Then Satyavati, with the approval of Bhishma sent for her first born son, Vyasa. Vyasa came immediately to his mother Satyavati. Coming to her, he was told about the problem facing the Kuru dynasty. On her mother's commands, Sage Vyasa agreed to visit the wives of his brother, Vichitravirya. Then Satyavati told Ambika about the rishi's visit. Satyavati told her that it was her duty to welcome the rishi and get an heir for the throne of Hastinapura. Ambika agreed to it.

Vyasa visited to Ambika in her chambers during the night. Seeing the rishi with burning eyes, and a very dreadful and forbidding appearance. She became frightened and closed her eyes. During the night she could not dare open her eyes. In the morning, Satyavati inquired from his son, Vyasa, if a son would be born to Ambika. The Sage replied that a very strong and learned son would be born to Ambika. But, since she had kept her eyes closed at the time of conception of the son, the son would be born blind. Satyavati was extremely disappointed and requested the sage to visit the second wife of Vichitravirya, Ambalika. Vyasa under the orders of her mother agreed. Satyavati told Ambalika to receive the Sage with all cheer and pleasantness and to keep her eyes open. The queen agreed to it as it was her dharma. However, she also became very much afraid looking at the formidable form of the Sage who had spent his lifetime performing severe penance in the forests. She did not close her eyes an bidden by Satyavati, but with dread her colour faded and she became pale seeing the rishi. After visiting her, Vyasa came to ask her mothers permission to depart. Vyasa told her mother that, Ambalika would be blessed with a very handsome and brave son. But as her colour became pale when the son was being put into her womb, the son also would be of pale complexion. Satyavati was very much grieved but nothing could be done more. She requested Vyasa to visit Ambika once more after her son was born, so that she could get a son having eyesight. Vyasa agreed to her mother's wishes. Vyasa left Hastinapura.

In due course two children were born to the respective queens. The son of Ambika was blind while the son of Ambalika was yellowish. They were named Dhritahastra and Pandu. Satyavati again sent for Vyasa and warned her daughter-in-law regarding her proper conduct when the Sage re-visited her. She reminded her of her mistake, which had resulted in her son being born blind.

Ambika was still horrified by the appearance of Vyasa. She could not gather courage to receive the Sage again. Instead she asked her maid to go in her place and receive the Rishi. The maid served the rishi with full attention and devotion.In the morning he informed Satyavati that a wise and good son would be born, who would be an incarnation of lord of Dharma,but the son would be born to the maid who had served him at night and not to Ambalika. Vyasa gave his blessings and departed soon.