Kuntibhoja

A brahmana of terrifying energy and immense ascetic power presents himself before King Kuntibhoja and demands to dwell in his house — on one condition: no one may cross him or insult him about his bed or seat. The king agrees, and promises that his daughter Pritha will serve the guest without disrespect.

Pritha arrives before her father with wide-eyed wonder, and Kuntibhoja places a great burden upon her: she must satisfy the angry brahmana without hesitation. He reminds her of her noble lineage — born to Shura of the Vrishnis, sister to Vasudeva — and warns that if she angers the brahmana, he will burn down the entire royal lineage.

King Kuntibhoja hands his daughter Pritha over to a visiting brahmana, instructing her to serve him without hesitation — for the king's welfare, the lineage's welfare, and her own. He provides the brahmana with a house, a seat, and food, and apologizes in advance for any transgression she might commit. Pritha sets aside laziness and pride and devotes herself entirely to serving the brahmana as if he were a god.

After a full year of flawless service, the fearsome sage Durvasa is completely satisfied with Kunti's conduct. He offers her a boon; when she declines, he instead gives her a mantra that will summon any god and place them under her control — a gift she accepts only out of fear of his curse.

Kunti, a young princess, tests the mantra given to her by the sage Durvasa — summoning the sun god Surya into her presence. But when Surya appears and demands union, she tries to send him away. He refuses to leave in vain, threatening to curse both Durvasa and her father if she does not give herself to him.