Pandu's Marriages and Misfortune

Kunti had come of marriageable age. Her eyes were as beautiful as that of a deer. King Kuntibhoj decided to organize a swayamvar for her and invited all the kings of Bharatvarsh. When Kunti entered the swayamvar hall, she was captivated by Pandu at first sight. She chose Pandu to be her husband by placing a garland of lotuses around his neck.

Bheeshma was very happy. However, he thought that for the good of the Kuru clan, Pandu should marry another woman. This time, Bheeshma decided to choose Pandu's bride himself. He chose Madri, the sister of King Shalya, the ruler of the Madra kingdom. When Bheeshma discussed this with Shalya, the latter was thrilled. As a result, Pandu also married Madri.

After marrying Madri, Pandu received Bheeshma's blessings and set out on an expedition. The king of Magadha had become unpopular, and Pandu defeated him, taking over his treasury. With a massive army, Pandu went on to defeat several other kings and princes, including the ruler of Mithila. The members of the Videha dynasty, who were descendants of Videha or Janak, the king of Mithila in the Ramayan, surrendered to Pandu. He returned to Hastinapur with a vast amount of wealth and a strong army.

Bheeshma and the other elders of the Kuru dynasty enthusiastically welcomed Pandu to Hastinapur, which was considered the center of the world at that time and had a very prosperous treasury. Pandu generously offered his wealth to Bheeshma and Satyavati and also shared a part of his wealth with Vidur, who had a strong affection for him.

After a long war campaign and journey, Pandu wanted to relax in the nearby jungle. With Bheeshma's permission, Pandu went to the jungle with his wives. Everything was going well for Pandu until, one day, an unfortunate incident occurred. He saw a doe and a deer mating. He immediately nocked an arrow on his bow and shot the pair of animals. The deer and doe happened to be Rishi Kindam and his wife, who were then injured and reverted to their human forms.

"O King," said the rishi, "you have committed a terrible sin. Even hunters don't attack animals that are copulating. Your action is out of keeping with what is expected of a King of Bharat." Pandu was appalled at what he had done and didn't know what to say. The dying Rishi Kindam cursed Pandu, saying, "The next time you crave sexual contact with your wife, you will die."