Bhishma, the revered grandsire of the Kurus, once heard from learned Brahmins about Gandhari, the virtuous daughter of King Subala of Gandhara. It was said that Gandhari, having devotedly worshipped Lord Hara—the boon-giving destroyer of Bhaga’s eye—had received a remarkable blessing: she would be the mother of a hundred sons. Bhishma, ever attentive to the welfare of his family, accepted this report as true. With this knowledge, Bhishma promptly sent a message to the king of Gandhara, expressing his desire for Gandhari to wed Dhritarashtra. In Subala’s house, the matter was carefully discussed, particularly the issue of Dhritarashtra’s blindness. After thoughtful deliberation, Subala, having considered the Kuru lineage, their reputation, and Dhritarashtra’s character, agreed to the match. Thus, Gandhari—steadfast in righteousness—was given in marriage to Dhritarashtra. When Gandhari learned that her chosen husband was blind, and that her parents had arranged this union, she made a profound decision. Taking a cloth and folding it many times, she bound her own eyes, vowing never to see, so that she would not surpass her husband in any way. With unwavering resolve, she declared, “I will not surpass my husband.” At this time, her brother Shakuni, son of the king of Gandhara, arrived. He brought Gandhari, radiant in her beauty, to the Kaurava court, and with Bhishma’s approval, gave her in marriage to Dhritarashtra with great honor. After performing the marriage rites and bestowing appropriate gifts, Shakuni returned to Gandhara, honored by Bhishma. Gandhari, noble in form and conduct, soon won the hearts of all the Kurus with her virtues. Yet, when she beheld her husband, wise though he was, Gandhari was filled with a deep fear, pondering over his blindness and her own vow. By renouncing her own sight, Gandhari made herself equal to her husband, never seeking to surpass him in any respect. Devoted to her husband, she pleased all the elders of the Kuru house with her exemplary behavior, never speaking of other men, and remaining steadfast in her vows. King Subala of Gandhara, further strengthening the bond between the two families, gave ten more of Gandhari’s sisters to Dhritarashtra, with Bhishma’s consent. Among them were Satyavrata, Satyasena, Sudeṣṇā, Saṃhitā, Tejaśrva, Suśrava, Nikṛti the auspicious, Śaṃbhvaṭhā, and Daśārṇā—ten renowned maidens of Gandhara. Dhritarashtra accepted them all in a single day. Bhishma himself also gave a hundred royal maidens to Dhritarashtra, further establishing the Kuru dynasty. Around this time, among the Yadus, there was a chief named Shura, who fathered Vasudeva. Shura’s daughter, Pritha—later known as Kunti—was famed for her unparalleled beauty. Shura, keeping a solemn promise to his childless cousin, pledged to give his own child in adoption, and kept his word. Thus, as an act of friendship, he gave Pritha to his noble-hearted friend Kuntibhoja, who received her with honor. In her new home, Pritha was entrusted with the care of Brahmin guests. One day, she served a formidable and resolute sage, Durvasa, renowned for his hidden intentions and fierce adherence to dharma. With unwavering devotion, Pritha attended to him, constantly offering the best curds, ghee, and other delicacies, never failing in her hospitality. Pleased with her service at the end of the year, Durvasa bestowed upon Pritha a powerful mantra, recognizing her steadfastness in adversity. He instructed her in its use, telling her that whichever god she invoked with this mantra, by that god’s grace, she would bear a son. Curious about the sage’s words, Pritha—still a maiden of spotless reputation—decided to test the mantra. She invoked the Sun god, remaining chaste and pure. In response, the radiant Surya descended from the heavens, piercing the clouds to approach the astonished maiden. Surya, the creator of worlds, appeared before her in all his brilliance, and spoke kindly: “Know me, O pure-smiling one, as the Sun, come to grant you a son. Your son, O beautiful-browed one, will be born with my earrings and armor, invulnerable to weapons and missiles. He will never refuse anything to Brahmins, no matter what, and will be proud in spirit.” Pritha, hearing these words, replied with humility and distress: “O lord, I am a maiden, given by my father, and I have no husband. The Brahmin gave me this boon and knowledge, and out of curiosity I invoked you. For this unintended offense, I beg your pardon. Women must always be protected, even when they err.” Surya reassured her, saying, “I know all that Durvasa granted you. Let go of your fear, and let our union take place here. My appearance cannot fail, and you have summoned me. Even if your call was in vain, blame would fall upon you, not me. Why did you invoke the Sun if you did not wish my presence? If you disregard me, the sage’s blessing will come to nothing. If you are proud from receiving the mantra and filled with arrogance, today I will burn your lineage with my anger-ignited gaze.” Though Surya spoke to her in many gentle ways, Pritha, steadfast in her resolve, did not consent, declaring, “I am a virgin.” Thus did she address the Sun god, remaining true to her virtue.