The Death of Pandu (Mahabharata Series 23)

After Madri had received two sons through Kunti’s grace, some days passed. One day Pandu approached Kunti again and gently said,

“Perhaps Madri may have one more child…”

Before he could finish, Kunti firmly stopped him.

“There is no possibility,” she said with quiet resolve. Seeing Pandu restless, she continued,

“With the mantra I gave once, Madri—through her cleverness—obtained two children instead of one. If I empower her again, she may use her skill and gain two more sons, surpassing me. Such is the nature of women. Please, do not press me on this matter.”

Pandu fell silent, unable to argue.

Meanwhile, his five sons were growing day by day like the brightening phases of the moon—pleasing to behold, lion-hearted, and radiant with divine vigor. Their skill in archery, their gentle conduct, and their delightful play made them beloved to the sages living in the forest.

Far away in Hastinapura, Dhritarashtra’s hundred and one sons too were growing like lotuses blooming in a vast lake.

Seasons passed, months rolled on, and the beautiful spring returned.

The forests near the Himalayas burst into blossoms—fragrant, colorful, and enchanting. The pleasant breeze, the sweet calls of cuckoos, and the vibrant beauty of the hills made the entire region seem like Kāma, the god of love, himself wandered freely there.

In this season Pandu often roamed the woods with Madri. The forests were dense with palasha, tilaka, champaka, paribhadraka and many other flowering trees. Lakes thick with lotus blooms looked captivating. Pandu spent many such spring seasons joyfully, but that particular year the season felt especially delightful. His heart was unusually light, and for the first time in many months, his face glowed with unburdened happiness.

Madri followed him, dressed in pure white garments. It was a moment of serene seclusion.

But at that very time, Kama released his five flower-arrows at Pandu. Struck by desire, Pandu momentarily forgot the terrible curse that hung over him. He held Madri’s hand with longing. Trembling, she tried to pull away, reminding him of the rishi’s warning—but he did not hear her.

Overwhelmed, as though walking willingly toward fate, Pandu embraced Madri forcefully.

In the very next moment, struck down by the curse of Sage Kindama, Pandu collapsed lifeless to the ground.

Madri froze in terror. Grief-stricken, she let out a cry that echoed through the forest. Hearing her voice, Kunti rushed to the spot with the children.

There she found Pandu’s lifeless body and Madri writhing in anguish. Understanding instantly what had happened, Kunti fell upon Pandu’s body, weeping uncontrollably.

“Tangi!” she cried, “I always guarded our husband carefully. He was a master of his senses. How did he forget the curse and come to you? Could you not restrain him? Did you long to see his face glowing with desire?”

Madri sobbed,

“Sister, do not wound me with such harsh words. I tried with all my strength to stop him. I pleaded, reminded him of the curse, and begged him to turn back. But he was overcome by desire and would not listen. He acted as though determined to fulfill the curse upon himself.”

Kunti wiped her tears and said,

“Tangi… as the elder wife, it is right that I follow my husband into the next world. I have been blessed with noble sons and fulfilled worldly duties. You must stay behind and care for these five children.”