Pritha, the daughter of King Kuntibhoja, was a maiden of remarkable beauty, noble virtue, and swift intelligence. Her devotion to righteousness and steadfastness in great vows made her beloved by all. With broad, enchanting eyes and youthful radiance, she embodied all feminine virtues, captivating the hearts of many kings who sought her hand in marriage. When the time came for her svayaṃvara, Kuntibhoja invited the assembled kings from far and wide. In the grand gathering, he resolved to give his daughter to the worthiest among them, by his own will. Amidst the illustrious assembly, Pritha beheld Pāṇḍu, the foremost among the Bharatas—a true tiger among kings. With the proud bearing of a lion, a broad chest, and eyes like a bull, Pāṇḍu’s great strength and shining presence eclipsed all others, like the sun veiling the light of lesser stars. Standing resplendent in the royal assembly, like another Indra, Pāṇḍu drew the gaze of the flawless-limbed, auspicious daughter of Kuntibhoja. As she looked upon him, her heart was stirred with longing; her body trembled with desire, and her mind wavered for a moment. Overcome by shyness, yet resolute, Kuntī placed the garland upon Pāṇḍu’s shoulder, choosing him as her husband. When the assembled kings saw that Kuntī had chosen Pāṇḍu, they departed as they had come, on elephants, horses, and chariots. Kuntibhoja then performed the wedding ceremony with all proper rites. Thus, the exceedingly fortunate Pāṇḍu, son of the Kurus, was united with Kuntibhoja’s daughter, just as Maghavan was joined with Paulomī. After their marriage, King Kuntibhoja honored the couple with many treasures and sent them, blessed and adorned, to Pāṇḍu’s own city. With a great army, their banners fluttering, and with blessings from Brāhmaṇas and sages, Pāṇḍu, the delight of the Kurus, returned to his capital and established Kuntī as his queen in the royal palace. Meanwhile, Bhīṣma, the wise and renowned son of Śāntanu, considered the matter of a second marriage for King Pāṇḍu. Together with his aged ministers, Brāhmaṇas, and great sages, and accompanied by a fourfold army, Bhīṣma journeyed to the city of the king of Madra. Hearing of Bhīṣma’s arrival, the foremost of the Vāhīkas, King Shalya of Madra, came forth to greet him with honor and brought him into the city. The king offered Bhīṣma a splendid seat, water for washing feet, arghya, and madhuparka, and courteously inquired about the purpose of his visit. Bhīṣma, the glory of the Kurus, replied, “Know that I have come seeking a bride, O subduer of foes. It is heard that your virtuous sister Mādrī is renowned; I wish to choose her for the illustrious Pāṇḍu. Your lineage matches ours, and you are suitable for alliance with us. Consider this, O king of Madra, and accept us as is proper.” To this, King Shalya replied, “There is no better choice than you; this is my firm conviction. The traditions established by our noble ancestors are binding, and I cannot transgress them. You know this well, O noble one, so it is not proper for you to speak otherwise. The tradition of our family is our highest authority.” Bhīṣma agreed, saying, “This is the supreme dharma, O king, declared by the Self-born himself. There is no fault here; this rule was established by the ancestors and is known and approved by the virtuous.” Having spoken thus, Bhīṣma presented Shalya with thousands of golden vessels, both crafted and uncrafted, and various precious gems. He bestowed auspicious gifts: elephants, horses, chariots, garments, ornaments, and strings of jewels, pearls, and coral. Satisfied, Shalya adorned his sister Mādrī and gave her to the bull among the Kauravas. Bhīṣma then brought Mādrī to the city called Elephant-gate. When the auspicious day arrived, he arranged for the wedding of the great Pāṇḍu, who took Mādrī’s hand according to the proper rites. After the ceremony, Pāṇḍu established his radiant new wife in a beautiful residence. Thus, the noble king lived happily with his two wives, Kuntī and Mādrī, delighting in their company as he wished. After spending three nights in the city, Pāṇḍu, desiring to conquer the earth, prepared to depart. He honored and bowed to the elders led by Bhīṣma, to Dhritarashtra and other distinguished Kurus, took their leave, and departed with their approval. Blessed with auspicious rites and congratulated with good wishes, Pāṇḍu set out with a mighty force of elephants, horses, and chariots. Like a child of the gods, eager for conquest, he marched forth with joyful and strong troops against many enemies. First, he went to the Dasharna country, where, like a lion among men, he defeated them in battle. Gathering his army, adorned with many banners and abundant in elephants, horses, infantry, and chariots, Pāṇḍu pressed on. Among many kings, proud and bold, the protector of the Magadha realm was at last slain in the long city of Rajagriha.