The Birth of Dhritarashtra, Pandu and Vidura

Some years later King Vichitravirya fell ill and died without children. The Kuru family faced a crisis: there was no heir to the throne. Mother Satyavati said to Bhishma, 'Son, marry now and carry the family forward.' Bhishma folded his hands and said, 'Mother, I could give up all three worlds, but not my vow.'

Then Satyavati remembered her elder son, Vyasa. She called him in her mind, and he came at once. Following the custom of niyoga in that age, Vyasa accepted, at his mother's request, the duty of continuing the line. Vyasa was a stern ascetic, with matted hair, burning eyes and a fearsome look.

First Queen Ambika came before Vyasa. Frightened by his appearance, she shut her eyes. Vyasa said, 'Her son will be strong, but blind from birth.' So Dhritarashtra was born. Then Queen Ambalika came. She turned pale with fear, so her son was Pandu, which means the pale one.

Satyavati wished for one more healthy child and asked Ambika to go again. But Ambika sent one of her maids in her place. The maid received Vyasa calmly and with respect. From her Vidura was born: wise, knowing dharma, and always truthful. It is said that Vidura was a part of Dharmaraj himself.

Bhishma raised the three boys with great love. Dhritarashtra was the eldest, but because he was blind, Pandu was made king. Vidura became minister and adviser. Dhritarashtra married Gandhari, princess of Gandhara. Learning that her husband was blind, Gandhari tied a cloth over her own eyes for the rest of her life. Pandu married Kunti and Madri.