Kunti's marriage to Pandu is a significant event in the epic Mahabharata, marking the beginning of her journey into the royal family of Hastinapura. Born as Pritha, she was the first-born child of King Shoora, a Yadava ruler. Due to certain circumstances, Pritha was adopted by Kuntibhoja, the childless son of Shoora's paternal aunt, and thus came to be known as Kunti in her new home.
Growing up under the care of Kuntibhoja, Kunti blossomed
into a beautiful and virtuous maiden. To find a suitable husband for his
beloved daughter, Kuntibhoja organized a swayamvara, a ceremony where
princesses chose their husbands from among the assembled suitors. Numerous
kings and princes were invited to the grand event, each hoping to win Kunti's
hand in marriage.
As Kunti surveyed the gathering of princes, her eyes fell
upon Pandu, the noble and illustrious king of Hastinapura. Dressed in regal
attire and radiating with dignity, Pandu captured Kunti's heart with his
presence. Entranced by his qualities and impressed by his demeanor, Kunti made
her choice known by selecting Pandu as her husband.
The wedding ceremony that followed was a spectacle of
grandeur and splendor, befitting the union of two royal souls. With blessings
from both families and amidst joyful celebrations, Pandu and Kunti were bound
together in holy matrimony.
Thus, Kunti's marriage to Pandu not only fulfilled her
destiny but also marked the beginning of her role as a pivotal figure in the
unfolding saga of the Mahabharata, where she would play a crucial role in
shaping the destiny of her family and the kingdom of Hastinapura.
After the swayamvara, where Kunti chose Pandu as her
husband, the wedding celebrations were grand and filled with joy. As Kunti left
her paternal home to embark on a new journey with Pandu, she carried with her
the blessings of her family and the anticipation of a life filled with love and
companionship.
Upon their return to Hastinapura, the capital city of
Pandu's kingdom, Kunti was warmly welcomed by the people. Her grace and beauty
were admired by all, and she quickly endeared herself to the citizens of the
kingdom.
As husband and wife, Kunti and Pandu shared a strong bond
built on mutual respect and affection. They supported each other through the
trials and triumphs of ruling a kingdom, and their love only grew deeper with
time.
However, their happiness was marred by Pandu's curse, which
rendered him incapable of bearing children. Despite this challenge, Kunti
remained steadfast by his side, offering him unwavering support and
encouragement.
In her desire to provide Pandu with an heir to the throne,
Kunti remembered the boon given to her by the sage Durvasa. With Pandu's
consent, she used the boon to invoke gods, resulting in the birth of their
three sons: Yudhishthira, Bhima, and Arjuna.
Through her strength, wisdom, and devotion, Kunti played a
vital role in shaping the destiny of her family and the kingdom of Hastinapura.
Her unwavering love for Pandu and her dedication to her sons earned her a place
of honor and reverence in the annals of history, as recounted in the epic tale
of the Mahabharata.