After the marriage of Kuntī and Pāṇḍu, King Kuntibhoja, filled with affection and honor for the newlyweds, bestowed upon them many treasures and gifts. With all due reverence, he sent them, O best of Kurus, to his own city, ensuring they departed with blessings and abundance. Pāṇḍu, the delight of the Kuru line, journeyed homeward at the head of a great and resplendent army, its banners fluttering in the wind. Brāhmaṇas and great sages showered him with auspicious blessings as he traveled. Upon reaching his city, Pāṇḍu established his new bride, Kuntī, in his own palace, and the kingdom rejoiced. Meanwhile, Bhīṣma, the wise and renowned son of Śāntanu, perceived the need for another marriage for King Pāṇḍu. After careful thought, he gathered his aged ministers, revered Brāhmaṇas, and great sages, and, accompanied by the full strength of a fourfold army, journeyed to the city of the king of Madra. When news of Bhīṣma’s arrival reached the king of Madra, the foremost of the Vāhīkas, he went out himself to greet the illustrious guest. With great honor, he welcomed Bhīṣma into the city, offering him a splendid seat, water for washing feet, arghya, and the traditional madhuparka. The king then respectfully inquired about the purpose of Bhīṣma’s visit. Bhīṣma, ever the glory of the Kurus, spoke with dignity: “Know, O subduer of foes, that I have come seeking a bride. It is heard that your virtuous sister Mādrī is renowned; I wish to choose her as a bride for the illustrious Pāṇḍu. Our two lineages are equal, O King, and you are most suitable for alliance with us. Consider this, and accept us as is proper.” To these words, the king of Madra replied sincerely, “There is no better choice than you, Bhīṣma; this is my firm conviction. Yet, I am bound by the customs of my noble ancestors, and cannot act against them, whether they are good or not. You know this well, O noble one. Our family tradition is our highest authority, and I speak without uncertainty.” Bhīṣma responded with understanding: “This is indeed the supreme dharma, as declared by the Self-born himself. There is no fault here; the rule was set by the ancestors, and this boundary is known to you and approved by the virtuous.” With the matter settled, Bhīṣma, mighty son of Gaṅgā, gave to King Shalya of Madra thousands of golden vessels, both crafted and uncrafted, and many precious gems. He further bestowed auspicious gifts: elephants, horses, chariots, fine garments, ornaments, and strings of jewels, pearls, and coral. Satisfied by these gifts, King Shalya adorned his sister Mādrī and, with a contented heart, gave her in marriage to the bull among the Kauravas. Bhīṣma then took Mādrī and returned to the city called Elephant-gate. When the auspicious day arrived, Bhīṣma arranged the wedding for the great Pāṇḍu. The king took Mādrī’s hand in marriage, performing all the proper rites. After the wedding, Pāṇḍu established his radiant new wife in a beautiful residence. Thus, the noble king lived happily with his two wives, Kuntī and Mādrī, according to his wishes and delight. After three nights had passed, King Pāṇḍu’s desire to conquer the earth arose. With due respect, he honored and bowed to his elders, led by Bhīṣma, to Dhṛtarāṣṭra, and to the other distinguished Kurus. With their approval, he took his leave, blessed by auspicious rites and congratulated with good wishes. With a great force of elephants, horses, and chariots, Pāṇḍu, resembling a child of the gods, set forth, eager to subdue the earth. His troops, joyful and strong, marched out to face many foes. First, he went to the country of the Daśārṇas, and there, the lion-like Pāṇḍu, glory of the Kurus, defeated them in battle. Gathering his army, adorned with many banners and abundant in elephants, horses, chariots, and foot soldiers, he pressed on. He faced many kings, bold and proud of their strength. Among them was the protector of Magadha, who was slain in the city of Rājagṛha after a long contest. Taking the treasury and many vehicles, Pāṇḍu proceeded to Mithilā, where he conquered the Videhas in battle. Likewise, in Kāśī, Suhma, and Puṇḍra, by the power of his own arms, he brought glory to the Kurus. The assembled kings, seeing Pāṇḍu blazing like a mass of arrows and weapons, withdrew before him. Their armies shattered, these kings came under his control and were employed in the service of the Kurus. Thus did Pāṇḍu subdue all the rulers of the earth, who regarded him as the sole hero, like Indra among the gods. All the lords of the earth, with joined palms and bowed heads, approached him, bringing various jewels as tribute—gems, pearls, coral, much gold and silver, and treasures of cows, horses, chariots, and elephants. They also brought camels, buffaloes, and all manner of livestock, along with rare treasures and fine blankets from Ranka. Pāṇḍu, lord of Nagapura, accepted all these gifts and departed again with his splendid vehicles, wishing to bring joy to his own realms and the city called Gajasahvaya. By these great deeds, Pāṇḍu restored the lost fame of Shantanu, the lion among kings, and wise Bharata, bringing glory once more to the Kuru line.