Kunti Takes Charge of Hastinapur Affairs : Episode 69

Recap of Previous Episode :

Vidura arrives in Panchala and seeks Kunti’s blessings, confessing his helpless guilt. Draupadi receives his blessings as well. In Hastinapura, Dhritarashtra fears that Yudhishtra’s marriage strengthens his claim to the throne. Vidura advises the Pandavas to remain calm despite their concerns. Duryodhana refuses to welcome them, though Shakuni unexpectedly joins the elders during the ceremony. Gandhari hears an ominous supernatural laughter, sensing future calamities.

Blessings for Draupadi

Bhishma, Vidura, Gandhari and Kunti bless Draupadi and ask her to light a lamp — a symbol to drive away the darkness in their lives. Kunti prays that her sons, who have known only struggle till now, should finally find happiness with Draupadi and begin their married life in peace.

Duryodhana and Shakuni

Duryodhana storms into his room and blocks Shakuni at the door, furious that he took part in the Pandavas’ welcome. He calls Shakuni deceitful.

Shakuni, as always, stays calm. He explains that befriending the Pandavas is only a strategy — closeness will help him watch their actions and choose the right moment to destroy them. He also wants to build a reputation like Vidura’s: calm, impartial, and emotionally controlled.

Reassured, Duryodhana and Dushasana fall silent.

Gandhari’s Fear

Returning to her chamber, Gandhari hears a disembodied voice: “The woman you blessed today will destroy your sons.”

Shaken, she confides in Dhritarashtra. He wonders if they should consult Bhishma or Vidura, but Gandhari refuses. She fears being misunderstood as harboring hatred for Draupadi. She decides only one thing — her sons must not cross Draupadi’s path. The rest, she leaves to fate.

Kunti’s Vision of Pandu

Kunti lights a lamp before Pandu’s portrait and prays with deep emotion. Suddenly, Pandu manifests before her.

She pours out her suffering — how she and her sons lived through hardship without him.

Pandu admits that giving up the throne out of love for Dhritarashtra has now placed their sons in danger. He wants the kingdom restored to their eldest, Yudhishtra.

For that, Kunti must act with courage and decisiveness. She is still the queen, he reminds her. People will obey her command. He makes her sit on the throne and urges her to lead their sons towards what is rightfully theirs.

Kunti’s Transformation

A new clarity awakens in Kunti.

She orders the servants to restore Pandu’s palace to its former glory. She assigns attendants to Draupadi. She summons the Finance Minister and insists on a full report, reminding him that she is the queen.

Then she calls Vidura and speaks with firm authority. She commands him to arrange Yudhishtra’s coronation.

When Vidura suggests discussing it with Dhritarashtra, Kunti becomes stern. The decision had already been announced before they left for Varanavata. Vidura’s duty now is to execute it.

The Pandavas Watch in Awe

The Pandavas and Draupadi, amazed by her transformation, ask if what they witnessed was real.

Kunti explains that life in the forest taught her an important truth: A lion claims his territory with a roar; a leader walks ahead of the herd. She must now lead as queen mother. Pandu was emperor by coronation; Dhritarashtra only ruled in his absence. She knows Dhritarashtra will resist — but the first political move must still be made.

The Royal Council Convenes

Dhritarashtra and Gandhari sit quietly while Duryodhana paces in anger, accusing his father of showing more affection to the Pandavas.

Vidura enters. Duryodhana demands he speak openly. Vidura conveys Kunti’s command. Shakuni mocks him: “What kingdom is she queen of?”

Duryodhana sneers, calling Vidura a dasi-putra. Vidura remains steady. He tells them they may insult him endlessly — it will not change his duty.

Dhritarashtra finally agrees to consult the elders.

The next day, Dhritarashtra, Bhishma, Vidura, Kripacharya and Drona meet. All agree: Yudhishtra is the eldest son of the crowned emperor, Pandu — therefore the rightful heir.

Dhritarashtra feels slighted that he is not considered monarch, but Kripacharya clarifies that while he ruled, Pandu was the one who was coronated king.

Outside, Duryodhana and his brothers oscillate between hope and despair, waiting for the decision.