Present at that sacred place were Tārkṣya, Ariṣṭanemi, Garuḍa with his dark banner, Aruṇa, Āruṇi, and the other sons of Vinatā. All the hosts of gods, perfected by their asceticism, and the great sages who dwelled in the heights of the mountains, witnessed their arrival; none but these exalted beings could see this wondrous assembly. Beholding this marvelous sight, the foremost sages were filled with astonishment. Their minds became even more attentive to Pāṇḍu, recognizing the significance of what was unfolding before them. With a heart brimming with joy, Pāṇḍu worshipped the gods and all those present. Honored by his devotion, the gods addressed him, the foremost among men. They spoke: “By the grace of the gods, Dharma himself has appeared as your son. Mātariśvā is Bhīma, strong and the crusher of enemies. Indra, by his own favor, was born as your child through Śatakratu’s grace. Among all the gods, none is more blessed in fatherhood than you, Pāṇḍu. Freed from the ancestral debt, you will attain heaven and share in great merit.” Having thus spoken, the deities departed as they had come, leaving behind blessings and assurance. Yet Pāṇḍu, renowned among men, was still filled with longing for sons. He again approached Kuntī, expressing his desire for more children. Kuntī replied to him earnestly, “It is said that no woman should have a fourth birth, for after that, she is considered wanton; 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 Kuntī’s sons were born and the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra as well, Mādrī, the princess of Madra, spoke privately to Pāṇḍu. She said, “O subduer of foes, even if you lack virtues, I have no grief because of you, nor have I ever wavered, though I am worthy of a better husband. O sinless one, even when I heard that Queen Gandhārī had borne a hundred sons, I did not feel such sorrow. But my great grief is my childlessness among my equals. Still, by fortune, my husband has progeny through Kuntī. If Kuntī, the royal daughter, would grant me offspring, it would be a great favor to me and bring you happiness as well. Because of rivalry between co-wives, it is difficult for me to speak to Kuntī’s son, but if you are pleased with me, urge her yourself.” Pāṇḍu replied, “This wish, O Mādrī, has always been 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.” So Pāṇḍu approached Kuntī in private and said, “O blessed one, show favor also to 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, perform this most difficult act, just as Indra, desiring renown, attained lordship through sacrifices. In the same way, Brahmins who know the mantras, having performed severe austerities, approach their teachers for the sake of fame. So too, all royal sages and Brahmins rich in penance have performed various difficult deeds for the sake of fame. Therefore, O blameless one, help Mādrī in this way and provide her with offspring, thereby attaining supreme renown.” Kuntī replied, “Indeed, what you say is in accordance with the 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, and you will certainly obtain a child suited to you, without doubt.” After the prescribed rites were performed, Mādrī, having bathed, entered her bedchamber. Alone, she reflected and invoked the twin Aśvins in her mind. The Aśvins came and blessed her with two sons, Nakula and Sahadeva, unrivaled on earth in beauty. At that moment, 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.” The dwellers of Śataśṛṅga joyfully gave the children their names, with devotion, deeds, and blessings. They named Kuntī’s sons: the eldest Yudhiṣṭhira, the middle one Bhīmasena, and the third Arjuna. Mādrī’s elder son was called Nakula, and the younger, Sahadeva—so declared the delighted Brahmins regarding Mādrī’s sons. Though all these sons of Pāṇḍu were born within a single year, they shone as if there were five years between each. Great in spirit, mighty in valor, and possessing immense strength and prowess, Pāṇḍu beheld his sons, radiant as gods. He attained supreme joy, and the king rejoiced. The children became dear to all the sages dwelling at Śataśṛṅga and were equally beloved by the sages’ wives. Then, Pāṇḍu again urged Kuntī on Mādrī’s behalf. But Kuntī spoke to him privately: “I was told that this mantra could be used only once for each deity; thus I have been deceived. I fear the reproach of women, for such is their fate. I did not know, in my ignorance, that invoking the twins would yield twofold fruit. Therefore, you must not command me again—let this be my boon.” Thus, through the favor of the gods, were born the five mighty sons of Pāṇḍu, each a blessing and a gift to the world.