Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c5.1179

c5.1179

Duryodhana, at the time of his birth cried in the voice of an ass on hearing which the asses kept in their shed also cried. Also, such evil omens as the jackal howling, birds like crows, vultures etc. crying and storms breaking out were witnessed on the occasion. Alarmed by such evil omens Dhṛtarāṣṭra sent for the brahmins and his other friends and well-wishers like Bhīṣma and Vidura and enquired of them whether, after the death of Dharmaputra, Duryodhana would be able to become King. As soon as Dhṛtarāṣṭra had asked the question, evil omens like the world becoming dim, jackals howling etc. were witnessed again. Scholars like Vidura did their best to divine what the future of Duryodhana would be, and after mature consideration Vidura and the brahmin pandits opined that because of Duryodhana’s birth the country and people would be ruined, and they, therefore advised that he should be cast away and forsaken. But, paternal affection did not permit Dhṛtarāṣṭra to accept the advice. During this period Gāndhārī was laid up for a few days with stomach trouble, and a vaiśya woman was engaged to look after Dhṛtarāṣṭra, who begot of her a son called Yuyutsu.¹ Thus with 100 sons and Duḥśalā for daughter Dhṛtarāṣṭra became rich in the matter of children² (M. B. Ādi Parva, Chapter 114).