वैशम्पायन उवाच संवत्सरधृते गर्भे गान्धार्या जनमेजय। आह्वयामास वै कुन्ती गभार्थे धर्ममच्युतम्॥

Vaishampayana said : O Janamejaya, when Gandhari was pregnant for a year, it was then that Kunti called the eternal Dharma for offspring.

Adi Parva 123.1

सा बलिं त्वरिता देवी धर्मायोपजहार ह। जजाप विधिवज्जष्यं दत्तं दुर्वाससा पुरा॥

That lady (Kunti) offered adorations to Dharma and repeated in the proper form the Mantra, formerly given to her by Durvasa.

Adi Parva 123.2

आजगाम ततो देवो धर्मो मन्त्रबलात् ततः। विमाने सूर्यसंकाशे कुन्ती यत्र जपस्थिता॥

The deity Dharma, being overpowered by the Mantra, came on his car resplendent as the sun to the place where Kunti was seated.

Adi Parva 123.3

विहस्य तां ततो ब्रूयाः कुन्ति किं ते ददाम्यहम्। सा तं विहस्यमानापि पुत्रं देह्यब्रवीदिदम्॥

Smiling he said to her, “O Kunti, what am I to give you?" Kunti also smilingly said, “You must give me offspring.'

Adi Parva 123.4

संयुक्ता सा हि धर्मेण योगमूर्तिधरेण ह। लेभे पुत्रं वरारोहा सर्वप्राणभृतां हितम्॥

She was united with Dharma in his Yoga (spiritual) form and that beautiful lady obtained a son devoted to the good of all creatures.

Adi Parva 123.5

ऐन्द्रे चन्द्रसमायुक्ते मुहूर्तेऽभिजितेऽष्टमे। दिवामध्यगते सूर्ये तिथौ पूर्णेऽतिपूजिते॥ समृद्धयशसं कुन्ती सुषाव प्रवरं सुतम्। जातमात्रे सुते तस्मिन् वागुवाचाशरीरिणी॥

She gave birth to an excellent son, who became afterwards greatly famous, at the eighth Muhurata called Abhijit of the hour of noon of that very auspicious day of the eight month, the fifth of the white fort-night, when the star Jyeshtha in conjunction with moon was in ascendant. As soon as the child was born, an invisible voice said-

Adi Parva 123.6

एष धर्मभृतां श्रेष्ठो भविष्यति नरोत्तमः। विक्रान्तः सत्यवाक् त्वेव राजा पृथ्व्यां भविष्यति॥

“This (child) will be the west of men and the foremost of all the virtuous. He will be truthful and (also) greatly powerful; he will be the ruler of the earth.

Adi Parva 123.7

युधिष्ठिर इति ख्यातः पाण्डोः प्रथमजः सुतः। भविता प्रथितो राजा त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतः॥

This eldest son of Pandu will be known as Yudhisthira: he bill be a famous king, known all over the three worlds.

Adi Parva 123.8

यशसा तेजसा चैव वृत्तेन च समन्वितः। धार्मिकं तं सुतं लब्ध्वा पाण्डुस्तां पुनरब्रवीत्॥

He will be endued with splendour, fame and vows. Having obtained this virtuous son, Pandu again told her.

Adi Parva 123.9

प्राहुः क्षत्रं बलज्येष्ठं बलज्येष्ठं सुतं वृणु। ततस्तथोक्ता भ; तु वायुमेवाजुहाव सा॥

"The wise say that Kshatriyas are the foremost in strength: therefore, ask for a son of great strength" having been thus addressed, she invoked Vayu.

Adi Parva 123.10

ततस्तामागतो वायुर्मुगारूढो महाबलः। किं ते कुन्ति ददाम्यद्य ब्रूहि यत् ते हृदि स्थितम्।१२।।

Thereupon the greatly strong Vayu came to her riding on a deer, (and he asked), “O Kunti, what am I to give you? Tell me what is in your mind."

Adi Parva 123.11

सा सलज्जा विहस्याह पुत्रं देहि सुरोत्तम। बलवन्तं महाकायं सर्वदर्पप्रभञ्जनम्॥

Smiling in bashfulness, she said, "O best of celestials, give me a son, who is strong, who is huge and how is capable of humbling the pride of everybody."

