For the sake of lasting fame, you should undertake even the most difficult deeds—just as Indra, longing for renown, attained lordship over the gods through his mighty sacrifices. In the same way, O fair one, the Brahmins who are learned in the sacred mantras, having performed severe austerities, approach their teachers in pursuit of glory. So too have all the royal sages and Brahmins, rich in penance, accomplished many arduous tasks for the sake of their own fame. Therefore, O faultless one, you must help Madri in this way: grant her offspring, and by doing so, attain supreme renown for yourself. What you say is indeed in accordance with dharma as taught in the scriptures; thus, O joy of the Kurus, I shall grant her my favor. So addressed, he turned to Madri and said, “Focus your mind just once upon the deity, and without doubt, you shall obtain a child suited to you.” When the prescribed rite was performed according to tradition, the royal lady bathed and entered her chamber. Alone in contemplation, Madri invoked the twin deities, the Ashvins, within her heart. Responding to her call, the Ashvins came and begot upon her two sons—Nakula and Sahadeva—unrivaled on earth in beauty. At their birth, 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 Ashvins. In splendor, appearance, and wealth, you will excel greatly.” The residents of Shatasringa, full of devotion and joy, gave names to the sons with blessings and noble deeds. The eldest was named Yudhishthira, the middle one Bhimasena, and the third Arjuna—these were the sons of Kunti. The elder of Madri’s sons was called Nakula, and the younger Sahadeva; such were the delighted words of the Brahmins regarding Madri’s children. Though all born within a single year, these foremost of the Kurus—the sons of Pandu—shone as if they were five years apart in age. Great in spirit, mighty in valor, and possessing immense strength and prowess, Pandu beheld his sons, radiant as the gods. He was filled with supreme joy, and the king rejoiced; the boys became dear to all the sages dwelling at Shatasringa, beloved also by the sages’ wives. Then Pandu, again thinking of Madri, urged Kunti for her sake. In private, Pritha (Kunti) spoke to him: “I was told 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; in my ignorance, I did not know that invoking the twins would yield twofold fruit. Therefore, do not ask me again—let this be my boon.” Thus, the five mighty sons of Pandu were born, gifted by the gods. These sons were renowned from birth, enhancers of the Kuru lineage, endowed with auspicious marks, and as delightful to behold as the moon. Proud as lions, great archers, moving with lion-like stride and bearing lion-like necks, O king, they grew up with the might and majesty of the gods. As they grew up on the sacred Himalayan mountain, they inspired wonder among the great sages who gathered there. From the moment of their birth, the ascetics dwelling on Shatasringa cherished Pandu’s sons as their own children. At that time, all the Vrishnis, with Vasudeva at their head, learned of the happenings. Pandu, ever fearful of the curse upon him, had gone to Shatasringa and lived there as an ascetic among ascetics, together with the sages. Sustained by roots, vegetables, and fruits, devoted to austerity and self-restraint, the king became absorbed in yoga and meditation. Many, hearing of this, were afflicted by sorrow, yet their affection for Pandu remained strong, and they would ask, “When shall we hear news of them?” Thus, as the Vrishnis conversed with their kin, upon hearing of the birth of Pandu’s sons, they were all filled with joy. They honored one another and said to Vasudeva, “May the mighty sons of Pandu never lack in sacred rites.” Seeking Pandu’s welfare, they requested, “Send the family priest.” Vasudeva agreed and dispatched the priest. He sent garments adorned with peacock feathers for the princes, and for Kunti and Madri, along with servants and attendants. He also sent cows, gold, and silver. Gathering all these gifts, the priest set out. When the distinguished priest, Kashyapa, arrived, Pandu, conqueror of enemy cities, honored him according to proper tradition. Kunti and Madri, delighted, praised Vasudeva; then Pandu performed all the necessary rites for the Pandavas. Kashyapa performed every ceremony, from conception rites to the first tonsure and the sacred thread, as well as the initiation, O Bharata. After the tonsure and sacred thread ceremonies, the illustrious sons, marked by the sign of the bull, all became accomplished in Vedic study. The first son of Sharyati was named Shukra, O subduer of foes, by whom the earth, bounded by the ocean, was conquered. Having performed a hundred horse sacrifices, that great soul, through grand rites, worshipped all the gods and his ancestors as well. At Shatasringa, he practiced austerities, subsisting on roots, vegetables, and fruits; by his excellent implements and instruction, the princes were further strengthened. Thus, in that sacred place, the sons of Pandu grew—noble in bearing, radiant in virtue, and beloved by all who beheld them.