Kunti Returns to Hastinapur with the Five Pandavas : Episode 24

Recap

Vasudeva crosses the stormy Yamuna with the newborn Krishna and secretly exchanges him with Yashoda’s daughter; the child seized by Kamsa reveals herself as Yogamaya and warns of his destined downfall. In the forest, Pandu and Kunti receive Arjuna through Indra’s blessing. Putana’s attempt to poison Krishna ends in her death, revealing his divinity. Madri bears twins through the Ashwini twins, but Pandu dies upon embracing her due to the curse. Krishna later subdues the serpent Kalinga, while young Karna earns Surya’s boon for his generosity.

Pandu's Cremation and Madri’s Final Choice

Pandu’s body rests on the funeral pyre as sages sit in silence and Kunti, Madri, and the children weep. Kunti offers to follow her husband in death, entrusting the children to Madri. Madri refuses—Pandu’s final embrace was hers, and she cannot live bearing that guilt. Though the sages urge both women to live for their sons, Madri insists. The forest women prepare her with turmeric and vermilion, and she ascends the pyre beside Pandu. The flames consume them together, the children watching in stunned grief.

Far away in Hastinapura, news of Pandu’s death reaches Bhishma, Satyavati, and Vidura; Satyavati collapses in shock.

Govardhana and Indra’s Realization

In Gokula, Krishna persuades the Yadavas to honor Govardhan Hill instead of Indra, arguing that the mountain sustains their lives while rain is merely Indra’s duty. Angered by the shift in worship, Indra sends storms to devastate the village. Krishna lifts Govardhana on his little finger, shielding everyone until the rains stop. Humbled, Indra seeks forgiveness, and Narayana reminds him that Govardhan is a divine manifestation. Realizing Krishna’s true identity, Nanda and Yashoda offer reverence, but Krishna insists on living as their ordinary son.

Return to the Palace

In Hastinapura’s court, Bhishma, Satyavati, Vyasa, Ambika, Ambalika, Gandhari, Shakuni and the royal council gather. Kunti arrives with her sons and the sages. Tears flow as Satyavati and Ambalika embrace the children.

Dhritarashtra receives Pandu’s ashes with heavy silence. Bhishma vows to protect the fatherless princes. He introduces Yudhishtra to Duryodhana as his elder brother. Yudhishtra steps forward to embrace him, but Duryodhana pushes him away and walks out, scorn darkening his face.

Whispers of Enmity

Later, Shakuni paces alone when Duryodhana approaches.

Duryodhana wonders why the death of an enemy troubles him rather than delights him. Shakuni explains the danger: Pandu may be dead, but he has sent five rivals into the palace—sons who, with public sympathy, cannot easily be cast out. Duryodhana vows to destroy their claim but agrees to follow Shakuni’s counsel. Unseen, Satyavati overhears the conversation and is shaken.

Satyavati’s Departure

At the riverbank, final rites for Pandu are completed. Satyavati confides in Bhishma and Vidura that her strength has faded. She cannot bear to witness the calamities she senses approaching the dynasty she once guided. She announces her decision to withdraw from worldly life and enter Vanaprastha. Vyasa blesses her resolve.

The tide of future conflict begins to rise.