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 ap...

Recap Pandu retires to the forest with Kunti and Madri. During a hunt he accidentally kills Sage Kindama, who curses him that he will die if he ever unites with his wife. Distressed, Pandu and Kunti resort to austerities; Kunti reveals the divine mantra she once received and, together with Pandu, prepares the rites to invoke a god to beget their first child. Yudhishtra is Born in the Forest Kunti gives birth to her first son in the quiet of the forest. Dharmadeva appears, names the child Yudhishtra, and blesses him to walk the path of righteousness throughout his life. Pandu and Kunti rejoice, strengthened in their resolve to raise their children far from royal influence but close to Dharma. A messenger carries the news to Hastinapura. Vyasa, Satyavati, and Ambalika welcome the arrival of the eldest Kuru prince, sensing that the lineage is now secure. Dhritarashtra turns away silently, the news reopening an unhealed wound. Though he congratulates the elders, he leaves the gatheri...

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 for...

Recap Devaki and Vasudeva grieve the killing of their first child. Determined to prevent further deaths, they take a vow to live austere life in devotion and refrain from having more children. The Gods React to the Vow At Vaikuntha, Vishnu explains why he has chosen to be born as the son of Devaki and Vasudeva: they are righteous, composed in suffering, and do not blame others for their fate. Bhoodevi and Sridevi remind Him of their vow not to have more children. Narada joins the discussion. Narada : We often say humans think one way and the gods think the opposite. But here, it is the reverse. You prepare for an avatara, and Devaki and Vasudeva act in a way that prevents it. Vishnu : Speak plainly, Narada. Narada : You plan Your descent, yet they refuse to bear more children. Meanwhile Kamsa’s atrocities are rising. He has imprisoned his own father and terrorises the citizens. Soon, he may even eye Indraloka. Bhoodevi : If You have decided to take birth, why as the ...

Recap In the previous episode, Pandu returns to Hastinapura after his successful conquest, receiving widespread praise. Dhritarashtra grows increasingly resentful, and Shakuni begins deepening the rift between the brothers. Meanwhile, Kamsa murders Devaki’s firstborn and imprisons the couple, setting the stage for a divine confrontation. Kamsa Visits Devaki and Vasudeva Devaki and Vasudeva are thrown into prison under heavy guard. Kamsa enters the cell with mocking affection. He warns the guards that no one is to approach the couple without his permission and that any attempt to escape will bring fatal punishment. He taunts them: “Live together peacefully here in your own little palace. Give me children—my nephews. I am eager to meet them.” His words hang with cruelty disguised as jest. Vidura’s Marriage & Satyavati’s Concerns Vidura’s marriage to Sulabha is conducted in the palace with elders, including Sage Vyasa, in attendance. After the ceremony, Vyasa meets Satyavati...

Recap In the previous episode, Kamsa received the prophecy that Devaki’s eighth child would bring his end. Distrust and fear begin to take root, even as the political landscape in Hastinapura shifts with Pandu’s rising reputation and Dhritarashtra’s insecurity. Kamsa Learns the Truth of His Birth Kamsa sits alone in his chamber when a bat screeches and flies out into the night. He follows it to a desolate cave where a grotesque spirit appears. Ghost: I am your true father. It was me who warned you of Devaki’s child. He reveals that he is Thirumilan, once a demon who assumed Ugrasena’s form to seduce Padmavathi. When she discovered the deception, she cursed that the child born of that union would perish at the hands of a Yadava prince. Stunned and shaken, Kamsa returns to the palace. Overcome by fear, he seizes Devaki’s newborn child and kills it himself. He then orders Devaki and Vasudeva to be imprisoned. Devaki : (pleading): He is just a child... Kamsa : Let destiny come to...

A Divine Warning The conversation in Vaikuntha continues. Vishnu sits in serene yogic rest upon Adisesha, but His gaze is alert. Bhoodevi and Sridevi worry aloud about the growing suffering on earth. In response, Vishnu calls Brahma to appear before them. Brahma explains the rising darkness in Mathura under Kamsa’s rule, and another tide of adharma stirring far away at Hastinapura—where a powerful yet misguided heir will be born, leading to conflict between Kauravas and Pandavas. Whenever adharma ascends the throne, Vishnu must descend. Bhoodevi and Sridevi now understand that even they will take birth on earth to accompany Him when the moment comes. Side Note: Rukmini is traditionally considered the incarnation of Sridevi (Lakshmi), representing devotion, grace, and prosperity as Krishna’s chief queen. Satyabhama is considered the incarnation of Bhudevi, reflecting courage, will, and earthly power; she often accompanies Krishna in battles as an active warrior. Mathura Und...

Pandu’s Coronation and Digvijaya The coronation hall is filled with chants and coronation rites. After the ceremony, Pandu seeks blessings from the elders and withdraws to his private chambers, quiet and reflective. Queen Kunti is distressed by his impending departure. Pandu explains that undertaking a military conquest is a kshatriya’s dharma. Kunti asks bluntly if he is doing this only for Dhritarashtra’s sake. Pandu admits that his brother is part of his motivation, but insists that the digvijaya is also his own dream—something he embraces willingly. Pandu then meets Madri to take leave. Madri breaks down, saying she had prayed to the gods for him and now must face separation. She wants to travel with him as Kaikeyi once accompanied Dasharatha. Pandu refuses gently — taking her along is neither safe nor feasible. He visits Bhishma and Satyavati next. Bhishma appreciates his sacrifice in relinquishing the throne. Satyavati thanks him for resolving a political crisis with digni...

Debate Over Succession The palace is preparing for the coronation of Pandu scheduled for the next morning. Bhishma and Queen satyavati oversee the arrangements, ensuring that sages like Vyasa and Parasurama have been personally invited. Vidura arrives quietly, bowing. Vidura : Has anyone informed Dhritarashtra that Pandu will be crowned king? Bhishma expresses surprise. He has assumed Dhritarashtra understood succession by tradition and scripture. Vidura explains that Dhritarashtra is convinced he will be crowned and has long harboured ambitions for the throne. A minister recalls a childhood incident: eight-year-old Dhritarashtra insisted on being addressed as "Prince." The minister complied and started to leave, but when he muttered something about the future of Hastinapura, Dhritarashtra snapped his own pearl necklace and commanded him to gather the fallen pearls — an early flash of entitlement. Concerned, Satyavati summons the royal astrologer. He affir...

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...