Dhritarashtra, Pandu, Vidura

Birth of Dhritarashtra, Pandu and Vidura

Ambika gave birth to a blind boy as prophesied by Veda Vyasa and was named Dhritarashtra. Similarly, Pandu was born of Ambalika, with the white patches on skin as foretold by the sage. The maid of Ambika delivered a handsome boy, Vidura.

The three boys grew up together under the care of Bhishma. Dhritarashtra was the strongest of the three. Pandu became the most skilled in archery. Vidura was the wisest of all. Bhishma ruled over the vast kingdom of the Kurus during that time. The land prospered under his reign . Law and order prevailed and everyone lived happily.

The Marriage of Dhritarashtra.

When Dhritarashtra grew old enough for marriage Bhishma consulted Vidura. Bhsihma, the grand scion of the Kurus, had heard of princess Gandhari of the kingdom of Gandhara, daughter of king Subala. Bhishma thought that the kinship with Subala was worthy of the status of Kurus. Vidura agreed with his step father on this. Accordingly, a delegation was sent to Gandhara.

King Subala was very happy with the alliance with the Kurus, but for the blindness of prince. Finally, considering the overall strength of the proposal, he consented. When Gandhari came to know that she was due to marry a blind king she blindfolded her own eyes. She did not want to look at the external world any more, something that was denied to her betrothed.

Thus, the blind Dhritarashtra was married to the blindfolded princess of Gandhara of noble qualities.