In the first part of the 3rd sandhi of Ādiparva, Vaiśampāyana informs Janamejaya that Vicitravīrya passed away without bearing an offspring. Due to his untimely death, Satyavati asks Bhīṣma to become the King, but he refuses owing to his vow. Satyavati then remembers her first son Vedavyāsa’s promise and calls him to beget offsprings in the field of Vicitravīrya through the practice of Niyoga.

During her meeting with Vedavyāsa, Satyavati’s elder daughter-in-law Ambika closes her eyes out of fear. The second daughter-in-law Ambālika goes pale out of fear. Finally Satyavati sends a maid named Vilāsini, who serves the sage with due respect, without any fear.

Thus, nine months later sons are born to Ambika, Ambālika and Vilāsini. Ambika’s son Dhṛtarāṣṭra is born blind, Ambālika’s son Pānḍu is born a sickly pale child, while Vilāsini’s son Vidura is a healthy baby-boy. Bhīṣma undertakes the responsibility of ensuring that all the samskāras are performed in due time and that the children are well educated. Once they grow up, Dhṛtarāṣṭra is married to Gāndhāri the daughter of Sabalarāja of Gandhāra kingdom.

Audio Link: https://archive.org/download/kumaravyasa-bharata-recitation/Parva-01-Adiparva-003-Sandhi-Part-01-of-02.mp3