After many days had passed, the palace guards, observing the unusual sight of the sage impaled upon a stake, reported everything that had transpired to the king. Hearing of the sage’s plight, the king was deeply troubled. He went out, accompanied by his ministers, to seek reconciliation with the sage, who was renowned for his wisdom and now suffered upon the stake. Approaching the sage, the king humbly pleaded, “O best of sages, whatever wrong I have done to you out of delusion or ignorance, I beg your forgiveness. Please do not be angry with me.” Moved by the king’s contrition, the sage granted him forgiveness. Once forgiven, the king took great care to remove the sage from the stake. Yet, after freeing him from the tip of the stake, the king found he could not extract it entirely. Unable to pull it out, he cut it off at the base, leaving the point still lodged within the sage’s throat and side. Despite this, the sage continued to move about, the stake remaining inside him. He resolved, “I should carry a vessel for flowers,” making use of his circumstance. Through his intense austerity, the sage conquered worlds that are difficult for others to attain. Thus, he became known among people as Aṇimāṇḍavya, and, as a knower of the highest truth, he journeyed to the abode of Dharma. Upon seeing Dharma seated, Aṇimāṇḍavya addressed the lord: “What is that wrongful deed, done by me unknowingly, whose result has come to me in this form? Tell me quickly the truth; witness the power of my austerity.” Dharma replied, “You inserted a blade of grass into the tails of insects; this is the fruit of that action, O ascetic. Just as a small gift given multiplies many times, so too unrighteousness yields manifold painful results.” Aṇimāṇḍavya pressed further, “At what time did I commit that act? Tell me truly.” Dharma answered, “You did it in childhood.” The sage argued, “For whatever a child does before twelve years from birth, there is no unrighteousness, nor does he know the directions. For a slight offense, you imposed a great punishment upon me; the killing of a Brahmin is heavier than the killing of all creatures.” With firm resolve, Aṇimāṇḍavya declared, “O Dharma, you will be born as a human in the womb of a Shudra. Today I establish the rule in the world for the arising of the fruit of actions: up to fourteen years of age, there will be no sin; only after that, fault will arise for those who act wrongly.” Because of this offense, by the curse of that great soul, Dharma was born as Vidura, in the womb of a Shudra. Vidura, skilled in righteousness and wealth, free from greed and anger, far-sighted, devoted to peace, and always engaged in the welfare of the Kurus, became a pillar of wisdom. When Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and the great Vidura were born, the land of the Kurus and Kurukshetra flourished alongside them. The earth yielded abundant crops, grains bore fruit, rain fell in its season, and trees produced a bounty of flowers and fruits. Vehicles moved joyfully, wild animals and birds were delighted, garlands were fragrant, and fruits were full of flavor. The cities brimmed with merchants and artisans, heroes skilled in knowledge, and virtuous people who were happy. There were no robbers nor people inclined to unrighteousness; even the regions of the kingdoms enjoyed a golden age. The people, devoted to righteous acts, sacrificial rites, and the observance of truth, flourished together, united by mutual affection. Men were free from pride and anger, untouched by greed; they rejoiced in one another, and the highest righteousness prevailed. The city shone like a vast ocean, adorned with gates, arches, and exits resembling masses of clouds. Hundreds of palaces crowded the city, resembling the city of Indra, and the joyful people delighted in the rivers, forest tracts, ponds, marshes, and beautiful groves. The southern Kurus and northern Kurus moved about in rivalry, just like divine sages and celestial beings. In that delightful land, made populous by the Kurus, there was no one destitute, nor any widowed women. Wells, gardens, assembly halls, ponds, and Brahmin dwellings, all endowed with prosperity, were ever festive. With Bhishma protecting all sides in accordance with dharma, the land became beautiful, marked by hundreds of shrines and sacrificial posts. That country, surpassing other realms, grew in strength; under Bhishma’s rule, the wheel of righteousness was set in motion. As the great-souled princes performed their duties, all the citizens and country people became exceedingly eager. In the houses of the chief Kurus and townspeople, the words “Give” and “Enjoy” were heard everywhere. Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and the wise Vidura were cared for by Bhishma from birth, as if they were his own sons. They were refined through ceremonies, engaged in vows and study, skilled in exertion and exercise, and thus attained youth. They mastered the science of archery, the Vedas, mace combat, sword and shield, elephant training, and the treatises on polity. In histories, ancient tales, and various sciences they were instructed; knowing the essence of the Vedas and their branches, they were resolute in all matters. Devoted to Vedic study and accomplished in the science of polity, King Dhritarashtra of the Kauravas was anointed by Bhishma, marking the beginning of a new era for the flourishing land of the Kurus.