Recap In the previous episode, Pandu returns to Hastinapura after his successful conquest, receiving widespread praise. Dhritarashtra grows increasingly resentful, and Shakuni begins deepening the rift between the brothers. Meanwhile, Kamsa murders Devaki’s firstborn and imprisons the couple, setting the stage for a divine confrontation. Kamsa Visits Devaki and Vasudeva Devaki and Vasudeva are thrown into prison under heavy guard. Kamsa enters the cell with mocking affection. He warns the guards that no one is to approach the couple without his permission and that any attempt to escape will bring fatal punishment. He taunts them: “Live together peacefully here in your own little palace. Give me children—my nephews. I am eager to meet them.” His words hang with cruelty disguised as jest. Vidura’s Marriage & Satyavati’s Concerns Vidura’s marriage to Sulabha is conducted in the palace with elders, including Sage Vyasa, in attendance. After the ceremony, Vyasa meets Satyavati...

Recap In the previous episode, Kamsa received the prophecy that Devaki’s eighth child would bring his end. Distrust and fear begin to take root, even as the political landscape in Hastinapura shifts with Pandu’s rising reputation and Dhritarashtra’s insecurity. Kamsa Learns the Truth of His Birth Kamsa sits alone in his chamber when a bat screeches and flies out into the night. He follows it to a desolate cave where a grotesque spirit appears. Ghost: I am your true father. It was me who warned you of Devaki’s child. He reveals that he is Thirumilan, once a demon who assumed Ugrasena’s form to seduce Padmavathi. When she discovered the deception, she cursed that the child born of that union would perish at the hands of a Yadava prince. Stunned and shaken, Kamsa returns to the palace. Overcome by fear, he seizes Devaki’s newborn child and kills it himself. He then orders Devaki and Vasudeva to be imprisoned. Devaki : (pleading): He is just a child... Kamsa : Let destiny come to...

A Divine Warning The conversation in Vaikuntha continues. Vishnu sits in serene yogic rest upon Adisesha, but His gaze is alert. Bhoodevi and Sridevi worry aloud about the growing suffering on earth. In response, Vishnu calls Brahma to appear before them. Brahma explains the rising darkness in Mathura under Kamsa’s rule, and another tide of adharma stirring far away at Hastinapura—where a powerful yet misguided heir will be born, leading to conflict between Kauravas and Pandavas. Whenever adharma ascends the throne, Vishnu must descend. Bhoodevi and Sridevi now understand that even they will take birth on earth to accompany Him when the moment comes. Side Note: Rukmini is traditionally considered the incarnation of Sridevi (Lakshmi), representing devotion, grace, and prosperity as Krishna’s chief queen. Satyabhama is considered the incarnation of Bhudevi, reflecting courage, will, and earthly power; she often accompanies Krishna in battles as an active warrior. Mathura Und...

Pandu’s Coronation and Digvijaya The coronation hall is filled with chants and coronation rites. After the ceremony, Pandu seeks blessings from the elders and withdraws to his private chambers, quiet and reflective. Queen Kunti is distressed by his impending departure. Pandu explains that undertaking a military conquest is a kshatriya’s dharma. Kunti asks bluntly if he is doing this only for Dhritarashtra’s sake. Pandu admits that his brother is part of his motivation, but insists that the digvijaya is also his own dream—something he embraces willingly. Pandu then meets Madri to take leave. Madri breaks down, saying she had prayed to the gods for him and now must face separation. She wants to travel with him as Kaikeyi once accompanied Dasharatha. Pandu refuses gently — taking her along is neither safe nor feasible. He visits Bhishma and Satyavati next. Bhishma appreciates his sacrifice in relinquishing the throne. Satyavati thanks him for resolving a political crisis with digni...

Debate Over Succession The palace is preparing for the coronation of Pandu scheduled for the next morning. Bhishma and Queen satyavati oversee the arrangements, ensuring that sages like Vyasa and Parasurama have been personally invited. Vidura arrives quietly, bowing. Vidura : Has anyone informed Dhritarashtra that Pandu will be crowned king? Bhishma expresses surprise. He has assumed Dhritarashtra understood succession by tradition and scripture. Vidura explains that Dhritarashtra is convinced he will be crowned and has long harboured ambitions for the throne. A minister recalls a childhood incident: eight-year-old Dhritarashtra insisted on being addressed as "Prince." The minister complied and started to leave, but when he muttered something about the future of Hastinapura, Dhritarashtra snapped his own pearl necklace and commanded him to gather the fallen pearls — an early flash of entitlement. Concerned, Satyavati summons the royal astrologer. He affir...