Apasmāra

When Dronacharya saw that his students had been sufficiently educated, he assembled the Kuru elders and informed them, the Kuru princes have now completed their education. I suggest there be a tournament of arms where they may display their prowess.Vidura made the necessary arrangements so that all will be able to witness the prowess of these mighty youths. Understanding the intentions of the King, Vidura left the palace and began making preparations for the tournament of arms. Drona chose a piece of land devoid of trees for holding the demonstration. He also chose an auspicious day and offered a sacrifice to God in the presence of a vast crowd. After this, skilled artisans built a large stage as per the specifications prescribed by the scriptures. They also built a large hall for the lady spectators. On the day of Tournament, the king accompanied by his ministers, Bhishma and Kripa arrived at the arena. Gandhari, Kunti, and the other royal ladies were also present. The public al...

Upon the birth of Dhritarastra, Pandu, and Vidura, the earth prospered. There was an abundant harvest of crops, and all the trees were ladened with fruits and flowers. The people became literate, brave and honest, and guided by Bhishma, performed devotional sacrifices for the pleasure of Lord Vishnu. The people of Hasthinapura were so contented with the rule of Bhishma. The Kuru kingdom grew in prosperity. Bhishma raised the three children, Dhritarastra, Pandu and Vidura, as if they were his own. The children grew up into young men well versed in Vedas and skilled in athletics. As Pandu grew, he excelled all men in archery, whereas Dhritarastra excelled in personal strength, and it was soon known to everyone that there was no one equal to Vidura in devotion to Vishnu and knowledge of the dictates of morality. In due course of time Pandu became King of Hasthinapura, as Dhritarastra was born blind, and Vidura was born of a maid servant. Therefore, neither of them could accept the t...

Bhishma endorsed Satyavati’s proposal to beget a son through Sage Vyasa through the process of Niyoga . Since he knew Vyasa to be an ascetic of great virtues and immense power. Satyavati thought of Vyasa and Vyasa sensing her call appeared before her instantly. After receiving Vyasa with due respect and offering him food, Satyavati requested him to beget children upon the wives of Vichitravirya, his step brother. Vyasa agreed to this request since it was sanctioned by custom. He said that the women should first be purified by observing for one year the vow to be prescribed by him. Only after that he would give them children. Satyavati pleaded with him to do it immediately since the Kuru race had been without a heir for sometime. If conception must take place this month, Vyasa replied, then the queens of Kashi must be willing to bear my ugliness, strong odor and matted locks. If they can perform these austerities, then they will give birth to noble children. Let one of the queens...