After much deliberation with the wise sages, King Pandu, seeking a way to fulfill his longing for children, instructed Kunti, O descendant of Kuru, to undertake a sacred vow for the span of a year. Pandu himself, mighty in arms and steadfast in resolve, stood upon one foot, immersing himself in fierce austerities with unwavering concentration. With the Sun as his witness, Pandu performed these rigorous penances, his heart set on pleasing the Lord of the gods, Indra. Moved by Pandu’s devotion, Indra, the great king of the heavens, appeared before him and spoke words of promise: “I will grant you a son, one whose fame will shine throughout the three worlds. This child will bring benefit to Brahmanas, cows, and friends; he will cause sorrow to the wicked, and bring joy to all his kin. I will bestow upon you a foremost son, a destroyer of enemies.” Remembering Indra’s words, Pandu turned to Kunti and spoke with reverence: “O blessed one, the Lord of the gods is pleased with you. He wishes to grant you a son, just as you have desired—a child of superhuman deeds, renowned and unconquerable. This son will possess virtue, a great soul, brilliance equal to the Sun, difficult to defeat, accomplished in action, and wondrous in appearance. Bear this son, O fair-hipped one, the very embodiment of Kshatriya energy. Having gained Indra’s favor, name him accordingly, O pure-smiled one.” Thus addressed, the illustrious Kunti invoked Shakra, and Indra himself, Lord of the gods, came to her and begot the noble Arjuna. When the lunar asterisms Uttarā and Pūrvā Phalgunī were in conjunction during the day, in the month of Phalguna, Arjuna was born; hence, he is called Phalguna. At the very moment of the boy’s birth, a bodiless, deep voice resounded in the sky, bringing joy to all beings and addressing Kunti, who was still in the period of impurity. All the inhabitants of the hermitage and every being heard the voice, which spoke clearly to Kunti, the pure-smiled one: “O Kunti, your son will be equal to Kartavirya in prowess, like Shiva in strength, unconquerable as Shakra, and your fame will spread far. As Aditi’s joy was increased by Vishnu, so too will Arjuna, equal to Vishnu, increase your happiness. He will subdue the Madras, the Kurus, the Somakas, the Cedis, the Kasis, and the Karushas, and he will uphold the glory of the Kurus. By his strength, Agni will be satisfied in Khandava with the fat of all beings. This mighty hero, having conquered the foremost kings, will, together with his brothers, perform three great sacrifices. O Kunti, he will be equal to Jamadagni’s son, with valor like Vishnu, the foremost among the mighty, and will attain great fame. He will please the great god Shankara in battle, and from the satisfied deity will obtain the weapon called Pashupata. At Indra’s command, your mighty-armed son will slay the Daityas known as Nivatakavachas, the haters of the gods. He will acquire all the divine weapons in their entirety, and this best of men will recover lost prosperity.” Kunti listened in awe to this wondrous proclamation at the time of Arjuna’s birth, words loudly spoken by the ascetics. Great joy arose among the dwellers of Shataśṛṅga, the gods, great sages, and celestial beings with Indra. A tumultuous sound of drums echoed in the sky, and a magnificent, fearsome rain of flowers poured down. The hosts of gods gathered and honored Partha. The Nāgas, Garuḍa’s descendants, Gandharvas, Apsarases, the lords of all beings, and the seven great sages all arrived. Among them were Bharadvāja, Kaśyapa, Gautama, Viśvāmitra, Jamadagni, Vasiṣṭha, and Atri, the venerable sage who appeared when the sun was lost. Marīci, Aṅgiras, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Dakṣa the lord of creatures, the Gandharvas, and the Apsarases were also present. Adorned with divine garlands and garments, decked in every ornament, they sang the praises of Bhībhatsu, while the Apsarases danced with joy. The great sages chanted on every side, and the illustrious Gandharva Tumburu began to sing, joined by others: Bhīmasena, Ugrasena, Ūrṇāyura, the sinless Anagha, Gopati, Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Sūryavarcās, Tṛṇapa, Kārṣṇi, Nandi, Citraratha, Śāliśiras, Parjanya, Kali, Nārada, Ṛtvā, Bṛhattvā, Bṛhaka, Karāla, Mahāmanas, Bahuguṇa, Suvarṇa, Viśvāvasu, Bhumanyu, Sucandra, and Śaru. Gifted in song, the famed Gandharvas Hahā and Huhū also came, O king. The delighted Apsarases, adorned with every ornament, danced joyfully and sang sweetly. Among them were Adrikā, Somā, Miśrakeśī, Alambuṣā, Marīci, Śucikā, Vidyutparṇā, Tilottamā, Ambikā, Lakṣaṇā, Kṣemā, Devī, Rambhā, Manoramā, Asitā, Subāhu, Supriyā, Vapu, Puṇḍarīkā, Sugandhā, Surasā, and Pramāthinī. Thus, with celestial celebration and divine blessings, Arjuna’s birth was honored by gods, sages, and heavenly beings alike, marking the arrival of a hero destined for greatness.