1/ Mahabharata/ Kunti's Child
Episodes From The Mahabharata
Episodes in this retelling are written to stand alone, they also work together to tell the epic story of the Mahabharata. The epic is largely based on conflict related to succession, a topic which is both ancient and modern. I begin the story with Kunti, mother to heroes on both sides of the battle.
KUNTI’S CHILD
When the sage Durvasa visited Kunti’s family, he was pleased by her careful attention. Before he left, he gave her a powerful gift. From Durvasa, Kunti received a mantra which would allow her to summon one of the gods, and have a son by him. Kunti would have the power to summon the gods, at the time of her choosing, and have godly children.
Kunti was intrigued by the gift she had received. Left to herself, she spoke the words of the mantra and summoned the sun-god, Surya. Kunti was not prepared for the full implications of her summons. Following her encounter with Surya, Kunti found herself expecting his child.
Facing a dilemma, Kunti kept her pregnancy hidden. She might be a princess, but Kunti was still an unmarried girl. She gave birth to the baby in secret, placed him in a basket, and floated him down the river
When the time came for Kunti to marry, her family arranged for her marriage to Pandu, ruler of the Kurus. Kunti left the kingdom of her parents, and went to live in Hastinapur, capital of the Kuru kingdom.
My newsletter is a mix of short fiction (speculative and slice of life), creative non-fiction, and occasional poetry. If you’re interested, I hope you will subscribe. In addition to my other writing, I post episodes from the Mahabharata to the website. Thank you for reading!
How have I only just found this? I'm going to read it all.
I read and loved the Bhagavad Gita. I often think about Krishna's words on being unattached to outcome. Looking forward to this.
Okay I love Mahabharat in this episodic story-telling format.