The people of Śataśṛṅga, filled with devotion and reverence, gathered to bestow names upon the sons of Pāṇḍu. With heartfelt blessings and noble deeds, they honored these children who had been born in their midst. The eldest of Kuntī’s sons they named Yudhiṣṭhira; the middle boy, Bhīmasena; and the youngest, Arjuna. The two sons born to Mādrī were named by the delighted brahmins as Nakula, the elder, and Sahadeva, the younger. Though all five brothers were born within a single year, they appeared as if there were five years between each, such was the difference in their stature and bearing. These sons of Pāṇḍu, foremost among the Kurus, were radiant with spirit, valor, and strength; Pāṇḍu beheld his children, shining with the splendor of gods, and his heart overflowed with supreme joy. The sages of Śataśṛṅga cherished the boys dearly, and their affection was shared by the wives of the sages as well. It was during this time that Pāṇḍu, wishing for more children for Mādrī’s sake, again turned to Kuntī. But Kuntī, confiding in him privately, explained, “I was told this mantra could be used only once for each deity. In my ignorance, I did not know that invoking the Ashvin twins would yield two sons. I fear the reproach of women, for such is our fate. Therefore, do not urge me further—grant me this as a boon.” Thus, the five mighty sons of Pāṇḍu were born, each a gift from the gods. These children were renowned from birth, destined to enhance the Kuru lineage. Marked by auspicious signs, they were as delightful to behold as the moon itself. Proud as lions, great archers, and moving with a lion’s stride, their necks strong and their presence commanding, they grew with the might and vigor of the gods. As they matured on that sacred Himalayan mountain, they inspired awe and wonder among the gathered sages. From the moment they were born, the ascetics of Śataśṛṅga regarded the sons of Pāṇḍu as their own children, showering them with affection. Meanwhile, the Vṛṣṇis, led by Vasudeva, also heard of the births. Pāṇḍu, ever mindful of the curse upon him, had chosen to dwell at Śataśṛṅga, living as an ascetic among ascetics. Sustained by roots, vegetables, and fruits, he devoted himself to austerity, self-restraint, and meditation. Many who heard of Pāṇḍu’s life in the mountains were afflicted by sorrow, yet their hearts remained full of affection for him. They would often ask, “When shall we hear news of them?” When word of Pāṇḍu’s sons reached the Vṛṣṇis and their kin, they rejoiced greatly. They honored one another and said to Vasudeva, “May the mighty sons of Pāṇḍu never lack in sacred rites.” Seeking Pāṇḍu’s welfare, they asked for the family priest to be sent, and Vasudeva agreed. Vasudeva dispatched the family priest, sending with him garments adorned with peacock feathers for the princes, and gifts, servants, and attendants for Kuntī and Mādrī. He also sent cows, gold, and silver. The priest, Kāśyapa, gathered all these and set out for Śataśṛṅga. Upon his arrival, Pāṇḍu honored him with the proper rites, and Kuntī and Mādrī, delighted, praised Vasudeva. Pāṇḍu then arranged for all the traditional ceremonies for his sons. Kāśyapa performed every rite, from conception ceremonies to the first tonsure, the sacred thread, and the initiation into Vedic study. After these rituals, the illustrious sons of Pāṇḍu, marked with the sign of the bull, became accomplished in the study of the Vedas. There, too, was Śukra, the first son of Śaryāti, who had conquered the earth and performed a hundred horse sacrifices, worshipping the gods and his ancestors. At Śataśṛṅga, he practiced great austerities, living on roots, vegetables, and fruits, and with his excellent implements and instruction, he further strengthened the young princes. By Śukra’s favor, the sons of Pāṇḍu became skilled in the science of archery; Bhīma mastered the mace, and Yudhiṣṭhira the spear. Nakula and Sahadeva, Mādrī’s valiant sons, became experts in sword and shield, while Arjuna, Savyasachi, reached the very summit of archery. Śukra, recognizing Arjuna’s prowess and declaring him his equal, permitted the king to grant Arjuna the spear, sword, and arrows. The best among the self-controlled also gave Arjuna a radiant bow as tall as a palm tree, along with arrows, razors, and iron shafts adorned with vulture feathers. Rejoicing, he gave to Partha weapons shining like mighty serpents. Having obtained all these weapons, Arjuna, son of Indra, was filled with delight, feeling that all the kings of the earth were not his equals in energy. Thus, with a year’s difference between each, the sons of Kuntī and Mādrī, destroyers of foes, followed one another in growth. Along with the hundred sons enhancing the Kuru line, they all flourished swiftly, like lotuses blossoming in water. At this point, the question arises: at what age did the Pāṇḍavas reach Hastinapura, and what span of life had the gods allotted them? Hear now the answer, O joy of the Kurus: Yudhiṣṭhira journeyed to Hastinapura at sixteen years of age.