Recognizing the arrival of that great multitude, all the people gathered there honored them with deep reverence, offering water for their feet and gifts befitting their status, O lord. Bhishma, ever wise and dutiful, presented the kingdom and the realm to the assembled sages. Among them, the eldest sage—his hair matted, clad in deer skin—after consulting with his peers, addressed the gathering with solemn words. He spoke of Pandu, the heir of the Kauravas, who, renouncing all pleasures, departed from Shatashringa. Pandu, having given up the comforts of royal life, embraced the life of an ascetic. He performed rigorous austerities, sustaining himself on leaves, roots, and fruits. Alongside his devoted wives, Pandu lived with unwavering discipline, his conduct and penance winning the admiration and affection of the ascetics dwelling in the region of Hundred Peaks. Seeing Pandu’s resolve and the purity of his austerities, the ascetics, pleased with him, restrained him as he prepared to leave for the heavenly world. As Pandu made ready to depart with his wives, the brahmins spoke to him earnestly: “O King, one without offspring cannot attain the blessed worlds.” They advised him, “Therefore, O King, worship Dharma, Vayu, Mahendra, and the Ashvins, together with your wives, regarding them as deities. If you please them, they will grant you sons, and you will be freed from your ancestral debts. By our divine vision, born of austerity, we see such sons destined for you.” Hearing their counsel, Pandu worshipped the gods with devotion, maintaining the vow of celibacy. By divine grace, Dharma himself was born as his son, Yudhishthira, to that great king, the foremost among the strong. Mātariśvan (Vayu) gave him a son of immense might, Bhima, and Purandara (Indra) bestowed upon steadfast Kunti a son of true valor. When this mighty archer was born, Indra declared to Kunti, “By my favor, this son is born to you, O Kunti, steadfast in true valor. He will conquer even the unconquerable, including the gods themselves, without doubt. His fame as a mighty archer will surpass all others. Through the strength of his brothers, Yudhishthira will attain the great Rajasuya sacrifice, conquering men, Gandharvas, and Rakshasas. He will defeat Duryodhana and the Kauravas, and by his heroic deeds, Yudhishthira, son of Dharma, will perform the Rajasuya and other great sacrifices, always devoted to righteousness.” The two mighty archers whom Madri bore were begotten by the Ashvins—Nakula and Sahadeva, both radiant and beyond measure in brilliance. Thus, as Pandu, ever righteous and renowned, dwelt in the forest, his ancestral line was restored. Those present witnessed the birth, the growth, and the Vedic studies of Pandu’s sons, and were told that such sights would bring them the highest joy. Abiding always in virtuous conduct, Pandu obtained these sons. On the seventeenth day, Pandu departed to the world of his ancestors. When it was known that he had entered the funeral fire—offered into the mouth of Vaishvanara—Madri, devoted to her husband, entered the flames as well, surrendering her own life to follow him. She went with him to his world, united in the hereafter. The sages instructed that all rites due to both Pandu and Madri should be performed. Kunti, who had sought refuge, and the illustrious sons of Pandu were to be honored according to eternal law. The bodies of Pandu and Madri, and their sons—the best of their line—were to be honored with proper rites, along with their mother, the scorcher of foes. Once the funeral rites were completed, Pandu, the illustrious knower of all dharma and foremost of the Kuru line, would receive the ancestral oblation. Having spoken thus to all the Kurus, and as the Kurus looked on, the assembled ascetics and the Guhyakas vanished in an instant. The people, having seen that company of sages and perfected beings—who appeared like a city of the Gandharvas and then disappeared—were filled with wonder. Then, Vidura was instructed: “O Vidura, perform all the funeral rites for Pandu, the lion among kings, just as for a king, and especially for Madri. Distribute to all who desire—cattle, garments, jewels, and all kinds of wealth belonging to Pandu and Madri. As Kunti is to be honored, so too should Madri be; let her be so well guarded that neither the wind nor the sun may see her. Pandu, sinless and praiseworthy among men, is not to be mourned, for to him were born five heroic sons, equal to the sons of the gods.” Vidura, replying “So be it,” joined with Bhishma in performing the funeral rites for Pandu in a place of highest honor. From the city, priests swiftly brought blazing fires, fragrant with clarified butter, for Pandu’s funeral. The bier was adorned with spring flowers and various fragrant substances, covered with fine cloth. Thus adorned with garlands, fine garments, and great wealth, ministers, kinsmen, and friends gathered around Pandu. That lion among men, richly decorated, was placed upon a splendid vehicle drawn by men, carried together with Madri, well covered. They honored him with a white parasol and a yak-tail fan, accompanied by the sounds of all musical instruments. Men brought hundreds of jewels and distributed them freely to those who desired, as offerings for Pandu’s funeral. For the sake of the Kaurava, pure white umbrellas, large yak-tail fans, and beautiful garments were also brought forth, ensuring that all rites were performed with great honor and reverence.