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The noble Kuntī did not like Pāṇḍu’s suggestion. She looked down and spoke softly in reply, “O virtuous one, please do not request this of me. I shall certainly not accept another’s embrace, even in my imagination.

Seeing Pāṇḍu’s crestfallen condition, Kindama said, “You need not fear the sin of killing a Brahmin, as you did not know my true identity.

I was reluctant to ask you because I was not sure how you might feel. I do not think she will refuse.”

Pāṇḍu replied that he did not possess such power. It was his responsibility, as he was commanding her as her husband, and she should not hesitate to comply

The gods had not forsaken him after all! Here was a child worthy of his great dynasty.

His wives were not deterred. They wished only to be with him wherever he went.

They could not face the prospect of separation from their husband. If you leave us today, we shall not bear our lives any longer.”

He decided not to ask for any more sons and continued to live peacefully in the forest with his two wives

The deer replied that it did not condemn Pāṇḍu for injuring it, but for not taking into consideration The ṛṣi had no dwelling and could not unite with his wife in a human form as people would criticize.

“My lord, I do not complain that you treat me less favorably than Kuntī.

cursing the king, Kindama knew that Pāṇḍu would immediately receive the reaction for his misdeed and thus not

He would not return to the city.

Pray do not ask me for this favor any more.”

She had not wanted to reveal this secret, being reluctant to unite even with the gods in place of her

Pāṇḍu reconciled himself to the fact that he would have only five sons, but he was not disappointed.

Whether agreeable or not they will then be obliged to do your bidding.’”