Pandu Decides to Go to Forest Again : Episode 19

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, who confesses she is still troubled — by the loss of her sons and by the absence of children for Pandu and Dhritarashtra.

Vyasa reminds her that destiny follows karma.

Vyasa :

Who should have been the rightful emperor of Hastinapura?

Satyavati :

Bhishma.

Vyasa :

Yet your father denied him the throne and bound him to celibacy. What you see now is the fruit of that act.

Satyavati asks how she may be freed from this burden.

Vyasa reassures her that Bhishma will not allow her to suffer and asks that Gandhari and Kunti worship Katyayani for progeny.

Gandhari Prays for Children

Gandhari and Queen Ambika worship Goddess Katyayani with deep devotion and personally serve Sage Vyasa food. Pleased, Vyasa offers Gandhari a boon.

Through tears, she expresses her longing for children.

Vyasa asks how many flowers she used in worship. When she replies "one hundred and one," invoking the goddess with 101 names, he blesses her accordingly: “You will have 101 children.”

Kamsa Imprisons Ugrasena

A senior minister rushes to King Ugrasena, reporting that Kamsa publicly dragged Devaki and Vasudeva through the streets before imprisoning them. Outraged, Ugrasena confronts him.

Seeing Kamsa remorseless, Ugrasena raises his hand in anger and Kamsa orders his arrest. Later, he visits Ugrasena in prison and slaps him, declaring he knows he is not his true son.

Ugrasena is devastated by both the violence and the revelation.

Divine Blessing for Pandu’s Lineage

Pandu and his wives visit Vyasa for blessings. For a moment, Vyasa seems struck by a prophetic vision but composes himself and declares:
“You will be blessed by the gods with five children.”

Elsewhere, in prison, Devaki grieves the loss of her child. Vasudeva consoles her, urging detachment and suggesting they live like ascetics devoted to Narayana rather than continue bearing children.

Pandu’s Dilemma

Pandu confides in Kunti that Dhritarashtra will never accept him as king. Kunti reminds him that Pandu has fulfilled Kshatriya dharma by conquering kingdoms and earning the title of Chakravarthi, but Pandu understands the depth of his brother’s long-held desire.

He decides to seek counsel from elders — but against Kunti’s warnings, he first turns to Shakuni.

Shakuni offers sympathy and subtly condemns Dhritarashtra’s stance. As Pandu departs, Shakuni speaks aloud to his companion Nilavan, loud enough for Pandu to hear, suggesting that Pandu should leave the palace and live in the forest until matters settle.

Pandu stops, takes the bait, and returns to Shakuni.
“Yes. That is the solution. I will go to the forest and let Dhritarashtra rule.”

The decision is made—not by wisdom, but by manipulation.