Thus, in ancient times, the great Bhargava used weapons of every kind to rid the earth of Kshatriyas twenty-one times. (BORI: 1-098-3)
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Then, throughout the land, offspring were begotten by self-controlled Brahmins who united with all the Kshatriya women. (BORI: 1-098-4)
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“A son belongs to the man who took the mother’s hand in marriage”—this is established in the Vedas. Keeping this law in mind, those women approached the Brahmins. Such a restoration of the Kshatriyas has also been observed in the world. (BORI: 1-098-5)
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Long ago there was a wise seer renowned as Utathya. His wife was named Mamatā, and she was greatly esteemed. (BORI: 1-098-6)
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Utathya’s younger brother, the gods’ priest Brihaspati, a man of great brilliance, made advances to Mamata. (BORI: 1-098-7)
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Mamatā said to him, her brother-in-law and the best of speakers, “I am pregnant by your elder brother; desist.” (BORI: 1-098-8)
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This son of Utathya is already in my womb, illustrious Brihaspati, and here he has been studying the Veda with its six ancillary disciplines. (BORI: 1-098-9)
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And surely your seed cannot be spent in vain. Therefore, under these circumstances, you should desist today. (BORI: 1-098-10)
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Though properly admonished by her in this way, the mighty Bṛhaspati, overcome by desire, could not restrain himself. (BORI: 1-098-11)
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Then, driven by desire, he had intercourse with her against her will. But as he was emitting his semen, the one in the womb addressed him: (BORI: 1-098-12)
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O father, I tell you: there is no room here for two. Your seed is unfailing, and I arrived here first. (BORI: 1-098-13)
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Angered at being addressed in this way, the venerable sage Brihaspati then rebuked and cursed Utathya’s son, who was still in the womb: (BORI: 1-098-14)
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Because you spoke thus at such a time, one desired by all beings, you will enter prolonged darkness. (BORI: 1-098-15)
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Thus, because of the curse, he was born as the sage named Dirghatamas, of the greatly renowned Brihaspati and equal to Brihaspati in vigor. (BORI: 1-098-16)
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The illustrious one then fathered sons, Gautama and others, to perpetuate the family line of the sage Utathya. (BORI: 1-098-17)
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Overcome by greed and delusion, his sons, Gautama and the others, placed him in a wooden chest and cast him into the Ganges. (BORI: 1-098-18)
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Thinking, “This blind old man should not have to be supported,” those cruel men then returned to their homes. (BORI: 1-098-19)
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Then, O king, the blind sage floated downstream from there on that raft and passed through a great many lands. (BORI: 1-098-20)
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But King Bali, who was versed in every dharma, had gone to bathe and saw him carried near by the current. (BORI: 1-098-21)
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The righteous Bali, a man of unfailing prowess, caught hold of him; and after recognizing him, he petitioned him for sons, O best of men. (BORI: 1-098-22)
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Highly blessed one, bestower of honor, for the continuation of my line, you should beget sons by my wives who are skilled in righteousness and worldly affairs. (BORI: 1-098-23)
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Thus addressed, the radiant sage replied, “So be it.” The king then sent him his own wife, Sudeṣṇā. (BORI: 1-098-24)
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Thinking him blind and old, the queen did not go. Instead, she sent her own nursemaid to the old man. (BORI: 1-098-25)
