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Vyasa sons
Satyavati was anxious to beget another male child who could rule the world, and after receiving Ambalika's consent, she called for Vyasadeva. Vyasadeva came as promised and approached the chambers of Ambalika. Ambalika, seeing the repulsive features of Vyasa, turned pale with fear. After conception, the sage left the chambers and told his mother, because this queen has paled upon seeing my austere features, the child born will be white in color. His name, therefore, will be Pandu, or one with a white complexion."

In due course of time, Ambalika gave birth to a child endowed with auspicious marks. He was pale in complexion but was handsome in all respects. Indeed, this child would become the future father of the Pandavas."

Sometime after this child was born, Satyavati approached the beautiful Ambalika, again asking her to conceive a child by Vyasadeva. The princess felt she could not bear again to see the ugly features of the sage, and thus she sent to her chambers one of her maidservant Sharmistha who had heavenly beauty. When Vyasa entered the chambers, Sharmistha offered respects to the sage, treating him kindly. Sharmistha took her seat near him when asked. Vyasadeva was well pleased with her, and upon leaving, told her, "You shall be a slave no longer. Your child will be justice personified and esteemed among intelligent men on earth."