Adi Parva 123.12

तस्माज्जज्ञे महाबाहुर्भीमो भीमपराक्रमः। तमप्यतिबलं जातं वागुवाचाशरीरिणी॥ सर्वेषां बलिनां श्रेष्ठो जातोऽयमिति भारत। इदमत्यद्भुतं चासीज्जातमात्रे वृकोदरे॥ यदङ्कात् पतितो मातुः शिलां गात्रैर्व्यचूर्णयत्। कुन्ती व्याघ्रभयोद्विग्ना सहसोत्पतिता किल॥ नान्वबुध्यत संसुप्तमुत्सङ्गे स्वे वृकोदरम्। ततः स वज्रसंघातः कुमारो न्यपतद् गिरौ॥ पतता तेन शतधा शिला गात्रैर्विचूर्णिता। तां शिलां चूर्णितां दृष्ट्वा पाण्डुर्विस्मयमागतः॥

By him was born Bhima, endued with great strength: and on the birth of this greatly strong man, an invisible voice said, “This child will be foremost of all endued with strength." o descendant of the Bharata race, the following extraordinary incident happened as soon as Bhima was born. Falling from his mother's lap on the mountain, he broke into fragments the stone on which he fell. Kunti suddenly rose up from the fear of a tiger, forgetting that the child lay asleep on her lap. As she rose, the child, whose body was as hard as the thunder-bolt fell on the stone and broke it into a hundred pieces. Seeing the breaking of the stone, Pandu became very much astonished.

Adi Parva 123.13

यस्मिन्नहनि भीमस्तु जज्ञे भरतसत्तम। दुर्योधनोऽपि तत्रैव प्रजज्ञे वसुधाधिपः॥

O best of the Bharatas, the day on which Bhima was born, on that very bay, the king of the world, Duryodhana, was also born.

Adi Parva 123.14

जाते वृकोदरे पाण्डुरिदं भूयोऽन्वचिन्तयत्। कथं नु मे वरः पुत्रो लोकश्रेष्ठो भवेदिति॥

On the birth of Bhima, Pandu again began to reflect, “How can I obtain a very superior son who will be the best of men?

Adi Parva 123.15

दैवे पुरुषकारे च लोकोऽयं सम्प्रतिष्ठितः। तत्र दैवं तु विधिना कालयुक्तेन लभ्यते॥

This world depends on Daiva (Destiny) and Purushartha (exertion). But Destiny is gained in time by the grace of Providence,

Adi Parva 123.16

इन्द्रो हि राजा देवानां प्रधान इति नः श्रुतम्। अप्रमेयबलोत्साहो वीर्यवानमितद्युतिः॥ तं तोषयित्वा तपसा पुत्रं लप्स्ये महाबलम्। यं दास्यति स मे पुत्रं स वरीयान् भविष्यति॥ अमानुषान् मानुषांश्च संग्रामे स हनिष्यति। कर्मणा मनसा वाचा तस्मात् तप्स्ये महत् तपः॥

We have heard that Indra is the foremost (among the celestial) and the king of the Devas. He is endued with immeasurable might, energy, Prowess and glory. Gratifying him by my asceticism, I shall obtain a greatly powerful son. The son that he will give me will be superior to all. He will be capable of defeating the inhabitants of earth and those who are not of this earth. I shall, therefore practice severest asceticism with heart, deed and speech."

Adi Parva 123.17

ततः पाण्डुर्महाराजो मन्त्रयित्वा महर्षिभिः। दिदेश कुन्त्याः कौरव्यो व्रतंसांवत्सरं शुभम्॥

Thereupon the descendant of Kuru, the great king Pandu, after consulting with the great Rishis, commanded Kunti to observe an auspicious vow for one full year.