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With her, a woman of Shudra birth, the righteous, self-controlled sage fathered exactly eleven sons, Kakshivat and the others. (BORI: 1-098-26)
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Seeing all those sons, Kākṣīvat and the others, studying, the valiant king said to the sage, “These are mine.” (BORI: 1-098-27)
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“No,” the great seer said to him. “These are mine. Kākṣīvat and the others were born to me from a woman of the Śūdra caste.” (BORI: 1-098-28)
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Thinking me blind and old, your queen Sudeṣṇā foolishly treated me with contempt and gave me a Śūdra maidservant. (BORI: 1-098-29)
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Then Bali once more appeased that best of sages and again sent him his wife Sudeṣṇā. (BORI: 1-098-30)
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After touching the queen on her limbs, Dīrghatamas said to her, “You will have a radiant son who speaks the truth.” (BORI: 1-098-31)
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There a royal sage named Anga was born to Sudeshna. In the same way, other mighty bowmen—Kshatriyas fathered by Brahmins on earth—… (BORI: 1-098-32)
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They were born with the highest knowledge of dharma, valiant and immensely powerful. Having heard this, you too, Mother, do as you wish in this matter. (BORI: 1-098-33)
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Arjuna’s thousand arms were indeed severed, and through him a duty to the world was fulfilled that is said to be exceedingly difficult. (KUMB: 1-113-2; NILA: 01.104.002)
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Thus, when that great seer had made the world devoid of Kshatriyas, then, through all the Kshatriya women everywhere coming together… (KUMB: 1-113-5; NILA: 01.104.005)
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Then the Kshatriya order arose again at that time. In this connection, I shall tell this ancient tale. (KUMB: 1-113-8; NILA: 01.104.008)
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“Your seed is unfailing, and you should not cause distress.” But without heeding those words of the one in the womb, Brihaspati… (KUMB: 1-113-17; NILA: 01.104.017)
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He approached the lovely-eyed Mamatā for intercourse. Then, perceiving the emission of semen, the sage in her womb… (KUMB: 1-113-18; NILA: 01.104.018)
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With his feet he blocked the path of Brihaspati’s semen. Then that semen, obstructed and unable to reach its destination... (KUMB: 1-113-19; NILA: 01.104.019)
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Shukra suddenly fell to the ground. Then Brihaspati, enraged at seeing Shukra fallen, cursed him in his fury. (KUMB: 1-113-20; NILA: 01.104.020)
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Born blind because of the renowned Bṛhaspati, he was wise, learned in the Veda, and as powerful as Bṛhaspati; through his learning, he obtained a wife. (KUMB: 1-113-23; NILA: 01.104.023)
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…a young, beautiful Brahmin woman named Pradveshi. The illustrious man begot sons, including Gautama, … (KUMB: 1-113-24; NILA: 01.104.024)
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Then, for the continuation and growth of the sage Ucathya’s line, the righteous and great-souled master of the Vedas and Vedāṅgas… (KUMB: 1-113-25; NILA: 01.104.025)
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Having learned the entire law of cattle from Saurabheya, the sage then faithfully set about observing it without hesitation. (KUMB: 1-113-26; NILA: 01.104.026)
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Then, seeing him transgress the bounds of propriety, the foremost sages—all the residents of that hermitage—were angered and overcome by delusion: (KUMB: 1-113-27; NILA: 01.104.027)
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“Ah, he has violated the bounds of propriety and is unfit to live in the hermitage. Therefore, we shall all cast out this sinful man.” (KUMB: 1-113-28; NILA: 01.104.028)
