The Birth of Arjuna (Mahabharata Series 21)

Hearing Indra’s nectar-like assurance, Pandu was overwhelmed with joy. He approached the vow-observing Kunti and said:

“Kunti! Our wish has been fulfilled. Indra is pleased and has agreed to grant us a divine son. Therefore, invoke him through the mantra and seek the blessing of a child.”

Purifying herself, Kunti sat in padmāsana and chanted the sacred mantra taught by Sage Durvasa. Responding to her devotion, Indra appeared before her with a gentle smile and granted her a son of supreme excellence—known to the world as Arjuna.

Arjuna’s Auspicious Birth

Arjuna was born in the month of Phalguna, at the precise moment when Purva Phalguni was ending and Uttara Phalguni was beginning.

Because he was born in the Phalguna month and under the Phalguni constellation, he came to be known also as Phālguna.

At the moment of his birth, a celestial voice proclaimed:

“This child will become a warrior of unmatched might, celebrated across the three worlds. He shall be the beloved companion of Mahavishnu and will uplift the glory of the Kuru lineage.”

Instantly, the heavens resounded with auspicious sounds—drums, conches, cymbals and celestial instruments.

The gods showered flowers from the sky.

Yakshas, Kinnaras, Kimpurushas, Gandharvas, Apsaras, Prajapatis, and the Saptarishis came to bless Pritha’s son, Partha.

Some danced, some sang, expressing their divine joy.

The Eleven Rudras, Twelve Adityas, Ashwini twins, Eight Vasus, Saptamaruts, Vishvadevas, Siddhas and Sadhyas—all gathered to behold the newborn.

Even the great serpent Takshaka, Garuda and Aruna, along with the celestial beings of Vinata’s lineage, arrived to view the child.

But ordinary people living in the forest could not perceive this divine assembly.

Only the enlightened sages witnessed this celestial celebration and rejoiced.

Thus Pandu received his third son.

Kunti Refuses Further Invocation

But desire has no end.

Even after receiving three unparalleled sons, Pandu yearned for more and asked Kunti to use the remaining two mantras.

Kunti gently refused and said:

“My lord, even in times of crisis, learned people do not approve a fourth union through the niyoga system. A woman who unites with four men is called sveriṇī, and one who unites with five is called kulatā. It is against dharma. Please do not ask this of me.”

Pandu accepted her words.

By the time Yudhishthira, Bhima and Arjuna were born to Pandu, Dhritarashtra already had one hundred and one children in Hastinapura.

Madri’s Grief and Her Request

One day, Pandu’s other wife, Madri, approached him in solitude. With a heavy heart she said:

“My lord, I do not grieve for our life in the forest nor for living under Kunti’s guardianship.

But she, who shares equal status with me, now has children.

I alone remain without a child.

Though I rejoice that Kunti has been blessed with sons for your sake, the desire for motherhood burns within me each day.

If she received the power of motherhood through a sacred mantra, could not the same mantra bless me as well? If only she would bestow it upon me, I too may become a mother and find fulfilment.

A child born to me would also be a blessing to you.”

Pandu listened silently, deeply moved.

Madri continued:

“But Kunti is also my co-wife. My pride holds me back from asking her directly.

If you agree, please speak to her on my behalf. Only you can persuade her to grant my wish.”

Pandu responded with compassion:

“Princess of Madra, you have spoken the very thought that has been troubling my mind. What you say is just. I shall speak to Kunti. She will not refuse my request.”