The Vow to Blindfold A Private Question In the quiet of their chamber, Dhritarashtra finally voices a doubt he has long carried: did Gandhari truly choose this marriage? Gandhari answers calmly. Yes, she chose him willingly, not for appearance but for duty, respect and destiny. She says beauty is not only what eyes see; she will be his eyes to the world. Dhritarashtra feels soothed, yet beneath her reassurance lies his unspoken yearning — not just for love, but recognition. Ambition and Desire Dhritarashtra confesses another truth: he dreams of ruling as king. He imagines a reign guided by inner vision rather than sight, a rule that would outshine his predecessors. Gandhari listens silently, sensing how ambition and insecurity blend within him. Kunti and Pandu — A Gentle Beginning Elsewhere in the palace, Pandu admires Kunti, tracing her face with affectionate curiosity. Kunti teases him for being poetic. Pandu asks why she chose him at the swayamvaram, and Kunti r...

Kunti Remembers Her Past Note : Before she was called Kunti, she was Pritha — daughter of Shurasena, ruler of the Yadavas and father of Vasudeva (Krishna’s father). In honour of a promise made to his dear friend Kuntibhoja, Shurasena gave little Pritha to him in adoption. Kunti sits with her companion, visibly disturbed after learning from King Kuntibhoja that a marriage proposal has arrived from Hastinapur. Her friend, sensing the unrest, asks gently why such news brings tears instead of joy. Kunti hesitates, then speaks the secret she has carried alone for years: Vyasa Warns About Durvasa's Arrival Mathura celebrates Kunti’s coming of age with joy and grandeur. Her adoptive parents advise her gently that a maiden’s honour must be guarded, for one careless rumour can destroy a girl’s future. Sage Vyasa arrives, blesses the family, and warns that Durvasa — an ascetic famed for both terrible anger and potent boons — will likely visit. His presence can bring prosperity...

Vidura Accepts Sulabha Sulabha recounts to her mother how she used to watch Vidura from afar whenever he visited the temple. Vidura eventually confronts her, demanding to know why she stares at him. In her nervousness, she blurts out her love. Vidura, still carrying the pride of royal lineage, warns her to find someone “more worthy.” Now, speaking to her mother, Sulabha confesses she did not know Vidura’s background when she expressed her feelings. Vidura arrives with Bhishma at the humble hamlet. He relates the same incident to Bhishma — how arrogance clouded his judgement then, and how he now understands his true place in the world. He has decided to accept Sulabha’s love. When Sulabha bows and seeks forgiveness for her impulsiveness, Vidura invites her to join him in seeking Bhishma’s blessings. Shocked yet deeply moved, Bhishma embraces Vidura and accepts their union. Satyavati Learns of Vidura’s Choice In her prayer room, Satyavati confides in Bhishma that she regrets forgetti...

Prologue In Hastinapur, the stage is set for the royal alliances that will shape the kingdom’s future. While young Dhritarashtra dreams of power and recognition, the queens and priests begin considering suitable brides for the princes. Gandhari of Gandhara and Kunti of Mathura emerge as the most fitting matches, approved by Bhishma and Satyavati. Yet behind these decisions, subtle currents of destiny begin to stir — Vyasa senses future danger, Shakuni listens in silence, and Vidura quietly walks his own path of wisdom. This episode explores ambition, duty, and the careful steps that lead to the royal marriages that will define Hastinapur. Dhritarashtra’s Early Ambition Young Dhritarashtra stands beside his mother, Ambika, in the shrine of Goddess Durga. Blind since birth, he touches his silk robes and asks if he looks like a king. Ambika hesitates, torn between truth and affection. Vidura and Pandu arrive. Sensing the deeper longing behind the question, Vidura softly reassures...

Bhishma Tests the Kuru Princes Eight years have passed. On the quiet banks of the Yamuna, the royal guru sits with his pupils — the three princes of Hastinapur: Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidura. Bhishma stands nearby, watching with pride and purpose. The queens, Satyavati, Ambika, and Ambalika, are seated a little apart, observing the session. The guru smiles. “Today, Bhishma himself will test your intelligence. But remember — this test is not about memory or lessons. It is about the mind that sees differently.” Bhishma lifts a small sieve in his hands. “This,” he says, “is no ordinary object. It will reveal who among you can see beyond the obvious. Who will come first?” Dhritarashtra steps forward. “I am the eldest,” he says firmly. Bhishma nods. “Good. Confidence suits a prince. Now, here is your task — there is a pot full of water beside you. Use this sieve to transfer the water into that empty pot.” Dhritarashtra feels the vessel, runs his fingers across the holes, and laughs ...