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Having spoken thus among themselves about the sage Dīrghatamas … Even after obtaining sons, his wife was not pleased with her husband then. (KUMB: 1-113-29; NILA: 01.104.029)
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Her husband said to his wife, who hated him, “Why do you hate me?” Pradveshi replied, “One is known as a husband because he supports his wife, and as her lord because he protects her.” (KUMB: 1-113-30; KUMB: 1-113-30क्ष्; NILA: 01.104.030)
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I am unable to support you, blind from birth, together with your sons. At that point, worn down by constant toil, I could no longer maintain you, O great ascetic. (KUMB: 1-113-31; NILA: 01.104.031)
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Bhishma said: Hearing those words of hers, the enraged sage then replied to his wife Pradveshi in the presence of their sons: (KUMB: 1-113-32क्ष्; KUMB: 1-113-32; NILA: 01.104.032)
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“Let me be taken to a Kshatriya family, and wealth will come of it.” Pradveshi said, “Brahmin, I do not want wealth given by you, for it would be a cause of sorrow.” (KUMB: 1-113-33; KUMB: 1-113-33क्ष्; NILA: 01.104.033)
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“Do as you please, foremost of Brahmins; I am not afraid of you as I once was.” Dirghatamas said, “From this day forth, I establish this rule in the world:” (KUMB: 1-113-34; KUMB: 1-113-34क्ष्; NILA: 01.104.034)
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A woman shall have only one husband as her refuge throughout her life; whether he is dead or alive, she shall not take another man. (KUMB: 1-113-35; NILA: 01.104.035)
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A woman who goes to another man will fall—there is no doubt. From this day onward, this is a sin even for women without husbands. (KUMB: 1-113-36; NILA: 01.104.036)
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Even if they possess every kind of wealth, may their enjoyment of it be in vain; may infamy and reproach always be theirs. (KUMB: 1-113-37; NILA: 01.104.037)
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Hearing those words, the Brahmin woman became fiercely enraged and said, “Sons, take this man to the Ganges.” (KUMB: 1-113-38; NILA: 01.104.038)
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After honoring the sage and allowing him to rest, the royal seer said to him, “Fortunate one, bestower of honor, for the sake of continuing my line, you should beget upon my wives sons skilled in dharma and the pursuit of prosperity.” (KUMB: 1-113-44)
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Aṅga, Vaṅga, Kaliṅga, Puṇḍra, and Suhma were your sons. Their lands on earth are said to have been named after them. (KUMB: 1-113-53; NILA: 01.104.053)
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Aṅga became the land of Aṅga, Vaṅga was known as the land of Vaṅga, and the territory of Kaliṅga was likewise known as the territory of Kaliṅga. (KUMB: 1-113-54; NILA: 01.104.054)
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The Puṇḍras were renowned as descendants of Puṇḍra, and the Suhmas were known as descendants of Suhma. Thus in ancient times Bali’s lineage, born of the great sage, became renowned. (KUMB: 1-113-55; NILA: 01.104.055)
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Once again, Mother, I shall tell you a sure means of increasing the progeny of Bharata’s line. Listen as I explain it. (BORI: 1-099-1)
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Let some virtuous Brahmin be invited with wealth, one who might beget offspring upon Vichitravirya’s wives. (BORI: 1-099-2)
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Then Satyavati, her voice faltering, spoke these words to Bhishma with a bashful, almost playful smile: (BORI: 1-099-3)
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What you say is true, mighty-armed Bharata. Because I trust you, and for the continuation of the family, I shall tell you. I cannot keep it from you, for this crisis is of such a kind. (BORI: 1-099-4)
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You alone are righteousness in our family; you are truth and our highest refuge. Therefore, hear my words and then do what must be done. (BORI: 1-099-5)
