Madri, the gracious daughter of the Madra king, spoke her final words to Kunti, her co-wife, and bowed her head in deep reverence, entrusting the care of her twin sons to Kunti’s loving hands. With a heart full of emotion, Madri offered her salutations to the assembled sages, embraced the Pandavas, and showered affectionate kisses upon her two sons, unable to hold back her tears. Then, taking Yudhishthira gently by the hand, Madri addressed him with tender words, “Kunti is your true mother, I am but your nurse, and your father has now departed this world.” She reminded Yudhishthira, the eldest and most righteous among his brothers, of his duty to guide and care for his siblings, urging all the children to remain devoted to their elders and steadfast in truth and virtue. She assured them that those who uphold righteousness never perish nor face defeat, and so, they should always fulfill their duties to those who came before them. Having paid repeated homage to the sages and to Pritha (Kunti), Madri, her heart heavy with sorrow, turned once more to Kunti. In the presence of the venerable sages, she expressed her deepest wish: that her desire to attain heaven through her sacrifice would not be in vain. Madri praised Kunti, the daughter of the Vrishni clan, declaring that no other woman could equal her in strength, brilliance, discipline, greatness, or in the glory she radiated. She assured Kunti that she would see her five mighty sons flourish, and promised to always honor and revere her. Acknowledging Kunti’s seniority and auspicious virtues, Madri humbly sought her permission to follow Pandu in death. “May I attain righteousness, heaven, and fame because of you,” she said, “do as you see fit, and do not hesitate.” Kunti, her voice choked with tears, granted Madri her permission, blessing her, “Go, blessed one, may your union be in heaven. May you, O beautiful and wide-eyed Madri, be quickly reunited with your husband among the gods, and enjoy eternal years together.” The priest, having bathed and accomplished in the funeral rites, gathered all that was needed: gold pieces, clarified butter, sesame seeds, curds, and rice grains. He brought water pots and an axe, and, joined by ascetics, he prepared the sacred fire as prescribed, arranging everything with proper care. Kashyapa, the sage, performed the funeral rites for the departed Pandu, and Yudhishthira, following the priest’s instructions, did likewise. With the sacred fire, they consigned Pandu’s body, and, overcome by grief, Yudhishthira fell weeping to the ground. After taking leave of the sages, his brothers, and Pritha, Yudhishthira bowed to his father’s body and to Madri, his father’s lawful wife, who was now upon the funeral pyre. The noble Madri, daughter of the king of Madra, swiftly mounted the pyre after her husband, steadfast in her resolve. Clad in untorn garments, pure in heart, Yudhishthira and his brothers performed the water-rite for their parents, guided by the priest. The ascetics of Shataśṛṅga, together with the sages and the celestial Charanas, performed all the proper rites for Pandu and Madri, honoring them as was due. Witnessing Pandu’s passing, the great sages, equal to the gods and well-versed in sacred knowledge, gathered together in counsel. They recalled how Pandu, renouncing his kingdom and royal comforts, had chosen a life of austerity among the ascetics, entrusting his newborn sons and wives to their care before departing for heaven. The sages resolved to fulfill their duty by bringing Pandu’s sons, his wife, and his body to his own kingdom. Having decided thus, these illustrious sages set out for the city of Nagasahvaya, placing the Pandavas at the forefront. Their generous hearts were set on presenting the Pandavas to Bhishma and Dhritarashtra. At that very moment, the sages departed, taking with them Pandu’s wives and sons, and the ascetics who had dwelled with them in the forest. Kunti, who had once known only happiness in the company of her sons, now embarked on this long journey, which, for the sake of her children, seemed to pass swiftly. After much travel, the noble lady at last reached the land of the Kurus and arrived at the gate of the city of Vardhamana. The ascetics requested the gatekeeper to announce their arrival to the king, and soon they were ushered into the assembly hall. News of the arrival of thousands of ascetics and sages spread quickly, filling the people of Nagapura with wonder. As the sun rose, the townsfolk, led by their children and accompanied by their wives, went out to behold the ascetics. Women and warriors, some riding in vehicles, Brahmanas and their wives, merchants, and Shudras—all gathered in great crowds, united in righteousness and free from envy. Bhishma, son of Shantanu, along with Somadatta, Bahlikā, the royal sage Prajnachakshu, and Vidura the wise minister, also went out to greet them. Queen Satyavati, the illustrious Kausalya surrounded by royal ladies, and Gandhari joined the procession. The sons of Dhritarashtra, led by Duryodhana and adorned with splendid ornaments, came out in their hundreds. Upon seeing the great sages, all the Kauravas, accompanied by their priests, bowed their heads in reverence and sat nearby. In the same way, the townspeople and country folk, having paid their respects, sat down, eager to witness the arrival of the Pandavas and the ascetics who had brought them home.