great Rishis commanded Kunti to observe an auspicious vow for one full year, while he himself commenced, O Bharata, to stand upon one leg from morning to evening, and practise other severe austerities with mind rapt in meditation, for gratifying the lord of the celestials.
"It was after a long time that-Indra (gratified with such devotion) approached Pandu and addressing him, said, 'I shall give thee, O king, a son who will be celebrated all over the three worlds and who will promote the welfare of Brahmanas, kine, and all honest men. The son I shall give thee will be the smiter of the wicked and the delight of friends and relatives. Foremost of all men, he will be an irresistible slayer of all foes.' Thus addressed by Vāsava, the virtuous king of the Kuru race, well recollecting those words, said unto Kunti, 'Fortunate one, thy vow hath been successful. The lord of the celestials hath been gratified, and is willing to give thee a son such as thou desirest, of super-human achievements and great fame. He will be the oppressor of all enemies and possessed of great wisdom. Endued with a great soul, in splendour equal unto the Sun, invincible in battle, and of great achivements, he will also be extremely handsome. O thou of fair hips and sweet smiles, the lord of the celestials hath become graceful to thee. Invoking him bring thou forth a child who will be the very home of all Kshatriya virtues!'"
Vaisampayana continued, "The celebrated Kunti, thus addressed by her lord, invoked Sakra, who thereupon came unto her and begat him who was afterwards called Arjuna. And as soon as this child was born, an incorporeal voice, loud and deep as that of the clouds and filling the whole welkin, distinctly said, addressing Kunti in the hearing of every creature dwelling in that asylum, 'This child of thine, O Kunti, will be equal unto Kartyavirya in energy, and Shiva in prowess! Invincible like Sakra himself, he will spread thy fame far and wide! As Vishnu (the youngest of Aditi's sons) had enhanced Aditi's joy, so shall this child enhance thy joy! Subjugating the Madras, the Kurus along with the Somakas, and the peoples of Chedi, Kashi, and Karusha,
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