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O righteous one, my father, who was devoted to dharma, had a ferryboat. Once, in my early youth, I went there. (BORI: 1-099-6)
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Then the wise Parashara, the great seer and foremost of those who uphold dharma, came to the boat, intending to cross the river Yamuna. (BORI: 1-099-7)
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As he was being ferried across the Yamuna, that foremost sage, tormented by desire, approached me and spoke at length in sweet, conciliatory words. (BORI: 1-099-8)
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Fearing both his curse and my father, O Bharata, and having been promised boons difficult to obtain, I did not dare refuse him. (BORI: 1-099-9)
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Overpowering me, a mere girl, with his potency, he brought me under his control, O Bharata, enveloping the world in darkness while I was still in the boat. (BORI: 1-099-10)
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Formerly I had a strong, repulsive smell of fish; that sage removed it and gave me this pleasant fragrance. (BORI: 1-099-11)
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Then the sage said to me, “After giving birth to my child on an island in this very river, you will again be a virgin.” (BORI: 1-099-12)
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That great yogi, the son of Parāśara, became a great seer. Born to me while I was still a maiden, he was formerly known as Dvaipāyana. (BORI: 1-099-13)
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That venerable sage, having through austerity divided the Vedas into four, came to be called Vyasa in the world, and Krishna because of his dark complexion. (BORI: 1-099-14)
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Truthful, devoted to self-restraint, ascetic, and cleansed of sin, he will surely, when appointed by me and by you, O Bhishma of immeasurable splendor, beget worthy offspring on your brother’s wives. (BORI: 1-099-15)
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For he told me then, “Remember me when there is something to be done.” I shall remember him, mighty-armed Bhishma, if you so desire. (BORI: 1-099-16)
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For with your consent, Bhishma, that great ascetic will surely beget sons upon the wives of Vichitravirya. (BORI: 1-099-17)
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At the mention of that great seer, Bhishma joined his palms and said, “Whoever considers these three—dharma, material gain, and pleasure—…” (BORI: 1-099-18)
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A wise man is one who, after carefully considering wealth and its consequences, righteousness and its consequences, pleasure and its consequences, and their respective opposites, reaches a sound decision. (BORI: 1-099-19)
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What you have said is in accord with dharma and beneficial to our family; it is the highest good and pleases me. (BORI: 1-099-20)
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Then, when Bhishma had made this promise, O descendant of Kuru, Kali thought of the sage Krishna Dvaipayana. (BORI: 1-099-21)
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That wise man, while expounding the Vedas, perceived his mother’s thought and appeared there unannounced within a moment, O descendant of Kuru. (BORI: 1-099-22)
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She then duly honored her son, embraced him in her arms, and bathed him with the milk flowing from her breasts. Seeing her son again after so long, the fisherman's daughter shed tears. (BORI: 1-099-23)
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The great seer Vyasa, her firstborn son, sprinkled the distressed woman with water, saluted his mother, and said: (BORI: 1-099-24)
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I have come to do what you desire. Command me, O knower of the essence of dharma, and I shall do what pleases you. (BORI: 1-099-25)
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Then the priest paid homage to that great seer, and he accepted it in due form, with the prescribed mantras. (BORI: 1-099-26)
