23. Pandu's Death : Episode 23

Recap

Yudhishtra is born in the forest through Dharmadeva’s blessing, while in Hastinapura Dhritarashtra seethes as Pandu’s son becomes heir by birthright. Gandhari forces premature labour, leading to Duryodhana’s ominous birth and the creation of the Kauravas through Vyasa’s intervention. Despite dire astrological warnings, Dhritarashtra refuses to forsake his son. Bhima is then born through Vayu’s blessing, and on the same night in Mathura, Krishna is secretly carried to safety in Gokula.

Vasudeva Crosses Yamuna With the Divine Child

The prison gates open by themselves. Vasudeva carries the newborn Krishna in a basket above his head and steps into the flooded Yamuna. Serpent Adisesha spreads his hood like a canopy against the storm. Reaching Gokula, he exchanges the child with Yashoda’s newborn daughter and quietly returns to Mathura, unnoticed by guards or Kamsa.

When Kamsa awakens, he seizes the infant despite Devaki’s pleas and throws her into the air. The baby vanishes and appears as Yogamaya. She declares that Vishnu has already taken birth elsewhere and warns that Kamsa, once Kalanemi, will meet his end unless he reforms.

Indra Blesses Kunti With Arjuna

In the forest hermitage, Pandu and Kunti resume their austerities in honour of Indra. The god appears and promises a child famed across the three worlds—one who will earn Pasupata Astra from Shiva, perform Ashwamedha Yagna, and be known as Arjuna.

At Mathura, the demoness Putana arrives to aid Kamsa. Ordered to destroy newborns, she travels to Gokula disguised as Yashoda and attempts to breastfeed the child with poisoned milk. Krishna kills her, and the villagers are shocked to find the universe reflected in the infant’s mouth.

Madri’s Sons and Pandu’s Death

Madri watches Kunti’s children play and yearns for her share of motherhood. At Pandu’s request, Kunti shares Durvasa’s mantra. The Ashwini twins bless Madri with twin sons.

Later, when Madri is alone, Pandu approaches her with affection. Despite her hesitation, he embraces her—and the curse takes effect. Madri emerges weeping and leads Kunti inside, where Pandu lies lifeless.

Krishna Subdues Kalinga

A terrified boy reports seeing a serpent swallow a man near the river. Krishna, now about seven years of age, rushes to the banks, climbs onto the serpent’s hoods, and dances until Kalinga surrenders. Krishna commands him to leave the Yamuna for the sea and assures protection from Garuda. Krishna returns to loving embraces from Balarama, Rohini, Yashoda, and Nanda.

Karna Receives a Boon From Surya

On the riverbank, Karna, raised by Adiratha and Radha, worships the Sun with devotion. A mendicant demands the milk kept aside for offering. Radha hesitates, but Karna offers it freely. The mendicant reveals himself as Surya and grants Karna a boon: a generous heart that never refuses alms. Adiratha and Radha rejoice at their son's noble spirit.