"Sometimes good people make bad choices, it doesn't mean they are bad, it means they're human"

"But now he has to pay for my mistake gurudev, how can I live knowing someone else might be suffering because of me"

"What's done is done Kunti, you cannot reverse it back. Once we realise that imperfect understanding is the human condition, there is no shame in making mistakes, but in failing to correct it"

"How can I correct my mistake gurudev ?"

"That only you have to figure out putri"

Princess Kunti stood on the balcony of her chamber, her eyes fixed on the rising sun. The soft hues of dawn painted the sky in shades of pink and orange, but all she could feel was an overwhelming melancholy. Her heart weighed heavy with guilt and sorrow, a burden she had carried for years.

It had been many summers since that fateful day when she was just a young girl, a time when the world seemed full of possibilities. But destiny had other plans for her. The memory of her last conversation with sage Durvasa haunted her like a relentless ghost.

Flashback :-

In a serene forest, young Kunti served the venerable sage Durvasa with utmost devotion. Pleased with her service, the sage blessed her with a powerful mantra that could summon any god she desired. Curiosity overcame her, and she decided to test the potency of the boon. Calling upon Suryadev, with the mantra, she was granted an audience with the deity himself.

The consequences of that meeting were both miraculous and disastrous. Suryadev bestowed upon her a son, destined for greatness. But the circumstances of her life did not permit her to raise the child as her own. Consumed by fear of societal judgment and royal responsibility, Kunti made the heart-wrenching decision to place the newborn in a basket and let him float down the river Ganga, praying that he would find a loving family.

End of Flashback

Despite years passing since that sorrowful day, the pain and guilt lingered, haunting her every waking moment. The thought of the son she had abandoned, the son she had never truly known, was a constant ache in her heart.

As her father, Maharaj Kuntibhoj, prepared for a grand swayamvar to find a suitable suitor for his daughter, the kingdom buzzed with excitement and anticipation. Nobles, kings, and princes from all corners of Aryavarth were invited to vie for Princess Kunti's hand in marriage. But the princess herself felt no joy at the prospect of the lavish event.

She could not fathom the idea of finding happiness in marriage when her heart was burdened with remorse. The grandeur of the event felt empty and hollow to her. The only solace she found was in the hope that her abandoned son, had found a loving family, someone who cared for him as she never could.

Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over, as she clenched her trembling hands against the railing. She longed to find peace and forgiveness within herself, to find a way to accept the choices she had made and move forward with her life.

As the sun rose higher in the sky, its warm rays brushed against her cheeks, a gentle reminder that life continued to move forward despite her pain. Princess Kunti took a deep breath, trying to gather her resolve. She knew that facing the past and confronting her feelings was the only way to find healing and happiness.

The grand swayamvar approached, and with it, the momentous decision that would shape her future. As the kingdom prepared for the auspicious occasion, Princess Kunti knew she had to find the strength within herself to face her emotions and be true to her heart, whatever that might mean for her future.

And so, with a heavy heart but newfound determination, she turned away from the sun and stepped back into her chamber. The weight of her past was immense, but she was determined to rise above it and discover her own path, even amidst the opulent chaos of the impending swayamvar.

"Princess"

A voice broke her trance and she adjusted her posture.

Kunti :- What happened Priyamvada ?

Priyamvada :- Princess, you seem troubled. Is there anything that weighs upon your heart ?

Kunti sighed, still not looking at her.

Kunti :- Oh, Priyamvada, it's just... the burden of the past feels so heavy. I cannot escape the choices I've made.

Priyamvada :- Princess, we all have moments of regret and decisions that haunt us. You are not alone in this.

She went foreward and placed a hand on Kunti's shoulder.

Kunti :- But it's different, Priyamvada. My past shadows my every step. How can I embrace a future, a marriage, when my heart is burdened by the child I abandoned?

She clenched her fist tightly, trying to compose herself, reminder of that incident itself is enough to break the walls of her insecurity.



Priyamvada :- Princess, you were but a young girl when fate played its hand. The weight of that decision has tormented you for too long. Perhaps it's time to find a way to heal and forgive yourself.

Kunti looked down, her voice barely a wishper.

Kunti :- How can I forgive myself for turning away from my own flesh and blood?

Priyamvada :- You did what you believed was best at that time, weighed down by responsibility and fear. But remember, he lives, and you gave him a chance at life with a loving family. Your heart is filled with love and compassion, and you must learn to extend that love to yourself as well.

Kunti :- It's just so hard, Priyamvada. The swayamvar approaches, and I can't bear the thought of entering into a marriage, knowing that I've hidden this secret from everyone.

Priyamvada :- Princess, true love is built on honesty and trust. If you find someone who truly cares for you, they will understand your struggles and support you. You don't need to bear this burden alone.

