Sambhava Chapter 2 (110)
Dhritarashtra and Gandhari get Hitched
Intro
Sambhava is the origin story of the Kuru dynasty.
https://crackpot.substack.com/t/sambhava
Dhritarashtra’s Marriage
1.
Bhishma said,
‘The Kuru dynasty flourishes.
None on earth surpass us.
2.
I am the kingdom’s chief protector.
We need to think about the future.
We need a successor.
3-4.
Me, Satyavati and the Great-souled Krishna raised you three in the family tradition.
Our dynasty is a rolling swelling ocean.
With me as a shepherd, you’ve grown without doubt during good times.
5-6.
I heard of a Yadava princess - she’s a Virgo - has a beautiful voice and looks fine.
And Subala’s daughter and the princess of Madra are dimes.
These three gals are the most eligible Ksatriya wives.
7.
I said my piece.
Foremost of those endowed with wisdom.
Will we perpetuate?
Will they habituate?
Will Artha propitiate?
Vidura, where’s your dome on that?’
8.
Vidura said,
‘You are the father, mother, and guru.
Wat’s best for the dynasty is what you choose.’
9-10.
Vaishampayana said,
‘Bhishma heard from a Brahman that Subala’s daughter Gandhari obtained a boon from the one who took Bhaga’s eyes.
Shiva said Gandhari would have 100 sons drop through her thighs.
Bhishma thought it a good idea to put those hundred sons of a boon to use as Kuru goons.
11.
Bhishma posted messages and sent messengers to pitch marriage with the Bharata to the King of Gandhara.
Subala had doubt on account of Dhritarashtra’s blindness.
12.
But Subala was intelligent and desired union with the Kuru’s great dynastic tree.
Subala gave Gandhari to Dhritarashtra in matrimony joyfully.
13-15.
When Gandhari heard Dhritarashtra was blind.
She poetically wound around her own eyes a cloth bind.
To meet her husband equally Gandhari’s austere mind felt inclined.
16-17.
With youth, wealth and beauty on sweet Gandhari’s side, the Kauravas could only heave a sigh as she passed on by.
Gandhari’s brother Shakuni walked her down the aisle.
Dhritarashtra met her in marriage and Bhishma felt he’d done well.
18.
Gandhari swelled like the radiant sun.
The Kurus basked like crocodiles in mud and blood.
19.
On account of Gandhari’s blindfold, there was no end of talk about her extraordinary act.
There was no doubt big blind bear Dhritarashtra met his match.
Notes
[9] Vaishampayana, Janamejaya ibid
[10] Shiva ripped Bhaga's eyes out when Bhaga attempted to deprive Shiva of his share of a sacrifice. Ouch.
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