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After asking him, once he was seated, about his continued well-being, his mother Satyavati looked at him and then said: (BORI: 1-099-27)
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Sons are born jointly to their mother and father, O sage. Just as their father has authority over them, so does their mother—of this there is no doubt. (BORI: 1-099-28)
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Just as you, ordained by the Creator, are my first son, so Vichitravirya, O Brahmarshi, is my younger son. (BORI: 1-099-29)
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Just as Bhishma is Vichitravirya’s brother on his father’s side, so are you his brother on his mother’s side—or consider it as you will, my son. (BORI: 1-099-30)
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This son of Shantanu, true in valor and steadfastly upholding his word, will not set his mind on having children or on governing the kingdom. (BORI: 1-099-31)
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Therefore, sinless one, out of regard for your brother and for the continuation of the family, at this Bhishma’s word and at my command... (BORI: 1-099-32)
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Out of compassion for all beings, for the protection of them all, and out of kindness, you ought to hear what I tell you and carry it out. (BORI: 1-099-33)
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your younger brother’s two wives, who resemble daughters of the gods, are endowed with beauty and youth, and rightfully desire sons… (BORI: 1-099-34)
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Beget offspring by both of them, my son, for you are capable—offspring worthy of this family and of its continuation and propagation. (BORI: 1-099-35)
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You know, Satyavati, both higher and lower dharma, and, O knower of dharma, how your mind is fixed on dharma. (BORI: 1-099-36)
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Therefore, at your command and for the sake of dharma, I will do as you desire, for this is an ancient, established practice. (BORI: 1-099-37)
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I shall provide my brother with sons equal to Mitra and Varuna. Let those two queens observe the vow I have prescribed here… (BORI: 1-099-38)
[PV-KDV:01_014_129]
for one year, in accordance with the prescribed rule; then they will be purified. For no woman who has not undertaken the vow should approach me. (BORI: 1-099-39)
[PV-KDV:01_014_130]
Make it so that the queen conceives at once. In realms without a king, there is neither rain nor the presence of the gods. (BORI: 1-099-40)
[PV-KDV:01_014_131]
How can a kingdom without a king be sustained, lord? Therefore, beget a child; Bhishma will raise him. (BORI: 1-099-41)
[PV-KDV:01_014_132]
If I must provide a son at once, without waiting for the proper time, let her endure my ugliness; that will be her highest vow. (BORI: 1-099-42)
[PV-KDV:01_014_133]
If she can endure my smell, appearance, attire, and body, then let Kausalyā conceive an extraordinary child this very day. (BORI: 1-099-43)
[PV-KDV:01_014_134]
Thus the sage, desiring the union, vanished. Then the queen approached her daughter-in-law in private and spoke to her words that accorded with dharma, served their purpose, and were for her good. (BORI: 1-099-44)
[PV-KDV:01_014_135]
Kausalya, heed what I tell you concerning dharma. The extinction of the Bharatas is clearly due to the waning of my good fortune. (BORI: 1-099-45)
[PV-KDV:01_014_136]
Seeing me distressed and the ancestral line in dire straits, Bhishma gave me this counsel in the matter, for the furtherance of dharma. (BORI: 1-099-46)
[PV-KDV:01_014_137]
I know, daughter, that this plan rests with you. Restore the fallen Bharata line once more. (BORI: 1-099-47)
[PV-KDV:01_014_138]
Bear a son, fair-hipped one, whose splendor equals that of the king of the gods; for he will bear the heavy burden of governing our lineage. (BORI: 1-099-48)
[PV-KDV:01_014_139]
Having somehow persuaded that virtuous woman on grounds of duty, she fed Brahmins, divine seers, and guests. (BORI: 1-099-49)
[PV-KDV:01_014_140]
