Fascinating Birth Story of the Kauravas

How many children did Dhritarashtra have? 102 - a hundred sons known as the Kauravas, a daughter named Dusshala, and another son called Yuyutsu. Once, Veda Vyasa visited Dhritarashtra after a long travel. You should remember, Veda Vyasa is the biological father of Dhritarashtra. Gandhari took care of him very well. He became very pleased and said that he wanted to give a boon to Gandhari. Gandhari prayed - I want a hundred sons as powerful as my husband. Sage Vyasa blessed her. She became pregnant from Dhritarashtra but didn't deliver even after 2 years. In the meantime, news came that Kunti had given birth to a brilliant son. Gandhari became upset. She hit hard on her belly, and a lump of flesh came out. It was as hard as metal. As Gandhari sat regretting her impulse and weeping her loss, Sage Vyasa came. She fell at his feet. Vyasa said - I have blessed you; it will never go futile. He asked for 100 pots filled with ghee. And told to pour water over the lump of flesh. The lump of flesh became soft. Vyasa started cutting them into pieces and put the pieces into the ghee-filled pots. Now, Gandhari gets an afterthought. All my children will be boys, not one girl. Dharma shastra says that the son of a daughter called douhitra is a great asset. Having such a grandson helps in emancipation in paraloka. Vyasa made even that happen. When he finished cutting the lump of flesh, there was an extra piece left. He called for an extra pot and put it into the pot. The pots were kept in safety until the fetuses matured, and children came out from the pots. Thus, 100 + 1 - 101 were born to Gandhari. When Gandhari was pregnant, Dhritarashtra had a physical union with a woman of the Vaishya varna. She was taking care of him. A son was born to her - Yuyutsu. Thus, Dhritarashtra has altogether 102 children.