Maharshi Vyasa Sleeps with the Kuru Princesses

Maharshi Vyasa wanted the two young queens to undergo purification rituals for a year. However, Satyavati insisted that the matter was urgent as the throne should not remain empty for long. "In that case," Vyasa replied frankly, "the queens must deal with my ugly form and foul odor."

Ambika was the first woman to sleep with Vyasa. The Maharshi told Satyavati that Ambika would bear a son who would become a brave warrior. However, he added that the boy would be born blind because Ambika had shut her eyes out of fear while she was with him.

It was Ambalika's turn, and she appeared pale when she slept with Vyasa. Later, the Maharshi informed Satyavati that Ambalika would give birth to a brave son, but he would have a pale complexion.

Satyavati was distressed to learn that the heir to the throne of Hastinapura would be born blind. She then advised Ambika to spend another night with Vyasa. However, Ambika could not gather the courage to do so and sent her maidservant in her place. The maid was intelligent, fearless, and devoted to Maharshi Vyasa. This time, the Maharshi informed Satyavati that the maid's son would be endowed with worldly wisdom and knowledge of politics.

Nine months later, Ambika bore Dhritarashtra, Ambalika bore Pandu, and Ambika's maidservant bore Vidura. While Dhritarashtra was born blind and Pandu was born pale, Vidura had no birth defects. The three half-brothers grew up together, brought up by Bhishma as if they were his own children.