But after hearing Bhishma’s words, which were grounded in righteousness and reason, his mother Satyavati spoke to him again. (KUMB: 1-114-3)
[PV-SVO:01_014_141]
What has been related concerning Aucathya and Aṅga is an ancient tradition. The proper time has now come; do this. (KUMB: 1-114-4)
[PV-SVO:01_014_142]
For you, my son, are the eldest and foremost of this lineage, O Bharata. Just as your father’s command must be carried out, so must mine, O sinless one. (KUMB: 1-114-5)
[PV-SVO:01_014_143]
My son, that descendant of Bharata—your younger brother, who was very dear to you—went to heaven while still a boy, O bull of Bharata’s line. (KUMB: 1-114-6)
[PV-SVO:01_014_144]
Here are his two chief queens, both daughters of the king of Kashi, endowed with beauty and youth and desirous of sons, O Bharata. (KUMB: 1-114-7)
[PV-SVO:01_014_145]
Knowing that this is supremely righteous and for the continuation of the lineage, you should, at my command, perform this duty with these two women. (KUMB: 1-114-8)
[PV-SVO:01_014_146]
Without doubt, Mother, what you have declared is the highest dharma. But you too know the vow that binds me. (KUMB: 1-114-9)
[PV-SVO:01_014_147]
I might give up my life for the sake of immortality or dominion over the three worlds, but never the truth. (KUMB: 1-114-10)
[PV-SVO:01_014_148]
I know your devotion to truth, O knower of dharma, O you of unfailing prowess. If you wished, you could create three other worlds here, O subduer of foes. (KUMB: 1-114-11)
[PV-SVO:01_014_149]
You should act in such a way that neither our lineage nor dharma suffers defeat, and that our friends may rejoice. (KUMB: 1-114-12)
[PV-SVO:01_014_150]
You alone are the elder of the family, and the greatest responsibility rests with you. You should tell us the best means of continuing the family line. (KUMB: 1-114-13)
[PV-SVO:01_014_151]
For women always keep the deepest secrets of a family, and win men over by their many stratagems. (KUMB: 1-114-14)
[PV-SVO:01_014_152]
So, O Satyavati, devoted to truth, consider a righteous course by which I need not forsake truth and our lineage may not perish. (KUMB: 1-114-15)
[PV-SVO:01_014_153]
Whatever you say must be done by us—this is my conviction. Therefore, hear the truth from me and then do what follows. Bhishma, listen to my beneficial words, which accord with dharma and advantage. (KUMB: 1-114-19)
[PV-SVO:01_014_154]
And you must not reveal what has been told to you in confidence. You have heard of the king named Vasu, O bull of the Bharatas... (KUMB: 1-114-20)
[PV-SVO:01_014_155]
From his seed, I was once, they say, carried in the womb of a fish. A fisherman, supremely versed in dharma, took my mother from the water… (KUMB: 1-114-21)
[PV-SVO:01_014_156]
But he took me to his own home and raised me as his daughter. Righteous himself, he became my father in accordance with dharma. (KUMB: 1-114-22)
[PV-SVO:01_014_157]
While being ferried across the Yamuna, that foremost of sages approached me and, overcome with desire, spoke sweet, conciliatory words, telling me of my birth and lineage and saying, “You are not a fisherman’s daughter.” (KUMB: 1-114-25; NILA: 01.105.009)
[PV-SVO:01_014_158]
But seeing those illustrious sages standing on the opposite shore, arrayed along the bank of the Yamuna like blazing fires… (KUMB: 1-114-27)
[PV-SVO:01_014_159]
And ahead, the youthful Aruṇa shines forth; through him, the sky has opened wide as though clothed in copper. (KUMB: 1-114-28)
[PV-SVO:01_014_160]
As soon as I had spoken to him, the lord Parashara, steadfast in his resolve, created a mist there on an island in the waters of the Yamuna. (KUMB: 1-114-29)
[PV-SVO:01_014_161]
Pleased, the learned ascetic rich in austerity also restored my virginity. Seeing the great-souled man’s power thus displayed… (KUMB: 1-114-33)
[PV-SVO:01_014_162]
Astonished and distressed, I gave myself to him. Then, O Bharata, the great-souled Parashara, overjoyed, begot a son by me while I was still a maiden, there on the island itself. (KUMB: 1-114-34)
[PV-SVO:01_014_163]
Truthful, devoted to tranquility, an ascetic whose sins had been burned away, that great one was born at once and then departed with his father. (KUMB: 1-114-37; NILA: 01.105.016)
[PV-SVO:01_014_164]
When that great seer was mentioned, Bhishma joined his palms and said, “You know the proper place and time; let it be done to accomplish our purpose.” (KUMB: 1-114-41)
