Episode 21 — The Curse of Sage Kindama

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Recap

Pandu begins his forest exile with Kunti and Madri, choosing renunciation over the throne for the sake of Hastinapura’s stability. Meanwhile in Hastinapura, Dhritarashtra and Gandhari begin their married life as Kuru elders anticipate successors. Unknown to everyone, destiny prepares a turning point for Pandu in the wilderness.

Pandu Hunts in the Forest — The Curse of Sage Kindama

Pandu walks through the forest with his bow, admiring the abundance of wildlife. He notices a deer at a distance. He draws his arrow and shoots. The stag collapses, crying out — not as an animal, but as a sage in agony. As Pandu draws closer, he notices his companion also transform into human form.

The sage reveals himself as Rishi Kindama, who had assumed the form of a deer to mate with his wife.

Pandu is shocked.

Kindama :

You struck me when I was in union with my wife. You have destroyed us at a sacred moment.

Pandu :

Forgive me, revered one. I did not know. I saw only one deer. Your form was hidden. It was not deliberate.

But the sage refuses clemency.

Kindama :

Because you killed me in the moment of intimacy, the same fate shall befall you. The moment you unite with a wife, you shall die.

The sage and his wife perish, leaving Pandu tormented by guilt.

Pandu Returns to the Camp — A Night of Shock

Kunti and Madri wait, having prepared the space for their first night together in exile. Pandu returns distraught and pushes everything aside.

Kunti :

What happened? Sage Vyasa marked today as auspicious for our union.

Pandu :

Auspicious? There is no future for us now. Only death.

He tells them of the curse. Kunti and Madri try to comfort him.

Madri :

Marriage is not only about physical union. We want to live with you, no matter what.

Pandu :

I deserve punishment for my thoughtless act. But you two are innocent and yet must suffer with me.

Kunti wonders privately whether abandoning her newborn long ago has brought karmic consequences.

Hastinapura Reacts — Hope and Uncertainty

Back in Hastinapura, Dhritarashtra and Gandhari rejoice in their pregnancy, confident their child will inherit the throne.

Pandu, meanwhile, dismisses the attendants who accompanied him, choosing isolation.

The courtier returns to the palace and delivers the news to Bhishma, Satyavati, and Vidura.

Satyavati is shaken.

Satyavati :

How will Vyasa’s prophecy of five sons come true now?

Bhishma :

Vyasa’s words never fail. The path will reveal itself.

Shakuni Hears the News — A Turn in Fate

Shakuni practices dice-throwing, refining the skill of controlling outcomes. He hears of Pandu’s curse and is pleased, sensing a shift in power.

He meets Gandhari, congratulates her, and expresses confidence that her sons will rule Hastinapura.

The news of Gandhari’s pregnancy reaches Pandu, deepening his despair.

Pandu :

I rejoice for my brother, but it also reminds me of what I have lost.

Kunti Reveals the Mantra — The Path to Children

Kunti reflects on her past—the divine mantra from Sage Durvasa, and the child she abandoned.

Pandu joins her.

Pandu :

My curse denies you motherhood, and that pains me the most.

Kunti :

Not all pregnancies bring joy to everyone. Some become burdens.

She hints at her past.

Kunti :

A friend once received a mantra to summon gods for children, but she feared using it.

Pandu :

There is no reason for doubt. Even I was born through divine grace, as were Dhritarashtra and Vidura. Vyasa himself was born through such a divine union.

Kunti finally speaks the truth.

Kunti :

It was not a friend… it was me. I have the mantra.

Pandu :

You have given me hope again. Now we must decide which god to call first.

Kunti tries to explain there is more to tell — but Pandu is already focused on the future.

Invocation of Dharma — The First Divine Birth Begins

The couple fast, pray, and perform ritual worship. Pandu chooses to summon Dharma as the first deity.

Dharma appears, and they bow to him.

Meanwhile in Hastinapura, the news of Kunti's pregnancy arrives. Bhishma and Satyavati rejoice. Shakuni informs Dhritarashtra, who remains confident that Gandhari, having conceived first, will bear the heir apparent.

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