QUEEN KUNTI

SUMMONS THE SUN-GOD

Once when the powerful rsi Durvasa was a guest at the house of Kunti's father, Kunti satisfied Durväsä by rendering service. Therefore she received a mystic power by which she could call any demigod. To examine the potency of this mystic power, the pious Kunti called for the sun-god, who immediately appeared before her, much to her surprise. She told the sun-god, "I was simply examining the effectiveness of this mystic power. I am sorry I have called you unnecessarily. Please return and excuse me." The sun-god said, "O beautiful Kunti, your meeting with a demigod cannot be fruitless. Therefore, let me place my seed in your womb so that you may bear a son. I shall arrange to keep your virginity intact, since you are still an unmarried girl." After saying this, the sun-god discharged his semen into the womb of Kunti and then returned to the celestial kingdom. Immediately thereafter, Kunti gave birth to a child. who was like a second sun-god.