The premature death of Vichitravirya brought a serious crisis to the Kuru dynasty. It was then that Queen Satyavati shared with Bhishma her long-held secret: before marrying Shantanu, she had a son named Vyasa, by the sage Parasara. Vyasa, a sage of great wisdom and power, agreed to help in continuing the Kuru line.
Satyavati summoned Vyasa to Hastinapura. It was then, with his deep spiritual aura, that the unassuming sage came to fulfill his mother's wish. He agreed to carry out this ancient practice of niyoga, with the widows of Vichitravirya, Ambika and Ambalika, to beget heirs to the Kuru house.
First, Vyasa came to Ambika. She, feeling nervous and frightened at the ascetic appearance of Vyasa, closed her eyes tightly during their union. Thus, a blind son named Dhritarashtra was born to them. Though blind, Dhritarashtra had grown to become strong with a will of iron—unafraid of anything, full of a sense of duty, and quite loyal to the family.
Next, Vyasa went to Ambalika. She was frightened by his powerful appearance, so she turned pale at the sight of him. Hence, her son Pandu was born with a pale complexion. Unlike his brother, Pandu was a healthy and vigorous boy who would become an excellent warrior and ruler.
Knowing the worth of wise counsel in the royal court, Satyavati also asked Vyasa to bless a maidservant. This union brought into the world Vidura, a child pointedly sharp in intellect, wise, and of clean character. Vidura was to grow up as a trusted adviser and the moral compass of the Kuru Dynasty.
While Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidura were growing up, a new awakening of hope and promise dawned upon Hastinapura. Bhishma took it on his shoulders to train those sons. He will train them in warfare and rulership, the ways of dharma, inculcating into their minds the seeking of duty and righteousness.
Although blind, Dhritarashtra was powerfully built and had a very keen sense of duty. His blindness, however, played an important role in the affairs of his kingdom, as it flavored his perception and decisions. Dhritarashtra's inability to view the world visually made him dependent on his emotions and the people surrounding him.
In contrast, Pandu grew to be a great warrior skilled in archery and strategy. His pallor did not deter his vigor or make him less competitive on the battlefield. With strong leadership qualities within him, Pandu was quite preferred by courtiers and people alike. He was ordained to lead the Kuru race to new heights.
Vidura, though born of a maidservant, was not less esteemed by all. All respected his wisdom and impartiality. Transforming himself into a strong pillar of ethical governance, Vidura advised his brothers and later their children with fairness and insight.
Shubham, already completely inside the character of Arjun, could, across that nascent, feel a connect with these characters. He realized why they were born and what role they played in shaping the destiny of the Kuru dynasty. The complex weave of fate, duty, and family ties became clear to him, preparing him for trials and adventures ahead in his journey through the epic tale of Mahabharata.