When the question arose about the Pandavas’ departure, it was said that when both Rama and Krishna—those righteous, lion-hearted men devoted to the Pandavas’ happiness—agreed, then the Pandavas should set out. All present acknowledged their loyalty to the king, declaring that they would follow his affectionate command in all things. Vasudeva then spoke, his voice calm and resolute. He expressed his approval of the Pandavas’ departure, trusting the wisdom of King Drupada, who was well-versed in dharma. Krishna, the heroic Dasharha, mighty-armed and steadfast, confirmed that his decision was firm and timely, aligning with Drupada’s. He added that the sons of Kunti were as dear to him as his own kin, and that the Pandavas were as much his as they were to Vasudeva—there could be no doubt. Indeed, even Yudhishthira, son of Kunti, could not contemplate their welfare as deeply as Krishna, that tiger among men, did. With these assurances, the wise one entered the dwelling of Pritha—Kunti—bowed low, and touched her feet with reverence. Seeing her brother-in-law, Kunti was overcome by grief once more, recalling the many hardships they had faced. She spoke with gratitude and emotion, likening the Pandavas’ survival to children miraculously returned after being lost, just as a turtle thinks of her young from afar. Through careful nurturing, her sons had been kept safe, living by the devotion and protection of their elders, especially the best of the Bharatas. She compared her situation to a foster bird raising her young unharmed, acknowledging her father’s role in safeguarding her children. She recalled the many dangers she had endured, some threatening her very life, and confessed she knew not what more could be done, trusting in the wisdom of her elders. She was reassured that her mighty sons would not perish; soon, they would stand in their own kingdom. All their kin would be together, and Kunti was urged not to grieve. With hearts uplifted, the Pandavas, Krishna, wise Vidura, Draupadi—the noble Krishna—and famed Kunti set out joyfully for the city of Nagasahvaya, a place resplendent with golden chambers and golden elephant goads. The city gleamed with gold, its streets bustling with great officers, all equipped with weapons. King Drupada, delighted, bestowed splendid gifts: a thousand elephants in bright armor, a thousand chariots decked with gold and jewels, and five radiant four-horse chariots adorned with gold, complete with fine fans and garlands. He gave fifty thousand thoroughbred horses, ten thousand ornamented maidservants, and a thousand servants bearing magnificent bows. There were golden beds, seats, vessels, and herds of cattle. Separately, the king of the Panchalas, in his joy, gave a crore in wealth. A hundred fully equipped palanquins and five hundred men to carry them were also presented. These riches were given for the sake of kinship, and Somaka honored the relatives of Panchali with gifts and honors. Dhṛṣṭadyumna, Draupadi’s brother, led her away with great ceremony, accompanied by the music of thousands of instruments. News of the heroes’ arrival reached Hastinapura, and Dhritarashtra, son of Ambika, sent the Kauravas to receive the Pandavas. He dispatched Vikarṇa, the mighty archer; Citraseṇa; Droṇa, supreme among archers; Gautama; and Kripa. Surrounded by these great warriors, the Pandavas entered the city of Hastinapura, their splendor evident for all to see. The citizens, eager and curious, decorated the city of Nagasahvaya in honor of the Pandavas’ return. Flowers were strewn everywhere, the streets sprinkled with water and perfumed with divine incense, and auspicious items adorned the way. The city shone with raised banners and garlands, and the air resounded with the blaring of conches, drums, and many instruments. Excitement filled the city, overflowing as the Pandavas—those tigers among men who had once been driven out by Dhritarashtra—now returned by good fortune, together with their mother. The people spoke words of affection and joy, marveling at the return of the righteous Yudhishthira. They praised him as the protector of their rightful heirs, as dear as their own, and rejoiced that King Pandu, beloved of their hearts, seemed to have returned from the forest. They wondered at their own good fortune, asking what great merit they had earned to witness this joyful day. With folded hands, they prayed that if ever they had given, offered, or performed austerities, may the Pandavas dwell in the city for a hundred autumns by that merit. The Pandavas then paid homage at the feet of Dhritarashtra, the great-souled Bhishma, and other elders worthy of respect. After being warmly welcomed and asked about their welfare by the people, they entered their homes, following Dhritarashtra’s command. At this time, the queen of Duryodhana, daughter of the king of Kashi, together with the wives of Dhritarashtra’s sons, prepared to meet the returning family.