1#20c. The three sons of Vyaasa
Ambikaa and Ambaalika married king Vichitra Veeryan and lived with him happily for nine yeas enjoying marital bliss. Then the king died of Tuberculosis leaving them without an offspring.
Sathyavati knew it was necessary that the queens bear sons who could become the future rulers of the country. She approached Kaangeyan and said,
“The kingdom needs future kings. Please marry the wives of your younger brother and produce worthy sons for the sake of the kingdom!”
But Kaangeyan reminded her of his oath and refused firmly. He suggested that the queens could produce sons with the help of a pure, good natured and intelligent Brahmin.
Sathyavati remembered her eldest son Vyaasaa born long ago to Sage Paraasara. Immediately Vyaasaa appeared in front of her. She sought his help in producing worthy sons with the queens of his half brother.
Vyasa impregnated the queen Ambikaa. But she had closed her eyes tight during the union out of fear. So a blind son was born to her.
Next Vyasa impregnated Ambaalika. She had turned completely pale during the union and delivered a son who suffered from Leucism. Sathyavti told Vyaasa to try with the elder queen once again to get a worthy son.
But the queen sent her maid instead of herself. The maid was happy to be with Vyasa and she delivered the intelligent and sweet tempered Vidura.
Thus Sage Vyaasaa produced three sons namely Dhritaraashtra, Paandu and Vidura – as advised by his mother Satyavati.




