The Story of Kunti: Secrets, Sacrifices, and Dharma.
The blog narrates the captivating life story of Kunti, a central character in the Mahabharata, highlighting her exceptional qualities and the challenges she faced.
The Birth Story of Kunti: Kunti, originally named Prtha, was the daughter of King Surasena. However, her father had promised her to his cousin, Kuntibhoja, who was childless. So, she was adopted by Kuntibhoja and became known as Kunti.
Story of Kunti and Sage Durvasa:Kunti’s life took a significant turn when she served the short-tempered Sage Durvasa. Impressed by her devotion and selflessness, Durvasa gave her a powerful mantra that could invoke any god to beget children.
Kunti: An Impulsive Young Girl and the Birth of Karna:Curiosity led Kunti to test this mantra, and she invoked Lord Surya (the Sun God). She gave birth to a son named Karna, whom she had to abandon to protect her reputation as an unmarried mother. Karna’s birth secret added complexity to Kunti’s life.
Kunti’s Swayamvara with Pandu:Kunti later married King Pandu. She accepted her co-wife, Madri, and both lived harmoniously. However, Pandu was cursed and could not engage in intimate relations. To continue the lineage, Kunti used her mantra to bear three sons: Yudhishthira, Bhima, and Arjuna.
Sons of Madri: Madri, desiring children, asked Kunti to share her mantra. Madri gave birth to Nakul and Sahadeva. It’s predicted that the birth of these sons would bring sorrow to their lives.
Death of Pandu: A Story of Widowed Kunti:Pandu accidentally killed a sage and his wife in the form of deer while hunting, invoking a curse that prevented him from consummating his relationships. Pandu later died, and Kunti, along with Madri, felt immense grief.
Kunti and the Pandavas at Hastinapura: Life in Hastinapura became difficult for the Pandavas due to the animosity of the Kauravas. They faced numerous threats, including assassination attempts. Bhishma, the guardian of the Pandavas and Kauravas, sent them to study under various sages and gurus.
Kunti’s Advice to Bheema and Arjuna’s Marriage to Draupadi: In their wanderings, the Pandavas encountered Hidimba, a rakshasa who wanted to devour them. Bheema killed Hidimba but later married his sister, Hidimbi, as advised by Kunti. Arjuna, at Draupadi’s swayamvara, won her hand in marriage.
Arjuna’s Exile and Subhadra’s Marriage:Arjuna was forced into exile due to an incident involving Draupadi. During this time, he married Subhadra, Lord Krishna’s sister.
12 Years of Exile and One Year of Incognito: The Pandavas returned to Hastinapura after their exile. However, Duryodhana’s treacherous plan during a dice game led to their exile for another 12 years, including one year incognito.
Kunti and Karna: The Last Conversation:As the Mahabharata war loomed, Kunti was deeply concerned, especially about the impending battle between Arjuna and Karna. She revealed her identity to Karna and asked him to join the Pandavas, but Karna, loyal to Duryodhana, refused.
Mahabharata: The Great War: The Mahabharata war finally took place, resulting in immense destruction, including the death of Karna and many other warriors.
Last Days of Kunti:After the war, Kunti left Hastinapura with Dhritarashtra and Gandhari. In her old age, she died in a forest fire.
Kunti’s life is a remarkable tale of enduring hardships, facing moral dilemmas, and upholding Dharma throughout the vedic story. Her story serves as a timeless inspiration for all, particularly women, to navigate life’s challenges with courage and integrity.