The Births of Dhritarashtra and Pandu Princess Ambika sits on her bed, anxious and dressed in bridal finery. Sage Vyasa enters her chamber. Horrified by his unkempt, ascetic appearance, Ambika closes her eyes in fright. The next night, Vyasa approaches Ambalika. She too is alarmed at his appearance and turns pale. The following morning, maids bring two newborns and lay them before Vyasa as he finishes his prayers. Queen Satyavati beams with joy and asks Vyasa to name them. With his yogic vision, Vyasa names the first child Dhritarashtra, and the second Pandu. When the Queen insists on knowing their future, Vyasa reluctantly reveals the truth: Ambika’s son, born blind, because she had closed her eyes; Ambalika’s son, pale and short-lived, because she had turned white with fear. p>Satyavati, heartbroken, pleads for one more chance to ensure the Kuru line’s continuity. Vyasa agrees, warning this would be the last time. The Third Birth Satyavati’s attendant Sivai informs ...

The Queen’s Dilemma Bhishma informs the royal physician of the prince’s death and orders him to embalm the body. “No one must know,” he warns gravely. Later, lost in thought, Bhishma sits in his chamber when Queen Satyavati enters. Satyavati: Bhishma, I do not know what you think of me, but there are two Satyavatis within me — a mother who cannot weep for her son, and a queen who must remain strong for her kingdom. Your father entrusted this realm to both of us. You took your vow for Hastinapur’s sake — for my sons — but now that very vow stands in the way of its survival. Bhishma looks silently at her. Satyavati: You once brought the princesses of Kashi for this dynasty. Now you must help your mother protect it. Our scriptures permit such acts in times of need. Can you not relax your vow, for my sake — for Hastinapur’s sake? Bhishma: You think my vow was taken lightly? I am Gangeya — son of Ganga. From her I learned that one must give up what is dearest. I renounce...

Amba Seeks Justice from Parasurama Amba reaches Parasurama’s hermitage and bows to the sage. “King of Kashi is a great devotee of Shiva,” says Parasurama. “How is he?” Amba replies, “He is tormented — because of me.” She narrates everything — Bhishma’s abduction, Shalwa’s rejection, and her humiliation in Hastinapur. Parasurama, moved by her grief, summons Bhishma and commands him to marry Amba. Bhishma refuses. Parasurama reminds him, “You dragged her in front of kings from every land. You owe her justice.” Bhishma argues, “My vow forbids marriage. I acted for my brother’s sake.” Parasurama warns, “When strength defies truth, it is strength that must fall. If you reject dharma, I will fight you myself.” Bhishma pleads restraint, but Parasurama raises his axe. “Either marry Amba or face me in battle.” Bhishma bows. “Then I must fight, my Guru.” The Duel of Guru and Disciple Storms rage as Parasurama and Bhishma clash. The earth quakes; seas roar; forests bla...

The Illness of Vichitraveerya Vichitraveerya marries the two Kashi princesses, Ambika and Ambalika, as Queen Satyavati and Bhishma look on with joy. Ahead of the nuptial night, the young king suddenly falls ill. Physicians begin intense treatment, while prayers and offerings are made across temples for his recovery. Amba Confronts the Court of Hastinapur Queen Satyavati sits on the throne, with Bhishma by her side. Suddenly, Amba storms into the royal court demanding justice. Amba: Does anyone here still know what dharma is? Satyavati: Who are you, woman? Hastinapur is a land of dharma. What complaint do you bring? Amba: I am Amba, princess of Kashi. Satyavati (sarcastic): Oh! The one who spurned Hastinapur’s throne and went chasing her lover? Amba: That was past. Let’s talk of the present now. The heated exchange grows sharper as Amba questions whether Kshatriya dharma can override compassion and truth. When she taunts Bhishma directly, he maintains silenc...

Bhishma Seeks Vyasa’s Counsel Bhishma rides to Sage Vyasa’s hermitage seeking guidance on the kingdom’s future. Outside, Vyasa is addressing his students: “Dharma varies from person to person. A Brahmin serves through knowledge and selflessness. A Kshatriya is known not by birth but by strength — strength used for the welfare of his people. He must act without being swayed by personal likes or dislikes.” Bhishma bows. “Revered sage, you know the state of Hastinapura. One brother is dead; the other cannot continue the line. Our kingdom has no heir. The year of mourning for Chitraṅgada ends soon, and enemies may strike at any time. We must crown Vichitravīrya — but for that, he must wed. Yet no Kshatriya king offers his daughter.” Vyasa asks calmly, “And what does the queen propose?” “The king of Kashi is holding a swayamvara . The queen wishes that I bring those princesses for Vichitravīrya.” Vyasa’s eyes gleam. “Is that not Kshatriya dharma?” Bhishma hesitates. “Pe...