Adi Parva 123.18

आत्मना च महाबाहुरेकपादस्थितोऽभवत्। उग्रं च तप आस्थाय परमेण समाधिना॥ आरिराधयिषुर्देवं त्रिदशानां तमीश्वरम्। सूर्येण सह धर्मात्मा पर्यतप्यत भारत॥ तं तु कालेन महता वासवः प्रत्यपद्यता

That mighty-armed man (Pandu), himself stood upon his one leg and began to perform the severest asceticism and penances. He practiced severe austerities from morning to evening with his mind deep in meditation in order to gratify the lord of the celestials. It was after a long time that Indra appeared.

Adi Parva 123.19

शक्र उवाच पुत्रं तव प्रदास्यामि त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतम्॥

Indra said: I shall give you a son who will be famous all over the three worlds.

Adi Parva 123.20

ब्राह्मणानां गवां चैव सुहृदां चार्थसाधकम्। दुहृदां शोकजननं सर्वबान्धवनन्दनम्॥ सुतं तेऽत्र्यं प्रदास्यामि सर्वामित्रविनाशनम्।

Who will promote the welfare of the Brahmanas, kine and all honest men. The son that I shall give you will be the chastiser of the wicked and the delight of his friends and relations. He will the foremost of all and the slayer of all foes.

Adi Parva 123.21

इत्युक्तः कौरवो राजा वासवेन महात्मना॥ उवाच कुन्ती धर्मात्मा देवराजवचः स्मरन्। उदर्कस्तव कल्याणि तुष्टो देवगणेश्वरः॥ दातुमिच्छति ते पुत्रं यथा संकल्पितं त्वया। अतिमानुषकर्माणं यशस्विनीमरिंदमम्॥ नीतिमन्तं महात्मानमादित्यसतेजसम्। दुराधर्ष क्रियावन्तमतीवाद्भुतदर्शनम्॥

Having been thus addressed by the illustrious Indra, the virtuous Kuru king (Pandu), remembering the words of the king of the celestials said to Kunti, O fortunate one, your vow has been successful. The king of the celestials is gratified. He is willing to give you a son such as you desire to have (who will be) of superior human achievements and great fame (how will be) a chastiser of enemies and a greatly wise man, (who will possess) a great son, (who will be) invincible battle, (who will be) as effulgent as the sun (who will be) very handsome and endued with all the Kshatriya splendour.

Adi Parva 123.22

पुत्रं जनय सुश्रोणि धाम क्षत्रियतेजसाम्। लब्धः प्रसादो देवेन्द्रात् तभाह्वय शुचिस्मिते॥

O lady of beautiful thighs, O lady of sweet smiles, raise up a son. Call the lord of the celestials, I have gratified him.

Adi Parva 123.23

वैशम्पायन उवाच एवमुक्ताः ततः शक्रमाजुहाव यशस्विनी। अथाजगाम देवेन्द्रो जनयामास चार्जुनम्॥

Vaishampayana said : Having been thus addressed, the illustrious Kunti invoked Indra. The lord of the celestials came begot Arjuna.

Adi Parva 123.24

जातमात्रे कुमारे तु वागुवाचाशरीरिणी। महागम्भीरनिर्घोषा नभो नादयती तदा॥

As soon as the prince was born, an invisible voice filled the whole sky with a laud and deep roar.

Adi Parva 123.25

शृण्वतां सर्वभूतानां तेषां चाश्रमवासिनाम्। कुन्तीमाभाष्य विस्पष्टमुवाचेदं शुचिस्मिताम्॥

Addressing Kunti, it said a distinct voice in the hearing of every creature dwelling in that hermitage,

Adi Parva 123.26

कार्तवीर्यसम: कुंन्ति शिवतुल्यपराक्रमः। एष शक्रः इवाजय्यो यशस्ते प्रथयिष्यति॥ अदित्या विष्णुना प्रीतिर्यथाभूदभिवर्धिता। तथा विष्णुसमः प्रीति वर्धयिष्यति तेऽर्जुनः॥

"O Kunti, (this child) will be equal to Kartavirya and Shiva in prowess he will be invincible like Indra himself. He will spread your fame everywhere. As Vishnu enhanced Aditi's joy, so Arjuna (this child) like Vishnu will enhance your joy.

