Upon the death of King Pandu, his wife Madri, overwhelmed with grief, turned to Kunti, the chief queen, and spoke with deep sorrow. “My king has been slain, O noble lady, and has departed for heaven. My heart is not inclined to remain, nor are my kinsmen disposed to keep me here. Without my husband, I cannot bear to live; therefore, I will follow him to the realm of Vaivasvata Yama. “It would not be right for me to dwell among your sons as before. If I did, I would be touched by great unrighteousness. Therefore, O queen, I must act towards your sons as I would towards my own, but my place now is with my husband in the abode of Yama. The king, desiring me, has gone under the sway of the departed. Let my body, together with his, be burned, well-covered. O noble lady, grant me this dear request. Watch over the children as I have instructed you. I have no further advice to offer.” At that moment, the sages who were present, devoted to austerity, comforted the truthful and valiant Pandavas, and sought to console both Kunti and Madri. They addressed Kunti, saying, “O fortunate one, you have young sons; you must not die. We shall take the Pandavas, those scorers of foes, to the land of the Kurus. When unrighteousness arises from greed, King Dhritarashtra may not always act properly towards the Pandavas. Yet, among Kunti’s protectors are the Vrishnis and Kuntibhoja, and among Madri’s, her powerful brother Shalya, the great chariot-warrior. “There is no doubt that dying with one’s husband bears fruit, but the foremost of twice-born say this is difficult to accomplish. A virtuous woman who, after her husband’s death, remains steadfast in chastity—purified by self-restraint, discipline, and pure thought, word, and deed—is truly auspicious. Thinking of her husband, such a woman can deliver him; and the husband, as well as herself and her son, would be saved. Therefore, we consider it best that you both continue to live.” Kunti replied, “As Pandu commanded, and as the assembly of Brahmins has decreed, that order rests upon me, and I shall act accordingly. Even in the face of misfortune, I believe this is best—for my husband, my sons, and myself—without doubt. I am capable of maintaining the welfare and safety of my sons; in wisdom, there is none to equal me, not even Arundhati. The Vrishnis and Kuntibhoja are my protectors, but I am not able, like you, to care for the children in the same way.” Madri, however, stood firm in her resolve. “I, who have not been satisfied with enjoyment, will follow my husband. Let the chief queen of the world of husbands grant me permission. I wish to serve at the feet of the righteous, grateful, truthful, and wise one. O noble lady, grant me leave today.” Having spoken thus, Madri, the auspicious daughter of the king of Madra, bowed her head to Kunti and entrusted her twin sons, Nakula and Sahadeva, to her care. She saluted the great sages, embraced the Pandavas, and repeatedly kissed her two sons on their heads. Taking Yudhishthira by the hand, Madri said, “Kunti is your mother, I am only your nurse, and your father is gone. Yudhishthira is the eldest, and by righteousness, always the father among the four. Be devoted to serving your elders, steadfast in truth and virtue. Such ones never perish nor are defeated; therefore, fulfill your duties to your elders diligently.” After bowing again to the sages and to Pritha, sorrowful Madri addressed Kunti in the presence of all: “As I have spoken these words before the sages, let my desire to see heaven not be in vain. Blessed are you, O daughter of the Vrishni, for there is no woman equal to you; your strength, brilliance, discipline, greatness, and glory are unmatched. Kunti, you will see your five sons of immeasurable might, and you, noble lady, will be honored and revered by me in every way. You are the eldest and most distinguished, adorned with auspicious virtues. I ask your permission, O joyful one. May I attain righteousness, heaven, and fame because of you. Do as you see fit here, and do not hesitate.” With tears choking her voice, illustrious Kunti replied, “You are permitted, blessed one. May your union with your husband be in heaven. With your husband, O beautiful one, may you be quickly united today in the world of the gods and enjoy eternal years.” Then, the priest, having bathed and prepared for the funeral rites, brought gold pieces, clarified butter, sesame seeds, curds, and rice grains. He also brought water pots and an axe, together with ascetics, and, having brought the sacrificial fire as prescribed, arranged everything properly. Kashyapa performed the funeral rites for the deceased Pandu, and Yudhishthira, guided by the priest, did all that was required. With that fire, Pandu was burned, and the rites were performed. Overwhelmed by grief and weeping, Yudhishthira fell to the ground. Having taken leave of the sages, his brothers, and Pritha, the prince bowed to his lawful wife, who was on the funeral pyre. The illustrious daughter of the king of Madra, Madri, quickly mounted the pyre after him. Clad in untorn garments, pure, and together with his brothers, Yudhishthira then performed the water-rite there, following the priest’s instructions, thus honoring the departed souls of his parents.