As the kingdom of Hastinapura flourished under the stewardship of Bhishma, Satyavati began to focus on securing alliances that would strengthen the Kuru dynasty. With Dhritarashtra's marriage to Gandhari already concluded, it was now time for Pandu, the younger prince, to wed.
Satyavati saw Pandu not only as a brave warrior, but also as the one who would bring new alliances and glory to the Kuru kingdom. His coronation as king had solidified his position, and it was imperative for him to have a queen who could share the responsibilities of the throne.
Satyavati entrusted Bhishma with the task of finding a suitable bride for Pandu. Bhishma, ever loyal and wise, set out on this mission with diligence. After much deliberation, it was decided that Pandu would participate in a swayamvara hosted by King Kuntibhoja, the adoptive father of Princess Kunti.
Kunti's Swayamvara
***3 Years after the birth of karna***
The kingdom of Kuntibhoja was abuzz with excitement as royal envoys and warriors from across Bharatavarsha arrived to participate in Kunti's swayamvara. Princess Kunti, known for her beauty, grace, and devotion to dharma, was admired throughout the land.
Despite her noble demeanor, her heart carried the secret of her past encounter with the Sun God, Surya, and the birth of Karna. This secret weighed heavily on her, but she resolved to embrace her future with strength and faith.
Pandu, dressed in royal armor and accompanied by a small retinue, arrived at the grand assembly hall of Kuntibhoja's palace. The swayamvara arena was adorned with flowers, banners, and royal insignias. Kings and princes sat in anticipation, each hoping to win the hand of the radiant princess.
The competition for Kunti's hand required the participants to demonstrate their martial prowess and intelligence. The challenge involved archery, swordsmanship, and a test of strategic thinking. One by one, the suitors stepped forward to prove their worth, but none could match Pandu's skill. His precision in archery and mastery of the sword left the audience in awe. When the test of strategy was presented, Pandu's calm demeanor and sharp intellect ensured his victory.
When Kunti entered the arena, her gaze fell upon Pandu. His valor and composure impressed her deeply. Following the custom of swayamvara, she walked toward him, holding the garland of flowers. Standing before him, she asked:
"O King Pandu, before I place the garland of victory upon you and accept you as my lord, I must know your heart. A life in a royal household demands fairness, wisdom, and restraint. Tell me, will you uphold dharma in our union? Will you value your wife not just as a partner but as an equal, and treat her with respect and love? Most importantly, will you place justice and the welfare of the people above all, even above personal desires?"
Her voice was steady, yet her words carried the weight of her inner strength and devotion to righteousness.
Pandu, already impressed by Kunti's grace and wisdom, was deeply moved by her question. Her inquiry was not just the curiosity of a prospective bride, but the voice of a woman who valued dharma and sought a partner who would uphold it. He responded with humility and sincerity:
"O noble Kunti, your question reveals the purity of your soul and your understanding of life's greater purpose. I am a Kshatriya, bound by the duty to protect, serve, and uphold dharma. As your husband, I vow to honor and respect you, not as a possession but as a partner in every sense.
Know this, O virtuous one: A king is first a servant of his people, and his strength lies in his ability to balance love with justice, desire with duty, and power with humility. You have my word that I shall be your companion in joy and sorrow, and together we shall walk the path of dharma."
Pandu's words resonated deeply with Kunti. His humility, sense of duty, and commitment to fairness reassured her that he was a man of great character. With a serene smile, Kunti placed the garland around Pandu's neck, choosing him as her husband.
The wedding of Pandu and Kunti was celebrated with grandeur in both Kuntibhoja and Hastinapura. The streets were adorned with flowers, and the sound of conch shells and drums echoed through the air. The people of Hastinapura welcomed Kunti with open arms, marveling at her beauty and grace. Bhishma and Satyavati were especially pleased, seeing Kunti as the perfect match for Pandu.
Shortly after Pandu and Kunti returned to Hastinapura, news arrived that neighboring kingdoms were testing the might of the Kuru dynasty. The kingdom of Shalva, which had long harbored grievances against the Kurus due to Bhishma's earlier actions during Amba's swayamvara, began encroaching on Kuru territory. Though the conflict had been simmering for years, it escalated into open aggression during Pandu's reign.
Satyavati, Bhishma, and the court elders deliberated on the best course of action. While Bhishma was eager to take up arms, Pandu, now the reigning king, insisted on leading the army himself. "It is my duty as the king to defend our lands," he declared. "Hastinapura will not bow to threats, and I shall ensure our borders remain secure."
With Kunti doing the Vijaya thilak (Blessing of victory) and Bhishma's strategic guidance, Pandu led the Kuru army to battle.
The battle against the kingdom of Shalva was fierce and grueling. Pandu's reputation as a skilled warrior and brilliant tactician was put to the test as the Shalva forces, led by their king, launched a series of aggressive offensives.
Pandu's leadership proved decisive. He rallied his troops with inspiring words and led them into battle with unparalleled courage. The war culminated in a one-on-one duel between Pandu and the King of Shalva. The two warriors clashed with ferocity, their swords gleaming in the sunlight as they exchanged powerful blows.
In the end, Pandu emerged victorious, striking down the King of Shalva and forcing the enemy forces to retreat. The victory solidified Pandu's reputation as a formidable king and warrior, earning him the respect of his allies and the fear of his enemies.
King Shalya, impressed by Pandu's valor, consented to the match. However, before the marriage could take place, Pandu decided to visit the Madra kingdom in person, both to honor the alliance and to meet his future queen.
Before departing for Madra, Pandu sought Kunti's blessings. However, Kunti, who had been observing the events with a calm yet contemplative demeanor, had a question for her husband.
"O noble king," Kunti said, her voice steady yet filled with emotion, "as your first queen, I ask you this: Will you treat all your wives with fairness and uphold dharma in all your actions? Will you ensure that no division arises between us, and that the unity of our family remains intact?"
Pandu, moved by her sincerity and wisdom, replied, "O virtuous Kunti, your words reflect your noble heart. I swear upon my honor and dharma that I shall treat all my queens with equal respect and affection. Just as the sun shines on all without discrimination, so too shall my love and duty be unwavering toward each of you. Our family's unity shall be my foremost priority."
Reassured by his response, Kunti gave him a nod of acceptance, though a part of her heart harbored a quiet apprehension about what lay ahead.
Pandu arrived in the Madra kingdom to a grand reception. King Shalya greeted him with warmth, admiring the young king's valor and humility. Princess Madri, known for her beauty and gentle nature, was equally impressed by Pandu's dignified presence.
The marriage ceremony was conducted with great pomp and splendor. The palace was adorned with golden lamps, fragrant flowers, and rich tapestries. Priests chanted Vedic hymns as Pandu and Madri exchanged vows, sealing their union in the presence of the royal families and assembled dignitaries.
Madri, though initially nervous about her new life, found solace in Pandu's kind and respectful demeanor. She vowed to fulfill her duties as a queen and to support her husband and family with unwavering devotion.
When Pandu and Madri returned to Hastinapura, the kingdom erupted in celebrations. Kunti, true to her promise, welcomed Madri with warmth and grace, setting an example of dignity and compassion. Though she occasionally struggled with feelings of insecurity, she never allowed them to disrupt the harmony of the royal household.
Bhishma and Satyavati were pleased to see both queens living in harmony, believing that their unity would strengthen the Kuru dynasty. Yet, beneath the surface, the complexities of human emotions and the weight of destiny loomed, waiting to unfold in the epic tale that was to come.