Adi Parva 123.27

एष मद्रान् वशे कृत्वा कुरूंश्च सह सोमकैः। चेदिकाशिकरूपांश्च कुरुलक्ष्मी वहिष्यति॥

He will maintain the Lakshmi(goddess of prosperity) of the Kuru dynasty by subjugating Madra, the Somakas with the Kurus, Chedi, Kashi and Karusha.

Adi Parva 123.28

एतस्य भुजवीर्येण खाण्डवे हव्यवाहनः। मेदसा सर्वभूतानां तृप्तिं यास्यति वै पराम्॥

Agni will be greatly gratified with the fat of all creatures which will be burnt in the Khandava (forest) through the strength of arms of this (hero).

Adi Parva 123.29

ग्रामणीश्च महीपालानेष जित्वा महाबलः। भ्रातृभिः सहितो वीरस्त्रीन् मेधानाहरिष्यति॥

This greatly powerful hero with his brothers will conquer all the weak kings and perform three great horse-sacrifices.

Adi Parva 123.30

जामदग्न्यसमः कुन्ति विष्णुतुल्यपराक्रमः। एष वीर्यवतां श्रेष्ठो भविष्यति महायशाः॥

O Kunti, he will be equal to the son of Jamadagni (Parashurama)and Vishnu in prowess. He will be the foremost of all men endued with great strength he will be greatly famous.

Adi Parva 123.31

एष युद्धे महादेवं तोषयिष्यति शंकरम्। अस्त्रं पाशुपते नाम तस्मात् तुष्टादवाप्स्यति॥ निवातकवचा नाम दैत्या विबुधविद्विषः। शक्राज्ञया महाबाहुस्तान् वधिष्यति ते सुतः॥

He will gratify in battle the great god Shankara (Shiva) and he will receive from him a weapon, named Pashupata, which will he given to him with Pleasure. By command of Indra, your this mighty-armed son will kill those Daityas, called Nivatkavachas, who are enemies of the celestials.

Adi Parva 123.32

तथा दिव्यानि चास्त्राणि निखिलेनाहरिष्यति। विप्रणष्टां श्रियं चायमाहर्ता पुरुषर्षभः॥

He will also acquire all kinds of celestial weapons and this best of men will retrieve the lost fortunes of his race."

Adi Parva 123.33

एतामत्युद्धतां वाचं कुन्ती शुश्राव सूतके। वाचमुच्चारितामुच्चैस्तां निशम्य तपस्विनाम्॥ बभूव परमो हर्षः शतशृङ्गनिवासिनाम्। तथा देवनिकायानां सेन्द्राणां च दिवौकसाम्॥

Kunti heard these extraordinary words in her lying-in-room. Having heard these words, so loudly uttered, the ascetics, dwelling on that mountain with hundred peaks and the celestial with Indra sitting on their cars, became exceedingly happy.

Adi Parva 123.34

आकाशे दुन्दुभीनां च बभूव तुमुलः स्वनः। उदतिष्ठन्महाघोषः पुष्पवृष्टिभिरावृतः॥

The sounds of drums of drums rose in the sky and made a great noise; and the whole place was covered with the showers of flowers.

Adi Parva 123.35

समवेत्य च देवानां गणाः पार्थमपूजयन्। काद्रवेया वैनतेया गन्धर्वाप्सरसस्तथा। प्रजानां पतयः सर्वे सप्त चैव महर्षयः॥ भरद्वाजः कश्यपो गौतमक्ष विश्वामित्रो जमदग्निर्वसिष्ठः। यश्चोदितो भास्करेऽभूत् प्रणष्टे सोऽप्यत्रात्रिभगवानाजगाम॥

The various tribes of celestial assembled to adore Partha (Arjuna). The sons of Kadru, the son of Vinata, the Gandharvas. The seven great Rishis, namely, Bharadvaja, Kashyapa, Gautama, Vishvamitra, Jamadagni, Vasishtha and the illustrious Atri, who illuminated the world when the sun was lost came there.

Adi Parva 123.36

मरीचिरङ्गिराश्चैव पुलस्त्य: पुलहः क्रतुः। दक्षः प्रजापतिश्चैव गन्धर्वाप्सरसस्तथा॥

Marichi, Angira, Pulastya, Pulaha Kratu, the Prajapati Daksha, the Gandharvas and he Apsaras, all came there.

