Veda Vyasa Comes to Help

With the death of both her sons without leaving a heir to the kingdom Sathyavathy was in despair. She knew the dire consequences of a kingdom with no king to rule.

So, she started pleading with Bhishma. Fine that he took an oath of celibacy . But, that situation had no relevance any more. On the contrary the Bharatha dynasty now needed Bhishma to marry and get children to rule the country.

But, no arguments would change Bhishma’s heart. He, then, hinted a way out. There were those long years in which Parasurama annihilated Kshatriyas (the ruling class) of successive generations to avenge the killing of his father by one of them. During that period the Kshatriya women won a ruling that they could receive Brahmins solely for the purpose of getting children to perpetuate the tribe.

Then, Sathyavathy thought of a plan. She confessed to Bhishma her long kept secret of early motherhood of sage Veda Vyasa and his promise to come to her aid when in need. Bhishma was in full accord with her on this matter. Sathyavathy wasted no time to think of her first born and there appeared Veda Vyasa in person knowing her need for him through his sixth sense. Sathyavathy presented the problem before him and her suggested solution. Vyasa should beget children in her daughters-in-law for the sake of the dynasty. The sage accepted the command of his mother to save the situation.

Birth of Dhritarashtra

Sathyavathy, then, instructed Ambika, the first wife of Vichitravirya to accept Vyasa that night. Ambika had to agree, but, she was not too pleased with the proposal. She had seen the aged Vyasa appear in rags and shrunken skin. He had disheveled hair and he smelt. Nothing about him appealed to that young beautiful princess from Kasi. She did receive the sage at night, but, with her eyes firmly shut.

When Vyasa returned from the chambers of Ambika the empress of Bharatas wanted to know whether her desire for a progeny would come true. Veda vyasa assured her of a strong and wise son in Ambika. But, the child would be born blind because Ambika refused to open her eyes in front of the sage.

Birth of Pandu

This did not please Sathayvathy too much. How could the future king of Kurus be blind ? Hence, she wanted Veda Vyasa to get her a heir in Ambalaka. Vyasa was agreeable to that also, provided he would be properly received.

Accordingly Ambalika was asked to received sage Vyasa the next night which she did. She was, nevertheless, not eager to meet the Muni. The very sight of the sage in her chambers turned her pale. Yet, she received him honouring the command of the royal mother.

Again, Sathyavathy wanted to find out from Vyasa about the success of his mission. The sage gave a positive reply, but, added that the son born to Ambalika would be a Pandu, one with a type of white dermatic illness. Again, this left Sathyavathy unhappy.

Birth of Vidura

So, she asked Veda Vyasa to make a third attempt and she asked Ambika a second time to receive the Muni. Ambika did not even bother to meet the sage this time. Instead, she asked her maid to receive him dressed as herself.

Ambika’s maid considered this to be a great honour . She received the sage with all respect and love. The sage was greatly pleased with her devotion and blessed her with a son of great wisdom and fame. Vyasa told his mother accordingly. Sathyavathy came to know of this mix up a bit too late.

That is how Vidura the wise was born to the maid of Ambika.