The Curse of Sage Kindama (Mahabharata Series 17)

The dialogue between the deer-shaped sage and King Pandu continued. In response to the sage’s words, Pandu said:

“O deer, the rule you spoke of may apply to enemies, but not to animals. Deer can be hunted whether they are running in fear, sitting, or grazing in the forest. Even if they are warned, they simply flee — and that is when the hunter must act. Deer are not warriors to stand ready for battle! Therefore, do not condemn me for doing what is rightful for a kshatriya.”

The sage, still in the form of a deer, replied calmly:

“O King, I do not condemn you for hunting animals. Nor do I reproach you for causing me pain. But could you not have waited until my act of union was complete? You, a wise man, surely know how sacred and satisfying the act of love is for all beings. I was with my wife in the sacred act of union, yet before that joy was fulfilled, you struck me down. You have denied me the divine satisfaction that all creatures seek. This cruelty, O King, is unworthy of one born in a noble line.”

Then, with sorrow and righteous anger, the sage continued:

“I have committed no sin against you. I was living peacefully in this forest, harming no one. Yet you have caused me untimely suffering. Therefore, you are deserving of a curse.”

The sage revealed his true identity:

“Know that I am Sage Kindama. I took the form of a deer to avoid shame among men while uniting with my wife. Since you killed me unknowingly, you shall not incur the sin of slaying a Brahmana. Yet, because you took my life while I was engaged in the sacred act of love, you shall suffer the same fate. When you approach your wife in passion, death will claim you that very instant. This is my curse upon you, O King of the Kurus!”

Having spoken thus, Sage Kindama shed his deer form and departed from the world.

Pandu, struck with grief and remorse, returned to his hermitage, his heart burning with sorrow. The great king, born in the illustrious Kuru line by the blessing of Sage Vyasa, now lamented the sin he had unknowingly committed.

He revealed the entire incident and the curse to his wives, Kunti and Madri, and wept bitterly before them. Filled with guilt, he resolved to renounce all royal pleasures and live a life of penance and detachment, sustained only by alms.

Seeing their husband’s anguish, Kunti and Madri were deeply moved. With trembling voices, they pleaded:

“O King, your decision to atone for your sin through penance is indeed righteous. But renouncing the world entirely is not necessary. You can perform austerities even while remaining with us. Let us share your trials and your vows, remaining devoted and self-controlled.”

Moved by their devotion, Pandu accepted their words. He distributed all his wealth and ornaments as gifts to the needy and sent word to Hastinapura about the events that had taken place. Then, bidding farewell to his attendants, he set out for the forest with his two devoted wives.

As tears flowed freely, the servants and followers returned to Hastinapura, where Bhishma, Vidura, and Dhritarashtra learned of all that had transpired. The entire kingdom mourned Pandu’s misfortune.

Meanwhile, Pandu, accompanied by Kunti and Madri, lived a life of renunciation — surviving on roots and fruits, traveling through the forests and mountains. They crossed the Nagasata hills, the Chaitraratha forest, the Himalayas, and finally reached the beautiful slopes of Mount Shatasringa. There, Pandu began his life of deep penance, seeking peace from the weight of his curse.

✨ Thus began the long exile of Pandu — a life of reflection, repentance, and destiny — that would one day give rise to the mighty Pandavas.