Adi Parva 123.37

दिव्यमाल्याम्बरधराः सर्वालंकारभूषिताः। उपगायान्ति वीभत्सुं नृत्यन्तेऽप्सरसां गणाः॥

The Apsara ladies, decked with celestial garlands and every ornament and attired in fine robes, began to dance chanting the Praises of Vibhatsa (Arjuna).

Adi Parva 123.38

तथा महर्षयश्चापि जेपुस्तत्र समन्ततः। गन्धर्वैः सहितः श्रीमान् प्रागायत च तुम्बरुः॥

The great Rishis began to utter the propitiatory Mantras every where and handsome Tumburu began to sing.

Adi Parva 123.39

भीमसेनोग्रसेनौ च ऊर्णायुरनधस्तथा। गोपतिधृतराष्ट्रश्च सूर्यवर्चास्तथाष्टमः॥ युगपस्तृणपः कार्पोिर्नन्दिश्चित्ररथस्तथा। त्रयोदशः शालिशिराः पर्जन्यश्च चतुर्दशः॥ कलिः पञ्चदशश्चैव नारदश्चात्र षोडशः। ऋत्वा बृहत्त्वा बृहकः करालश्च महामनाः॥ ब्रह्मचारी बहुगुणः सुवर्णश्चेति विश्रुतः। विश्वावसुर्भुमन्युश्च सुचन्द्रश्च शरुस्तथा॥ गतिमाधुर्यसम्पन्नौ विख्यातौ च हहाहुहू। इत्येते देवगन्धर्वा जग्मुस्तत्र नराधिप॥

Bhimasena, Ugrasena, Urnayus, Anagha, Gopati, Dhritarashtra, Suryavarcha, Yugapa, Trinapa, Krashni, Nandi, Chitraratha, Shalishira, Parjanya, Kali, Narada, Ritva, Brihattva, Brihaka, Karala, Brahmachari, Vahuguna, Suvarna, Vishvavasu, Bhumanyu, Suchandra, Sharu. the celebrated tribes of Haha and Huhu, gifted with sweet melody of voice, O king all these celestial and Gandharvas came there.

Adi Parva 123.40

तथैवाप्सरसो हृष्टाः सर्वालंकारभूषिताः। ननृतुर्वै महाभागा जगुश्चायतलोचनाः॥

Many famous Apsaras of large eyes, decked in every ornament, came there in joy to dance and sing.

Adi Parva 123.41

अनूचानानवद्या च गुणमुख्या गुणावरा। अद्रिका च तथा सोमा मिश्रकेशी त्वलम्बुषा॥ मरीचिः शुचिका चैव विद्युत्पर्णा तिलोत्तमा। अम्बिका लक्षणा क्षेमा देवी रम्भा मनोरमा॥ असिता च सुबाहुश्च सुप्रिया च वपुस्तथा। पुण्डरीका सुगन्धा च सुरसा च प्रमाथिनी॥ काम्या शारद्वती चैव ननृतुस्तत्र सङ्घशः। मेनका सहजन्या च कर्णिका पुञ्जिकस्थला॥ ऋतुस्थला घृताची च विश्वाची पूर्वचित्त्यपि। उम्लोचेति च विख्याता प्रम्लोचेति च ता दश॥ उर्वश्येकादशी तासां जगुश्चायतलोचनाः। धातार्यमा च मित्रश्च वरुणोंऽशो भगस्तथा॥ इन्द्रो विवस्वान् पूषा च त्वष्टा च सचिता तथा। पर्जन्यश्चैव विष्णुश्च आदित्या द्वादश स्मृताः। महिमानं पाण्डवस्य वर्धयन्तोऽम्बरे स्थिताः॥

Anuchana, Anavadhya, Gunamukha, Gunavara, Adrika, Soma, Mishrakeshi, Alambusha, Marichi, Suchika, Vidyutparna, Tilottama, Ambika, Lakshana, Kshema, Subahu, Supriya, Vapu, Pundarika, Sugandha, Surasa, Pramathini, Kamya and Sharadvati, all danced there together. Mainaka, Sahajanya, Karnika, Punjikasthala. Ritusthala, Ghritachi, Vishvachi, Purvachitti, Umlocha, Pramlocha and Urvashi, these large eyed dancing girls of heaven all came their and sang in chorus. Dhatri, Aryama, Mitra, Varuna, Angsha, Bhaga. Indra, Vivasvana, Pusha, Tvashta, Savita, Parjanya, alias Vishnu, these twelve Adityas glorified the son of Pandu remaining in the sky.

