As the Pandavas entered, the city resounded with joyous cries: “Welcome indeed! By good fortune we see the lineage of Pandu!” Everywhere, words of welcome echoed, filling the air with warmth and reverence. As the clamor of greetings faded, a wondrous tumult arose from all directions, as if unseen beings were celebrating their arrival. Flowers rained down in showers, auspicious fragrances drifted on the breeze, and the sounds of conches and drums reverberated, marking the Pandavas’ entrance as a marvel for all to behold. The citizens, overwhelmed with happiness, raised a mighty sound that touched the heavens and magnified the fame of the Pandavas. In this atmosphere, the sons of Pandu—having mastered the Vedas and various sciences—lived peacefully, honored and fearless. The people cherished Yudhishthira for his purity, Bhimasena for his steadfastness, and Arjuna for his valor. Kunti’s devoted service to the elders, the humility of the twin brothers, and the heroism of all five brought satisfaction to the entire world. In the assembly of kings, Arjuna accomplished a most difficult feat: he won Krishna as his bride in her self-choice ceremony. From that moment, Arjuna became renowned among all bowmen, shining like the sun—dazzling and formidable even in battle. He conquered many kings and mighty hosts, bringing the great Rajasuya sacrifice to Yudhishthira, who performed it with distinction. By the wise counsel of Vasudeva and the strength of Bhima and Arjuna, Jarasandha and the proud Chedi king were slain. Duryodhana, upon arriving, beheld the multitude of gifts: gems, gold, jewels, cows, elephants, horses, and abundant wealth. He saw the variety of fine garments, cloaks, coverings, woolen blankets, deer skins, precious rugs, and exquisite carpets. Witnessing the immense prosperity of the Pandavas, a vast envy surged within him, born of jealousy. The sight of the assembly hall, crafted by Maya and resembling a celestial palace, tormented him further. In his confusion, he stumbled and was laughed at before Vasudeva and Bhima, as if he lacked noble birth. Despite enjoying many pleasures and treasures, Dhritarashtra’s son appeared pale, thin, and emaciated, like a deer. Dhritarashtra, out of affection for his son, approved the game of dice. Hearing this, Vasudeva’s anger grew immense; his mind was troubled, and he took no joy in the disputes, overlooking the terrible injustices and wrongs arising from the game. The kshatriyas, rejecting the wise counsel of Vidura, Bhishma, Drona, Sharadvata, and Kripa, burned with mutual enmity amid the tumultuous conflict. When the sons of Pandu were victorious, and the great misfortune was heard, the intentions of Duryodhana, Karna, and Shakuni became clear. After much reflection, Dhritarashtra spoke to Sanjaya: “Listen to everything I say, Sanjaya, and do not take offense. You are learned and wise, esteemed for your understanding. I have no desire for conflict, nor do I rejoice in the destruction of our family. I make no distinction between my sons and the sons of Pandu, yet my sons, given to anger, resent me, though I am old. Out of weakness and affection for my sons, I endure this, though I am blind; I am confused, and I share in the confusion of senseless Duryodhana. At the Rajasuya, seeing the splendor and might of the Pandava and his ascent to the throne, my son was humiliated. Angered and unable to defeat the Pandavas in battle, though a kshatriya, he lost heart and could not attain such prosperity. Together with the king of Gandhara, he devised the deceitful game of dice. Whatever I know about what happened there, listen to it, Sanjaya. When you hear my words, spoken with reason and truth, O son of Suta, you will know me as one who sees with the eye of wisdom. When I heard that Arjuna, drawing his bow, struck the target and won Krishna before all the kings, then, Sanjaya, I did not hope for victory. When I heard that Arjuna seized Subhadra of Dwaraka and married her, and that the two Vrishni heroes went to Indraprastha, then, Sanjaya, I did not hope for victory. When I heard that Arjuna repelled the king of the gods with divine arrows, and that Agni was satisfied at Khandava, then, Sanjaya, I did not hope for victory. When I heard that the five sons of Kunti escaped from the house of lac, aided by Vidura, then, Sanjaya, I did not hope for victory. When I heard that Draupadi was won in the arena after Arjuna pierced the target, and that the brave Panchalas and Pandavas were united, then, Sanjaya, I did not hope for victory. When I heard that Bhimasena slew Jarasandha, the foremost of the Magadhas, in single combat, then, Sanjaya, I did not hope for victory. When I heard that the Pandavas subdued the kings of the earth in their campaign and performed the great Rajasuya sacrifice, then, Sanjaya, I did not hope for victory. When I heard that Draupadi, weeping, was dragged into the assembly, distressed, in a single garment, menstruating, with protectors yet unprotected, then, Sanjaya, I did not hope for victory. When I heard that the foolish Duhshasana gathered a heap of garments, and left without ending the humiliation, then, Sanjaya, I did not hope for victory. When I heard that Yudhishthira was defeated at dice by Shakuni, lost his kingdom, and was followed by his incomparable brothers, then, Sanjaya, I did not hope for victory.” Thus, Dhritarashtra, burdened by sorrow and foreboding, recounted the events that led to the deep divisions among the royal families, his heart heavy with the knowledge of all that had transpired.