The ascetics, their minds set on a noble purpose, approached the gatekeeper and requested, “Announce us to the king.” Without delay, they were ushered into the great assembly hall. News of the arrival of thousands of ascetics and sages spread swiftly through Nagapura, filling its people with awe and wonder. As the sun rose and cast its golden light, the townsfolk, led by eager children and accompanied by their wives, poured out of their homes to catch a glimpse of these revered guests. Groups of women and warriors, some riding in splendid vehicles, joined the throng, along with Brahmanas and their wives. Merchants and Shudras too gathered in great numbers, and in that vast multitude, no envy was felt—each person’s heart was turned to righteousness. Among those who joined the gathering were Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, Somadatta, Bahlikā, the royal sage Prajnachakshu, and Vidura, the wise minister. Queen Satyavati came as well, accompanied by the illustrious Kausalya and a retinue of royal ladies, and Gandhari too was present. The heirs of Dhritarashtra, led by Duryodhana and adorned with shining ornaments, came in their hundreds. Upon seeing the great sages, the Kauravas and their priests bowed their heads in deep reverence and seated themselves nearby. In the same manner, all the townspeople and villagers paid their respects, prostrating with their heads to the ground before taking their seats. Recognizing the significance of the occasion, the people honored the ascetics as was proper, offering water for their feet and other respectful offerings. Bhishma, upholding the highest traditions, offered the kingdom and its realm to the assembled sages. Then, the eldest among the ascetics, distinguished by his matted hair and deer skin, and having consulted with his peers, addressed the gathering: “That heir of the Kauravas, King Pandu, renounced all pleasures and departed from Shatashringa. Giving up worldly enjoyments, he embraced the life of an ascetic, sustaining himself on leaves, roots, and fruits. Together with his wives, Pandu spent his days in diligence and discipline, his conduct and austerities pleasing the ascetics who dwelled on Hundred Peaks. Satisfied with his devotion, these ascetics restrained him as he prepared to depart for the heavenly realms. As Pandu was about to leave with his wives, the brahmins spoke: ‘O king, for one without offspring, there are no blessed worlds. Therefore, worship Dharma, Vayu, Mahendra, and the Ashvins with your wives as deities. Pleased by your devotion, they will grant you sons, freeing you from your ancestral debts. Through our divine vision, we see such sons destined for you.’ Hearing these words, Pandu worshipped the gods as instructed, observing the vow of celibacy. By divine grace, Dharma himself was born as his son, Yudhishthira, the foremost among the strong. Mātariśvan bestowed upon him Bhima, a son of immense might, and Purandara (Indra) granted to steadfast Kunti a son of true valor. When this mighty archer was born, Indra spoke to Pritha (Kunti): ‘By my favor, this son is born to you, O Kunti, steadfast in valor. He will conquer even the unconquerable, including the gods themselves. His fame as an archer will be unsurpassed.’ Yudhishthira, with the support of his brothers, will attain the Rajasuya sacrifice, overcoming men, Gandharvas, and Rakshasas. He will defeat Duryodhana and the Kauravas, and through his heroic deeds, Yudhishthira will perform the Rajasuya and other great sacrifices, ever steadfast in righteousness. The two mighty archers born of Madri—Nakula and Sahadeva—were begotten by the Ashvins, radiant and incomparable among men. Thus, while Pandu dwelt in the forest, ever righteous and renowned, his ancestral line was restored. Witnessing the birth, growth, and Vedic education of Pandu’s sons, you all shall know the highest joy. Abiding by the conduct of the virtuous, Pandu obtained his sons and, on the seventeenth day, departed to the world of the ancestors. Knowing he had entered the funeral fire, Madri, devoted to her husband, gave up her own life and followed him into the flames, joining him in the world beyond. Whatever rites are due for them should be performed henceforth. Let Kunti, who has sought refuge, and the illustrious sons of Pandu be honored as is right, for this is the eternal law. Here lie the bodies of Pandu and Madri, and here are their sons, the best of their line; let them and their mother be honored with due rites. When the funeral ceremonies are complete, let Pandu, the illustrious knower of all dharma and foremost of the Kuru line, receive the ancestral oblation. Having spoken thus to all the Kurus, the ascetics, along with the Guhyakas, vanished in an instant as the Kurus looked on. The people, having witnessed that assembly of sages and perfected beings—resplendent like a city of Gandharvas and then gone—were filled with wonder. Then the command was given: “O Vidura, perform all the funeral rites for Pandu, the lion among kings, as befits a king, and especially for Madri. Distribute to all who wish, as much as they desire, the cattle, garments, jewels, and various treasures belonging to Pandu and Madri.