8. Kunti Devi: Mahabharata
(C. Rajagopalachari)
Sura, of the Yadava race, was the grandfather of Sri Krishna. His daughter, Pitha, was acknowledged for her beauty and virtuosity. Sura had handed over Pitha to his childless cousin Kuntibhoja for adoption, as a gesture of goodwill. Then onwards, she became known as Kunti. In her childhood, sage Durvasa had spent some time in the Kuntibhoja household as a guest. Kunti had served Durvasa with great care, devotion and patience. Pleased, Durvasa had confided in Kunti a mantra, which when recited, would bring forth in her presence any god of her choice, who would bless her with a son. Durvasa had the knowledge that Kunti was destined to get married to Pandu, who, as a result of a curse, would be unable to father any child. Once left to herself, the impatient and immature Kunti forthwith recited the mantra and invited Surya, the Sun, who was dazzling the skies with his splendour. Immediately, the Sun presented himself before Kunti. Kunti, now resenting her childish behaviour, explained that she was merely testing the effectiveness of the boon. But the Sun insisted that the mantra could not be undone. However, sensitive to the sentiments of an unwed youth, the Sun told Kunti that after she gave birth to their child, she would regain her virginity. By the grace of the Sun, Kunti conceived. In time, she gave birth to Karna, a child as brilliant as the Sun himself, who would in time become a legendary hero. As promised by the Sun, Kunti regained her virginity. But embarrassment led her to place Karna in a basket and set the basket afloat in a river. A childless charioteer located the basket, took it home and handed over Karna to his delighted wife. Karna grew up as the son of a charioteer. In time, Kuntibhoja arranged for Kunti a swayamvara ? a gathering of eminent suitors from whom Kunti would choose her husband. On this auspicious occasion, Kunti bedecked King Pandu, a distinguished representative of the Bharata race, with the matrimonial garland. The ceremonies over, King Pandu escorted his wife to his capital at Hastinapura. In keeping with the ancient traditions, and on Bhishma?s advice, Pandu later married another lady, Madri, the sister of the king of Madra.
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