The Births of Dhritarashtra, Pandu and Vidura: Episode 9

The Births of Dhritarashtra and Pandu

Princess Ambika sits on her bed, anxious and dressed in bridal finery. Sage Vyasa enters her chamber. Horrified by his unkempt, ascetic appearance, Ambika closes her eyes in fright.

The next night, Vyasa approaches Ambalika. She too is alarmed at his appearance and turns pale.

The following morning, maids bring two newborns and lay them before Vyasa as he finishes his prayers. Queen Satyavati beams with joy and asks Vyasa to name them. With his yogic vision, Vyasa names the first child Dhritarashtra, and the second Pandu.

When the Queen insists on knowing their future, Vyasa reluctantly reveals the truth: Ambika’s son, born blind, because she had closed her eyes; Ambalika’s son, pale and short-lived, because she had turned white with fear. p>Satyavati, heartbroken, pleads for one more chance to ensure the Kuru line’s continuity. Vyasa agrees, warning this would be the last time.

The Third Birth

Satyavati’s attendant Sivai informs Ambika that the sage is returning that night. Terrified, Ambika persuades the maid to take her place.

Vyasa’s Vision and Bhishma’s Doubt

Vyasa meets Bhishma to take leave of him.

Bhishma:

You have lifted a heavy burden from my heart. The future of Hastinapur is now secure. Peace will reign again.

Vyasa (smiling):

Peace in Hastinapur?

Bhishma senses the irony. He insists on knowing what lies ahead.

Vyasa:

Even gods cannot change the script of destiny. Knowing the future will only bring you grief.

Bhishma:

Still, I must know. My life belongs to Hastinapur. I can bear any truth.

Vyasa meditates briefly and sprinkles water into the river. Bhishma sees terrible visions — a woman humiliated in the royal court, the clash of swords, rivers of blood.

Bhishma stares in disbelief.

Vyasa:

The most tragic part is that you will witness it, unable to act. Adharma will prevail, and war will drench the land in blood.

Bhishma, shaken, asks who will save them. Vyasa sprinkles water again. Bhishma now sees a divine child — Krishna — playing the flute and lifting his hand in protection. Bhishma bows in devotion as Vyasa departs.

The Birth of Vidura

Meanwhile, Queen Satyavati’s attendant grows pale and weary. When questioned, she confesses that she is pregnant — sired by Vyasa.

Shocked, Satyavati rushes to Vyasa’s hermitage.

Vyasa:

Welcome, Mother. I knew you would come.

Satyavati:

I want no riddles today. Is what my maid says true?

Vyasa:

Yes. Fate rewrote the plan you made.

He recounts how the maid had taken Ambika’s place.

Satyavati:

How can a servant’s child become king?

Vyasa:

Fate chooses wombs, not humans. God alone decides who is born where. We are all players in His cosmic game.

Satyavati, shaken but persistent, asks about the child’s destiny.

Vyasa:

He will be known as Vidura — wise, just, and brave. Though born to a maid, he will surpass kings in knowledge and virtue, yet bear the pain of social rejection. Nothing can alter what is ordained.

Vyasa gently adds, “Mother, perform Vichitraveerya’s funeral rites at last. His soul waits for peace.”