Pandu

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Pandu (पांडु) is the son of Vichitravirya and his second wife, Ambalika from Vyasa. He is more popularly known as the father of the Pandavas.

Pandu got married to Madri, daughter of the King of Madra, and Kunti, daughter of King Kuntibhoja of Vrish. While hunting in a forest, Pandu shot a Rishi (who was engaged in sexual intercourse with his wife), so the Rishi cursed him that, when he approaches his wife with love he will die. Upset, Pandu renounced his kingdom and lived like a hermit with his wives.

Kunti used her boons given by Sage Durvasa to bear three sons—Yudhishtira (by Lord Yama), Bhima (by Lord Vayu), and Arjuna (by Lord Indra). Also Kunti gave birth to Karna through Surya. She also gave her boons to Madri, who bore Nakula and Sahadeva twins from the physicians to the gods, Ashwini Kumar twins.

Thus the Pandavas of Pandu were born.

After 15 years of celibacy, when Kunti and his sons were away, Pandu suddenly became strongly attracted to Madri. Because of the curse, he died after attempting to engage in intercourse with her, and Madri, out of repentance and grief, burns herself alive on her husband's funeral pyre.