Pandu

In the Mahabharata epic, Pandu (Sanskrit: पाण्डु Pāṇḍu, lit. yellowish, whitish, pale) was the king of Hastinapur, the son of Ambalika and Vichitravirya. He is popularly known as the father of the Pandavas, who were called so after him. Pandu was responsible and a great warrior, who expanded his kingdom during his rule.

Birth

When Vichitravirya died of having sickness, Bhishma unable to take the throne because of his vow, and Bahlika’s line unwilling to leave the Bahlika Kingdom, there was a succession crisis in Hastinapur. Satyavati then invited her son Vyasa to impregnate the queens Ambika and Ambalika under the Niyoga practice. When Vyasa approached Ambalika, she was frightened by his scary appearance, she had become pale in disgust; hence, her son was born pale. Thus Pandu’s name means pale.

Reign and marriage

Pandu was taught in the fields of archery, politics, administration and religion by Bhishma. He was an excellent archer and Maharathi (warrior). He became the successor to his kingdom and was crowned King of the Kuru Kingdom. He was married to Kunti, the adoptive daughter of Kuntibhoja and the daughter of Shurasena (father of Vasudeva Anakadundubhi and grandfather of Krishna). His second wife was the princess of the Madra kingdom Madri. The marriage was proposed by Bhishma. Pandu later conquered the territories of the Sindhu Kingdom, Kashi, Anga, Trigarta Kingdom, Kalinga, Magadha, etc., and thus re-established their supremacy over all the kings and increased the span of his empire.

Kindama’s Curse

While hunting in a forest (looking from a distance, his vision partially obscured by plants and trees), Pandu saw a couple of deer in the process of coitus, and shot arrows at them; only to find out that it was Rishi Kindama and his wife who were making love in the form of deer. The dying sage placed a curse on Pandu since he had not only killed them in the midst of lovemaking but was not remorseful for his action. King Pandu argued with sage Kindama by misquoting sage Agastya’s ruling on the right of Kshatriyas’ on hunting. Sage Kindama then cursed Pandu, the curse being that was he to approach his wives with the intent of making love, he would die.

Exile and death

Upset and seeking to repent his action, Pandu handed his kingdom to Dhritarashtra and went for exile in forest. There, he lived as an ascetic with his wives.

Birth of Pandu’s sons

One day Pandu was telling his birth story and wish of becoming a father to Kunti. Kunti mentioned her mantra given by sage Durvasa. Pandu was overjoyed and told Kunti to use it to get a son from a suitable god. He wanted his son to be righteous, so he suggested Dharmaraja, the god of Death and Righteousness. Kunti used her mantra and the god granted her Yudhishthira. Later Pandu expressed his desire for a powerful son. This time Kunti called Vayu and Bhima was born. Later Pandu suggested Kunti invoke Indra and a skillful son, Arjuna was born. Pandu felt badly for Madriand he requested Kunti to share her mantra. Kunti shared her mantra once and Madri invoked Ashvins, and then gave birth to Nakula and Sahadeva.

Death

One day, Pandu forgot about this curse and suddenly filled with lust for Madri and embraced her. After the act, his curse fulfilled and he died. His dead body was cremated in the forest itself. In grief that her husband died because of her, Madri committed suicide after handing her children to Kunti.