At that moment, a wondrous gathering took place. Kāmyā and Śāradvatī, along with Menakā, Sahajanyā, Karṇikā, and Puñjikasthalā, all danced together in harmonious groups, filling the air with grace and beauty. Joining them were Ṛtusthalā, Ghṛtācī, Viśvācī, Pūrvacitti, and the illustrious Umloce and Pramloce—making ten celestial dancers in all. Urvaśī, the eleventh among them, sang with her wide, enchanting eyes, while the gods Dhātā, Aryaman, Mitra, Varuṇa, Aṃśa, and Bhaga were present, shining with divine presence. Indra, Vivasvān, Pūṣā, and Parjanya—the tenth remembered—stood among them; then Tvaṣṭā, and finally Viṣṇu, the youngest and last-born. Thus, the twelve radiant Ādityas were assembled, blazing with the brilliance of the sun itself. There too were the mighty Mṛgavyādha, Sarpa, the renowned Nirṛti, Ajaikapāda, Ahirbudhnya, and Pinākī, O scorcher of foes. Dahana, Īśvara, and Kapālī, the lord of people, stood with Sthāṇu, Bhaga, and the blessed Rudras, all gathered in their splendor. Encircling them were the two divine Aśvins, the eight Vasus, the powerful Maruts, the Viśvedevas, and the Sādhyas, all standing in reverence. The serpent kings Karkoṭaka and Vāsuki, along with Kacchapa, Kuṇḍa, and Takṣaka, the great serpent, arrived as well, endowed with the strength of austerity, great wrath, and immense power. Alongside them were many other Nāgas, all assembled together. The mighty birds Tārkṣya, Ariṣṭanemi, Garuḍa with his dark banner, Aruṇa, Āruṇi, and the sons of Vinatā were also present. All these hosts of gods, perfected through asceticism, and the great sages watched this astonishing sight from their mountain abodes; to others, this vision was hidden. Beholding this great wonder, the foremost sages were filled with awe. Their attention turned intently toward Pāṇḍu, who, with a joyful heart, worshipped the gods and all those assembled. Honored by Pāṇḍu’s devotion, the gods addressed him, the foremost among men: “This Dharma has appeared through the favor of the gods. Mātariśvā is Bhīma, strong and a crusher of enemies. Indra himself was born to you, by the grace of Śatakratu. Among the gods, no one is more blessed in fatherhood than you. Freed from the debt to your ancestors, you shall attain heaven and share in merit.” Having spoken thus, the deities departed as they had come. Yet, though renowned among men, Pāṇḍu’s longing for sons remained. He turned again to Kunti, desiring her presence, and spoke of his wish. But Kunti replied with gentle wisdom, “It is said that no woman should have a fourth birth; after that, she is considered wanton, and with a fifth, she would be deemed a courtesan. You, learned in dharma, know this rule—how can you ask me to seek offspring beyond what is proper?” In time, when Kunti’s sons and the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra were born, Mādrī, the daughter of the king of Madra, spoke privately to Pāṇḍu. “O subduer of foes, I have no grief because of you, even if you lack virtues; nor have I ever wavered, though I am worthy of a better husband. Even when I heard that Gandhārī had borne a hundred sons, I did not feel such sorrow. But my heart aches at my own childlessness among equals. Yet, by fortune, my husband has sons through Kunti. If Kunti, the royal daughter, would grant me offspring, it would be a favor to me and for your good as well. Because of rivalry between co-wives, it is difficult to speak to Kunti’s sons; but if you are pleased with me, urge her yourself.” Pāṇḍu replied, “This wish, O Mādrī, has always turned in my heart as well, but I could not bring myself to speak to you, whether for good or ill. Yet, considering your view, I will now make the effort. Surely, if I speak, she will accept my words.” Then Pāṇḍu spoke privately to Kunti: “O blessed one, favor also Mādrī, the daughter of the king of Madra. For the sake of our lineage and the world’s welfare, do what is pleasing. For my own deliverance from the loss of ancestral offerings, for the sake of the great souls before me, and for my happiness, O blessed one, do this supreme good. For the sake of fame, do this most difficult act, as Indra attained lordship through sacrifices for renown. In the same way, Brahmins who know the mantras, having performed severe austerities, approach their teachers for fame. Royal sages and Brahmins rich in penance have performed difficult deeds for the sake of fame. Therefore, O blameless one, carry Mādrī across by this means, and by providing her with offspring, attain supreme renown.” Kunti replied, “Indeed, what you say is in accordance with dharma as taught in the scriptures. Therefore, O joy of the Kurus, I will grant her my favor.” Thus addressed, Pāṇḍu said to Mādrī, “Concentrate your mind just once upon the deity; then you will certainly obtain a child suited to you, without doubt.” Following the prescribed rite, Mādrī bathed and entered her bedchamber. Reflecting alone, she invoked the Aśvins in her mind. The divine twins came and begot upon her two sons—Nakula and Sahadeva—unrivaled on earth in beauty. Then, a bodiless voice spoke to the twins: “Through righteousness, devotion, good conduct, and humility, endowed with swiftness, beauty, and virtue, you two shall surpass even the Aśvins. You will excel greatly in splendor, appearance, and wealth.