Pandu, noble king of the Kuru lineage, was cursed by a muni who was disguised as a deer. The curse decreed that if he ever touched a woman, both he and the woman would die. Overcome with remorse, Pandu renounced his kingdom and retreated to the forest with his wives, Kunti and Madri, seeking emancipation through penance and detachment. However, in the forest, Pandu realized that a man without children could not attain swarga. To fulfill this vital duty, he urged Kunti to conceive children with a noble person, as permitted by the dharma shastras. Such children would be considered his own, ensuring his path to swarga.

To convince Pandu of an alternative, Kunti recounted the story of King Vyushitashva. Vyushitashva was a righteous ruler of the Puru lineage, known for his unwavering devotion to dharma and his deep love for his wife, Bhadra. The king performed great yajnas, conquered many lands, and earned the respect of both gods and men. However, his excessive desire for Bhadra led to his untimely death due to illness.

Stricken with grief, Bhadra lamented her loss, expressing a desire to join her husband in death. Her unwavering devotion moved Vyushitashva, even in his disembodied state. From beyond death, his voice addressed Bhadra, offering her solace and a promise. He assured her that he would father children on her, despite his passing. He instructed her to bathe after her periods and lie on her bed on the eighth or fourteenth day, promising to unite with her in spirit. This miraculous act demonstrated the transcendence of marital bonds beyond physical existence.

Bhadra, devoted to her husband and determined to fulfill his wishes, followed his instructions. Through this extraordinary union, she gave birth to seven sons—three Shalvas and four Madras. These children became a testament to the couple’s unwavering love and faith, symbolizing the enduring connection between husband and wife, even beyond death.

After narrating this tale, Kunti turned to Pandu and said, 'Just as Vyushitashva fathered children on Bhadra without physical contact, you too can transcend your limitations. The power of yoga resides in your mind. Through your yogic power, you can ensure the continuation of your lineage without breaking dharma or risking the curse. Just as Vyushitashva’s love brought forth sons, your yogic power can fulfill this noble purpose.'

Knowledge Bank

What is the message of Astika Parva of Mahabharata?

A Brahmin should be friendly towards all living beings. He should be the protector of all living beings. Only a Kshatriya or the ruler has the authority to punish. Astika performed his duty as a Brahmin by stopping the massacre of serpents in Janamejaya's Sarpa yajna.

Balancing Spiritual Devotion and Worldly Relationships

Balance your spiritual devotion with your worldly relationships by dedicating time each day for prayer and meditation to strengthen your connection with God, while also fulfilling your family duties with love and compassion. Recognize that both aspects are important—your spiritual practices provide inner peace and guidance, while your relationships offer opportunities to express selflessness and care. By honoring both, you can lead a fulfilling life that nurtures your soul and your connections with loved ones.