Kunti :- Do you truly believe that, Priyamvada ? That someone could love me despite my past ?

Priyamvada :- have no doubt, Princess. You possess a heart that is both compassionate and brave. The right person will see the strength in you, even in the face of your vulnerabilities.

Kunti began to reflect upon the possibilities.

Kunti :- Perhaps you are right. I must find courage within myself and face my past, no matter how difficult it may be. Only then can I hope to embrace the future with an open heart.

Priyamvada :- That's the spirit, Princess. And when the time is right, and you've found someone you trust completely, you may consider sharing your secret with him. Who knows, he might be able to help you reconnect with your son and offer you the support you need.

She said making the royal turn to her in surprise.

Kunti :- You think I should confide in my future husband about this?

Priyamvada :- Yes, Princess. A marriage is a partnership, built on love, understanding, and mutual support. If you find a worthy companion, he may be the key to helping you mend the broken pieces of your past.

Kunti :- I never considered that. You might be right, Priyamvada. It would be a relief to share this burden with someone I can trust.

Priyamvada :- And I have no doubt that you will find that someone, Princess. Until then, know that I'll be here for you, standing by your side, as always.

Kunti couldn't help but embrace her maid, her only friend who knew and supports her in this hour of conflict.



Finally the day of her swayamvar arrived..

The grand hall of the palace buzzed with excitement as the day of Princess Kunti's marriage arrived. Maharaj Kuntibhoj spared no expense in decorating the palace for the occasion, filling it with vibrant colors, fluttering flags, and an array of magnificent items. The palace grounds were adorned with flower gardens, their fragrance filling the air and adding to the festive atmosphere.

Kings and princes from every corner of Aryavarth had gathered, their attire and jewels reflecting the opulence of their kingdoms. Each suitor hoped to win the hand of the beautiful and accomplished Princess Kunti, whose reputation for wisdom and grace had spread far and wide.

In the hall where the swayamvar was to take place, the suitors nervously waited, their eyes constantly glancing towards the entrance. The anticipation was palpable, and the rhythmic beats of drums and the triumphant sound of trumpets echoed through the hall, building a crescendo of excitement.

Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. With a flourish of trumpets, Princess Kunti made her grand entrance, dressed resplendently as a bride, accompanied by a retinue of loyal servants. Her radiance and poise left everyone in awe as she gracefully walked towards the center of the sabha, where her seat awaited her.

The elderly guests rose to their feet as a sign of respect and admiration for the princess. Kunti acknowledged each one of them with a warm smile and folded hands. Her heart fluttered with a mix of nerves and excitement, as she prepared to make one of the most important decisions of her life.

Taking her seat, she glanced around the hall, her gaze meeting the hopeful eyes of the suitors. Each one of them presented their finest attributes, hoping to catch her attention and win her favor. But Kunti knew that she must choose her future partner wisely, for her decision would not only impact her life but also the fate of her kingdom.

As the music played on, the day stretched into moments of anticipation, mingled with laughter and camaraderie among the guests. Kunti conversed with her companions, seeking their counsel and wisdom, as she carefully considered her options.

Kuntibhoj :- I once again welcome all the kings and princes, who came here to attend the swayamvar of my eldest daughter Pritha. As you all know that our kingdom follows the tradition that a woman has all the rights to choose her future husband. Therefore I, Kuntibhoj, request you all to please accept my daughter's choice and bless the marriage regardless of whether you are a friend or an enemy. I hope no one here has any problem with my opinion.

All the participants noded assuring.

Kuntibhoj :- So now putri, please come foreward and choose your groom.

Kunti :- (getting up and moving forward) To all the participants present here, I have a question, the most righteous answer deserves my approval. We all know that Gautam rishi cursed Ahilya, when she lost her purity with Indra, later on lord Ram freed her, so I want to know how was it dharm ?

As Princess Kunti posed her question, the hall fell into a thoughtful hush. The query was both intriguing and complex, testing not only the suitors' knowledge but also their understanding of dharma and compassion. Many attempted to answer, offering their interpretations, but none seemed to hit the mark.

Amidst the attempts, some answers garnered chuckles, and a few suitors blushed with embarrassment. Yet, the atmosphere remained respectful, for they understood the significance of the question and its implications.

Then, a prince, adorned in regal attire, stepped forward with a serene confidence. His demeanor exuded wisdom and humility, captivating the attention of everyone present. As the prince stepped forward, Princess Kunti's heart skipped a beat. She recognized him as Pandu, the son of King Vichitraveerya, a noble and renowned prince known for his virtues and wisdom. There was a connection between them, a familiarity that she couldn't quite explain.

Pandu looked at Kunti with a gentle smile, a glimmer of recognition in his eyes as well. The weight of the moment seemed to fade as they locked gazes, as if destiny had conspired to bring them together.

