After the birth of Yudhishthira, the Son of Dharma, King Pandu addressed Kunti once more, saying, “O Best One! Strength alone is proclaimed as the greatest virtue. Therefore, choose a son who is supreme in might. Just as the Ashwamedha is supreme among sacrifices, the Sun among luminaries, and the Brahmana among men, so too is Vayudeva (the Wind God) the greatest in strength. Therefore, O beautiful one, invoke Vayu, who is praised by all beings, to grant us a son who will be exceptionally vital and powerful.” Honoring her husband’s command, Kunti, blushing yet smiling, invoked Vayudeva. The mighty Wind God appeared, seated upon a deer, and asked, “Kunti, what is the desire in your heart? What shall I grant you?” Kunti humbly requested, “O chief of the Suras! Grant me a son who is tremendously strong and large-bodied, capable of crushing the pride of all foes.” Thus, was born Bhima, the formidable warrior. As soon as he was born, a divine voice from the heavens roared: “This boy is the foremost among all the strong!”
On the tenth day after his birth, a miraculous event occurred. Kunti was carrying the infant Bhima near a rocky cliff when a large tiger suddenly sprang toward them. In her panic, Kunti jumped up, forgetting that the baby was in her arms. The child, whose body was like a thunderbolt, fell onto a massive slab of stone on the mountain peak. Amazingly, as he struck the rock, he pulverized the mighty stone slab beneath his body! King Pandu and Kunti were overcome with wonder at the boy’s inherent, terrifying strength.
Despite receiving the powerful Bhima, Pandu was still restless. He thought, “What method should I employ to obtain a supreme son, one who is superior to all others?” He realized that though the world is dependent on Fate (Daiva) and Effort (Purushartha), Fate only becomes fruitful when the right effort is made at the right time. He determined to appease Indra, the chief of the gods, who possessed unfathomable might and enthusiasm. After consulting with the Rishis, Pandu instructed Kunti in a special annual vow. Meanwhile, the mighty King Pandu himself dedicated his mind entirely, standing on one leg from sunrise until sunset, performing extreme austerities to please the Lord of the Gods.
After a long time, Indra, pleased with the King’s perseverance, appeared and spoke: “O King! I shall give you a son who will be renowned in all three worlds. He will fulfill the noble wishes of Brahmanas, cows, and friends, be the cause of sorrow for his enemies, and bring joy to all his relatives. I shall bestow upon you a superior son, the destroyer of all foes.” Pandu, overjoyed by the words of the great Indra, told Kunti: “O Blessed One! Your vow has borne auspicious fruit. Indra is pleased and is ready to grant you the best son, one who will perform extraordinary deeds, be famous, an expert in policy, and radiant as the Sun!” At King Pandu’s urging, Kunti invoked Indra. The King of Gods came and fathered Arjuna.
As Prince Arjuna was born, a celestial voice, deep and distinct, resonated throughout the sky for all the residents of the ashram to hear: **“**O Daughter of Kuntibhoja! This child will be as brilliant as Kartavirya Arjuna, as valorous as Lord Shiva, and as invincible as Devendra. Like Lord Vishnu, he will increase your delight! This hero will be the leader of all Kshatriya hosts and, after conquering the Kings in battle, will perform three Ashwamedha sacrifices with his brothers.” A tumultuous sound of celestial music and a shower of flowers descended from the heavens, marking the birth of the greatest archer.
Yudhishthira was born of righteousness, Bhima of strength, and Arjuna of divine focus and effort. Together, they remind us that a complete life is never built on a single virtue alone. Dharma needs strength to stand firm, and strength needs clarity to be guided rightly. Pandu’s restlessness reflects a truth within us all—the longing to integrate different powers of the self. Mere goodness is not enough. Mere strength is not enough. Purposeful action, disciplined effort, and alignment with a higher ideal complete the inner warrior.
Journaling Prompts
- Which quality do I rely on most—righteousness, strength, or skill? Which one am I neglecting?
- Where in your life do you need Bhima’s raw courage—to stand my ground without fear?
- If your inner Arjuna were born today, what great battle would he be preparing for?