[PV-SVO:01_014_165]
After he had been duly honored with invocations, he was pleased. Once he had taken his seat, his mother, having inquired after his continued well-being... (KUMB: 1-114-51; NILA: 01.105.030)
[PV-SVO:01_014_166]
In kingdoms without a king, the people, left without protection, perish. All rites fail, there is no rain, and the deities are absent. (KUMB: 1-114-65; NILA: 01.105.044)
[PV-SVO:01_014_167]
He too will have a hundred sons, without doubt—protectors of the Kuru line and dispellers of your grief. (KUMB: 1-114-69)
[PV-SVO:01_014_168]
Having spoken thus to Satyavati, the greatly radiant Vyasa then… And Kausalya, dressed in clean garments and adorned, was on her bed… (KUMB: 1-114-70; NILA: 01.105.048)
[PV-SVO:01_014_169]
“For he will bear the heavy burden of kingship for our family.” Having thus spoken to her daughter-in-law, Queen Satyavati then… (KUMB: 1-114-76)
[PV-SVO:01_014_170]
Then, at the proper time, as Satyavati settled her daughter-in-law—who had bathed after her menstrual period—upon the bed, she spoke softly: (BORI: 1-100-1)
[PV-KDV:01_014_171]
Kausalyā, you have a brother-in-law. He will come to you today. Remain vigilant and wait for him; he will arrive at midnight. (BORI: 1-100-2)
[PV-KDV:01_014_172]
Having heard her mother-in-law’s words, she lay upon a splendid bed and then thought of Bhishma and the other foremost Kurus. (BORI: 1-100-3)
[PV-KDV:01_014_173]
Then the truth-speaking sage, first appointed to Ambikā, entered her bedchamber while the lamps were burning. (BORI: 1-100-4)
[PV-KDV:01_014_174]
Seeing the tawny matted locks, blazing eyes, and brown beard of that dark-skinned man, the queen closed her eyes. (BORI: 1-100-5)
[PV-KDV:01_014_175]
That night he lay with her, wishing to please his mother; but the daughter of Kāśī was too frightened to look at him. (BORI: 1-100-6)
[PV-KDV:01_014_176]
Then his mother approached her son as he came out and said, “My son, will a virtuous prince be born to her?” (BORI: 1-100-7)
[PV-KDV:01_014_177]
Hearing his mother’s words, Vyasa, supremely wise and possessed of knowledge beyond the senses, spoke, impelled by destiny: (BORI: 1-100-8)
[PV-KDV:01_014_178]
He will have the strength of ten thousand elephants and will be a learned man. (BORI: 1-100-9A)
[PV-PAX:01_014_179]
The foremost of royal sages, greatly blessed, immensely valiant, and highly intelligent. (BORI: 1-100-9B)
[PV-KDV:01_014_180]
He too will have a hundred mighty sons; (BORI: 1-100-10A)
[PV-PAX:01_014_181]
but because of a defect in his mother, he himself will be blind. (BORI: 1-100-10B)
[PV-KDV:01_014_182]
Hearing those words of his, the mother then said to her son, “A blind man is not fit to be king of the Kurus, O ascetic.” (BORI: 1-100-11)
[PV-KDV:01_014_183]
You should give us a second king for the Kuru dynasty, a protector of the family line who will perpetuate the lineage of his ancestors. (BORI: 1-100-12)
[PV-KDV:01_014_184]
The great ascetic promised, “So be it,” and departed. In due course, Kausalya gave birth to that blind son. (BORI: 1-100-13)
[PV-KDV:01_014_185]
Then, after reproaching her daughter-in-law, the truthful and blameless queen once again summoned the sage as before. (BORI: 1-100-14)
[PV-KDV:01_014_186]
Then, following the same procedure, the great sage went to her and approached Ambalika. When she saw him, she too became dejected and pale, O Bharata. (BORI: 1-100-15)
[PV-KDV:01_014_187]
Seeing her frightened, pale, and distressed, O king, Vyasa, the son of Satyavati, spoke these words: (BORI: 1-100-16)
[PV-KDV:01_014_188]
Because you turned pale when you saw my misshapen appearance, this son of yours will therefore be pale. (BORI: 1-100-17)
[PV-KDV:01_014_189]
“And here his name shall be that very same, fair-faced one.” Having said this, the venerable sage, best of seers, departed. (BORI: 1-100-18)
[PV-KDV:01_014_190]
Then, seeing that he had come out, Satya spoke to her son. He in turn told his mother of the child’s pallor. (BORI: 1-100-19)
[PV-OTH:01_014_191]
His mother again asked him for another son, and the great seer replied to his mother, “So be it.” (BORI: 1-100-20)
[PV-KDV:01_014_192]
Then, in due course, the queen gave birth to a son, Pandu, endowed with auspicious marks and radiant with splendor. His sons were the five Pandavas, mighty archers. (BORI: 1-100-21)