With grace and poise, Pandu spoke.

Pandu :- Indra, the king of gods, disguised himself as Gautam Rishi and deceived Ahilya. This action was not of her own doing, and she lost her purity unknowingly. Lord Ram, in his infinite compassion and wisdom, recognized her true nature, her purity of heart, and freed her from the curse. It was an act of dharma as Lord Ram upheld the principles of justice, protecting the innocent and absolving her of the curse she bore.

He paused briefly, his gaze never leaving Kunti's eyes.

Pandu :- However, it is essential to understand that actions, whether done with a pure heart or not, carry consequences. Ahilya had to endure suffering as a result of the curse, even though she was not at fault. It reminds us that while we may not always have control over the events that befall us, we are responsible for how we respond to them with virtue and integrity.

His answer resonated deeply with Princess Kunti, touching upon the very core of her values. With a sense of clarity, she knew that this prince had grasped the essence of her question and the principles she held dear. But, she thought the answer still wasn't fully answered.

Kunti :- Dharma lies not only in upholding moral principles but also in recognizing the intricacies of life and exercising empathy and forgiveness. Ahilya's suffering reminds us that even the virtuous may face hardships, but through courage and righteous actions, they can overcome them and find redemption.

As she stepped forward, she felt a mixture of excitement and peace settle within her. Pandu smiled warmly, and she garlanded him, sealing her choice. The hall erupted into applause, and the prince's family beamed with pride. Maharaj Kuntibhoj's eyes glistened with happiness, knowing that his daughter had found a worthy partner who not only understood the complexities of dharma but also possessed a compassionate heart, his eyes filled with pride and joy as he addressed the gathered guests.

Kuntibhoj :- I am delighted to announce that Princess Kunti has chosen Prince Pandu as her groom. Their union is a testament to the cherished traditions of our kingdom, where wisdom and virtue guide the path of love.

As the festivities continued, Princess Kunti and Prince Pandu found solace in each other's presence, knowing that their love was rooted not only in fate but in their shared understanding of the world and the principles that governed it.

And so, the grand swayamvar of Princess Kunti became an extraordinary tale of two souls brought together by destiny-a story that would resonate through the ages, inspiring generations with the enduring power of love, wisdom, and dharma across the kingdoms of Aryavarth.



The day of Princess Kunti's marriage had been nothing short of a magnificent celebration, and as the night drew to a close, the newlywed couple, Princess Kunti and Prince Pandu, basked in the joy of their union. Amidst the soft glow of candlelight and the blessings of elders, they exchanged vows of love and commitment, sealing their bond for eternity.

The next morning, the palace grounds were filled with bittersweet emotions as the couple prepared to leave for Prince Pandu's kingdom of Hastinapur. Princess Kunti's heart was torn between excitement for the new chapter in her life and the sadness of bidding farewell to her family and the palace she had called home.

Maharaj Kuntibhoj stood tall, concealing the emotions that surged within him, proud of his daughter's choice, yet deeply saddened to see her leave. He embraced her tightly, whispering words of love and wisdom, imparting his blessings for a blissful life ahead. Queen Marisha, though teary-eyed, smiled warmly, welcoming Pandu into their family with open arms.

The servants and courtiers who had served Princess Kunti with unwavering loyalty also bid their farewell, tears of happiness and sorrow mingling in their eyes. The palace gates, once adorned with splendor and festivity, now witnessed a poignant moment of departure.

With the first rays of the morning sun, Princess Kunti and Prince Pandu embarked on their journey to Hastinapur. The streets outside the palace were lined with well-wishers, their cheers and good wishes echoing in the air. Princess Kunti looked back at her childhood home, a place that held countless memories, and smiled with gratitude for all the love and support she had received.

Hand in hand, she and Prince Pandu rode together, the carriage carrying them toward their future. The road ahead was uncertain, but they faced it with a sense of unity and purpose, knowing that their love and shared principles would guide them through any challenges that lay ahead.

As they approached the outskirts of the kingdom, Princess Kunti cast one last glance at her birthplace, her heart heavy with mixed emotions. She knew that while she was leaving behind the familiar, she was stepping into a world of possibilities and responsibilities as the future queen of Hastinapur.

Prince Pandu held her close, comforting her without words, for he understood the depth of her feelings. Together, they embraced the journey ahead, strengthened by their love, wisdom, and the values that had brought them together.

And so, the tale of Princess Kunti's grand swayamvar and her union with Prince Pandu became a cherished memory, woven into the history of Aryavarth. As they rode into the horizon, the legacy of their love story lived on, inspiring generations with the belief that love, wisdom, and dharma would forever guide their kingdom and its rulers.



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