The stage is set for another leela of Bhagwaan Vishnu, where all the gods and goddesses play a significant role. Now starts the saga where heartbreaking curses, graceful boons and divine mercy combine to write a history to be remembered through the...
With old ministers, Brahmanas, Maharishi and Chaturvarni Sena, Bhishm reached the kingdom of Madra, desirous of obtaining another queen for Pandu.
When the news reached the palace, about the son of Ganga reaching the capital of Mlecchas, the brave King Shalya went to the city gates and honoured the mahahim of Hastinapur in proper accordances.
A spark of curiosity and intrigue ignited among the inhabitants. The mere mention of Bhishm's name sent ripples of awe and admiration through the kingdom. The people eagerly came outside their homes, their eyes filled with wonder as they saw the chariots of their King and that of Gangeya zooming through the streets.
Reaching the palace, Shalya gave a beautiful seat to Bhishm, and made offerings to him. The king of Madra was determined to honor the Mahahim of Hastinapur in a manner befitting his esteemed status.
As the two dignitaries now sat face to face, a palpable sense of respect and admiration filled the air.
Shalya said, "Aapke aane se Madra dhanya huya Mahamahim."
Bhishm smiled in a pleased manner, pausing for a moment, Madra-raj asked, "Parantu, Kurushresht ke charan aaj hum Mleccho ke rajya mei kaise pad gaye ?"
"Shatrudaman Madreshwar, mai toh kanya lene aya hu." Bhishm said.
"Tatparya ?" Shalya asked with a frown.
Bhishm said smilingly, "Humne suna hai ki tumhari behen Madri, yashashvini aur atyant sundar hai. Mai uska vivah Hastinapur-naresh Pandu se karwana chaahta hu. Tumhara kul humse sambandh banane hetu yogya hai, aur hum bhi tumhare yogya hai."
Shalya was delighted hearing the words of Bhishm, he knew that for his sister Madri, there would be no man more worthy than Pandu.
"Mujhe vishwas hai ki Hastinapur ke Maharaj se shresht var, mujhe Madri ke liye dhundne se bhi nahi milega." He said.
Pausing for a moment Shalya said, "Parantu Mahamahim, humare purvajo ne shulk lene ka niyam sthaapit kiya hai. Ab yeh accha hai ya bura, hum iska unlanghan nahi kar sakte. Bina dhan-shulk diye, aap kanya ko nahi maang sakte. Yahi humara kuldharm hai."
"Kuldharm ka palan karna hi shresht dharm hai. Yadi tumhare purvajo ne iss vidha ko swikar Kiya hai, toh iska palan karne mei koi dosh nahi." Bhishm said.
And thereafter, the son of Shantanu gave the king of Madra plenty of gold, different kinds of jewellery and rarest of jewels in thousands. Along with these, Bhishm also gave him, several elephants and horses of best breeds, magnificently made chariots, beautiful garments, ornaments, gems, pearls and corals.
Obtaining such lavish wealth from Bhishm, Shalya was immensely delighted. The illustrious king of Madra, lavishly adorned his sister with the most exquisite garments and adorned her with resplendent jewels. And thus, he bestowed her hand in marriage to Gangeya, entrusting him with the noble task of uniting her with Pandu.
Bhishm brought Madri to Hastinapur and wasted no moment to wed her off to Pandu.
When their eyes first met, Madri was astonished seeing Pandu, who had a chest like a lion, shoulders like an elephant and eyes like a bull. He too was rather captivated seeing her matchless beauty.
The mighty King of Hastinapur, after marrying her, brought the lotus-eyes Madri to the resplendent Rani-vas. There they were welcomed by Kunti.
The princess of Kuntibhoj wasn't pleased, it had only been a few days since she had been married to Pandu, and now he was married to Madri as well. But she hid her emotions, to uphold her duty.
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Kunti fought to keep the pain from showing in her eyes. She had known that as the Maharani, sacrifices would be expected of her. She knew kings needed to marry for several reasons, yet she felt the anguish of welcoming her husband and his second wife.
Madri joined her hands and then held the arms of Pandu.
"Chale Maharaj ?" She asked, and then looking back at Kunti with a prideful smile she said, "Suryast ho chuka hai."
Pandu nodded and strode forward. With a haughty lift of her chin, Madri carried herself with grace, walking alongside the king, leaving Kunti alone.
The weight of the world seemed to crush her spirit as the daughter of Shurasen stood in the wake of their departure, her thoughts filled with bitterness and sorrow. Her heart was heavy with the knowledge that she had been cast aside in favor of political alliances.
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Pitamah ko JHAP nahi zara bhi-💀
But if you're feeling bad for Mata Kunti... If it makes you feel better... Know that Pandu's favourite wife was Kunti only...
Ved Vyas doesn't say this directly, but indirect hint mil jata ki Pandu favoured Kunti because of her qualities.