Adi Parva 123.42

मृगव्याधश्च सर्पश्च नितिश्च महायशाः। अजैकपादहिर्बुध्यः पिनाकी च परंतप॥ दहनोऽथेश्वरश्चैव कपाली च विशाम्पते। स्थाणुर्भगश्च भगवान् रुद्रास्तत्रावतस्थिरे॥

Mrigavyadha, Sarpa, illustrious Niriti. Ajaikapada, Ahiburdhnya, Pinaki, Dahana, Ishvara, Kapali, Sthanu and the illustrious Bhaga, these eleven Rudras also came there.

Adi Parva 123.43

अश्विनौ वसवश्चाष्टौ मरुतश्च महाबलाः। विश्वेदेवास्तथा साध्यास्तत्रासन परित: स्थिताः॥

The Ashvinis, the eight Vasus, the mighty Maruts, the Vishvadevas and the Saddhyas also came there.

Adi Parva 123.44

कर्कोटकोऽथ सर्पश्च वासुकिश्च भुजङ्गमः। कश्यपश्चाथ कुण्डश्च तक्षकश्च महोरगः॥ आययुस्तपसा युक्ता महाक्रोधा महाबलाः। एते चान्ये च बहवस्तत्र नागा व्यवस्थिताः॥

Karkotaka, Vasuki, Kashyapa, Kunda and the great Naga Takshaka, those mighty and wrathful Nagas possessed of ascetic merits and other Nagas also came there.

Adi Parva 123.45

ता_श्चारिष्टनेमिश्च गरुडश्चासितध्वजः। अरुणश्चारुणिश्चैव वैनतेया व्यवस्थिताः॥

Tarkshya, Arishtanemi, Garuda, Asitadhvaja, Aruna and Aruni of the race of Vinata also came there.

Adi Parva 123.46

तांश्च देवगणान् सर्वांस्तपःसिद्धा महर्षयः। विमानगिर्यग्रगतान् ददृशुर्नेतरे जनाः॥

Only the great Rishis, who were crowned with ascetic success, saw those celestial and others seated on their cars or standing on the mountain peaks. The others could not see them.

Adi Parva 123.47

तद् दृष्ट्वा महदाश्चर्यं विस्मिता मुनिसत्तमाः। अधिकां स्म ततो वृत्तिमवर्तन् पाण्डवान् प्रति॥

Those excellent Rishis were astonished to see that wonderful sight and their love and affection for Pandu's sons were enhanced.

Adi Parva 123.48

पाण्डुस्तु पुनरेवैनां पुत्रलोभान्महायशाः। वक्तुमैच्छद् धर्मपत्नी कुन्ती त्वेनमथाब्रवीत्॥

The illustrious Pandu, desirous of getting more sons, wished to speak again to his lawful wife, but Kunti addressed him thus-

Adi Parva 123.49

नातश्चतुर्थं प्रसवमापत्स्वपि वदन्त्युत। अतः परं स्वैरिणी स्याद् बन्धकी पञ्चमे भवेत्॥

“The learned men do not sanction a fourth delivery (conception) even in an emergency. The woman who holds intercourse with four different men is called Svairini; with five she becomes a harlot.

Adi Parva 123.50

स त्वं विद्वन् धर्ममिममधिगम्य कथं नु माम्। अत्यार्थं समुत्क्रम्य प्रमाददादिव भाषसे॥

O learned man, well-acquainted as you are with the scriptures, why being tempted by the desire of offspring, do you ask me again, forgetting the ordinance."

Adi Parva 123.51