[PV-OTH:01_014_193]
Then, when her fertile time came, she appointed the elder daughter-in-law to him. But, recalling that great sage’s appearance and smell, the woman, who was like a daughter of the gods, was too afraid to obey the queen’s command. (BORI: 1-100-22)
[PV-KDV:01_014_194]
Then the daughter of the king of Kashi adorned a maidservant with her own ornaments, making her look like an Apsaras, and sent her to Krishna. (BORI: 1-100-23)
[PV-KDV:01_014_195]
The maid went out to meet the sage when he arrived and saluted him. With his permission, she lay with him and attended him with due honor. (BORI: 1-100-24)
[PV-KDV:01_014_196]
The sage found satisfaction in making love to her, and the great seer spent the night with her as she delighted him. (BORI: 1-100-25)
[PV-KDV:01_014_197]
As he rose, he said to her, “You will no longer be a slave. And, fair one, the glorious child who has entered your womb will be righteous and foremost among all the wise in the world.” (BORI: 1-100-26)
[PV-KDV:01_014_198]
He was born as Vidura, the son of Krishna Dvaipayana, the immensely wise brother of Dhritarashtra and Pandu. (BORI: 1-100-27)
[PV-PAX:01_014_199]
Dharma, in the form of Vidura because of the curse of the great-souled Mandavya, knowing the true nature of things and free from desire and anger… (BORI: 1-100-28)
[PV-PAX:01_014_200]
Having thus fulfilled his duty, he met his mother again, informed her of the pregnancy, and vanished on the spot. (BORI: 1-100-29)
[PV-KDV:01_014_201]
Thus, in Vichitravirya’s widows, through Dvaipayana, were born sons who shone like the offspring of gods and increased the Kuru lineage. (BORI: 1-100-30)
[PV-KDV:01_014_202]
Then, at midnight, when nearly everyone was asleep and the lamps were still burning, the venerable seer entered the chamber. (KUMB: 1-115-4)
[PV-SVO:01_014_203]
Seeing him, Kausalya, unaccustomed to so dreadful a sight, was terrified by his deformity; she shrank away and sat with her eyes closed. (KUMB: 1-115-6)
[PV-SVO:01_014_204]
For he was ugly, with matted hair, of poor complexion, rough and emaciated; he smelled foul and was altogether forbidding. (KUMB: 1-115-7)
[PV-SVO:01_014_205]
a protector of the family line, a perpetuator of the ancestors’ lineage, and, through the other woman as well, once again a dispeller of my grief… (KUMB: 1-115-15)
[PV-SVO:01_014_206]
Therefore beget another son, younger than him, who will be a king. This younger wife of your brother is endowed with beauty and youth. (KUMB: 1-115-16)
[PV-SVO:01_014_207]
Satyavati summoned Ambalika and once again charged her son with begetting a child on her, to continue the lineage. (KUMB: 1-115-20)
[PV-SVO:01_014_208]
The virtuous Ambalika, despondent and seated on a splendid bed, wondered, “Who will come?” as she awaited the appointed time. (KUMB: 1-115-21)
[PV-SVO:01_014_209]
The prince will be exceedingly valiant and renowned throughout the regions, but his complexion will be pale because of his mother’s fault. (KUMB: 1-115-28)
[PV-SVO:01_014_210]
“He will indeed have five mighty archer sons here.” Having said this to his mother, he bowed to her and departed. (KUMB: 1-115-29)
[PV-SVO:01_014_211]
whose five sons, the mighty-archer Pāṇḍavas, were born. All the birth rites for both of them, duly and in proper sequence… (KUMB: 1-115-32)
[PV-SVO:01_014_212]
Bhishma had them performed by Brahmins versed in the Vedas. Seeing that Ambika’s son had been born blind, Satyavati… (KUMB: 1-115-33)
[PV-SVO:01_014_213]
Summoning her son on Kausalya’s behalf, she asked for another son: “This one is blind. I desire another—a fine son by Kausalya.” (KUMB: 1-115-34)
[PV-SVO:01_014_214]
Thus addressed, the great seer replied to his mother, “If Kausalya will once again be self-controlled and pure…” (KUMB: 1-115-35)
[PV-SVO:01_014_215]
She will have a son who knows the true meaning of the Dharmaśāstra. Having reassured her daughter-in-law, Satyavati once again… (KUMB: 1-115-36)
[PV-SVO:01_014_216]
With permission, she entered and respectfully attended him with words, gestures, offerings, and bodily contact. (KUMB: 1-115-40)
[PV-SVO:01_014_217]
Krishna Dvaipayana also reported all this to Satyavati—the deception practiced upon him and the birth of a son to the Shudra woman. (KUMB: 1-115-45; NILA: 01.106.030)
[PV-SVO:01_014_218]