As a foster bird cares for her young, keeping them safe from harm, so too, O father, have you protected my sons, watching over them with unwavering affection. I have endured many hardships, even those that threatened my very life, and beyond this, I do not know what else should be done—but you, wise as you are, surely know the way forward. Your mighty sons will not perish in this world; soon, they will stand in their own kingdom, surrounded by their kin. So do not grieve, O Mādhavi. The Pandavas, accompanied by Kṛṣṇa, the wise Vidura, Draupadī—the noble Kṛṣṇā—and the illustrious Kuntī, went joyfully to the city called Nāgasāhvaya. This city, with its golden chambers and elephant goads, was adorned with gold and filled with great officers, all equipped with weapons. There, the king bestowed lavish gifts: a thousand elephants clad in splendid armor, a thousand chariots decorated with gold and jewels, and five radiant four-horse chariots adorned with gold, excellent fans, and garlands. He gave fifty thousand thoroughbred horses, ten thousand maidservants adorned with fine ornaments, and a thousand servants bearing splendid bows. Golden beds, seats, vessels, and other goods, as well as herds of cattle, were presented; separately, the king of the Pāñcālas, exceedingly delighted, gave a crore in wealth. A hundred fully equipped palanquins and five hundred men to carry them were also given. Thus, the Pāñcāla king offered these riches for the sake of kinship, and Somaka gave the abduction and gifts to the relatives of Pāñcālī. Dhṛṣṭadyumna, taking his sister, proceeded to the city, accompanied by the sound of thousands of instruments. When news spread that the heroes had arrived, Dhṛtarāṣṭra, son of Ambikā, sent the Kauravas to receive the Pandavas. He dispatched Vikarṇa, the mighty archer; Citraseṇa; Droṇa, the supreme archer; Gautama; and Kṛpa. Surrounded by these valiant heroes and great chariot-warriors, the Pandavas entered the city of Hastinapura, shining in their splendor, moving slowly with dignity. Hearing of their arrival, the citizens adorned the city of Nāgasāhvaya out of curiosity and joy. Loose flowers were strewn everywhere, the streets sprinkled with water, perfumed with divine incense, and covered with auspicious items. The city shone, adorned with raised banners and garlands, resounding with the blaring of conches and drums and the sounds of various instruments. The excitement overflowed as the tiger-like Pandavas, burdened with sorrow and grief, entered. Those scorcher of foes, who had once been driven out by Dhritarashtra, now returned by good fortune, together with their mother. Words of affection were spoken by the people, and pleasant remarks arose everywhere. "Here comes that tiger among men, the knower of righteousness, returning once more," they said. "He who protects our rightful heirs as if they were his own, by righteousness—today, King Pandu, dear to our hearts, has come from the forest. He has come to us, wishing to do good—there is no doubt. What meritorious deed have we all done today, that brings us such great joy? Because the heroic sons of Kunti, our lords, have returned—if we have given, if we have offered, or if we have performed any austerity—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 the other elders who deserved it. After being asked about their welfare by all the people in the city, they entered their homes, as commanded by Dhritarashtra. Then, the queen of Duryodhana, daughter of the king of Kashi, together with the wives of Dhritarashtra's sons, received the virtuous Panchali as if she were another goddess of fortune, honoring her as one would honor Shachi herself. Mādhavi, together with Krishna, bowed to Gandhari; Gandhari offered blessings and embraced Panchali. As Gandhari embraced Krishna of lotus eyes, she thought, "Panchali is truly the death of my sons." Thinking thus, the daughter of Subala, with due consideration, spoke to Vidura: "O Kshatta, bring Kunti, the royal lady, with her daughters-in-law and attendants. If it pleases you, let the dwelling of the sons of Pandu be quickly arranged, with all the necessary rites, at an auspicious star and on a favorable lunar day. So that Kunti may enjoy happiness in her own house with her sons." The steward immediately carried out these arrangements as instructed. At that time, the relatives honored the Pandavas greatly; the citizens and leaders of the guilds also paid their respects. Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Karna, and Bahlika with his son, by the command of Dhritarashtra, performed the duties of hospitality. While the great-souled Pandavas enjoyed themselves, Vidura, by royal command, directed all their affairs. Those great souls, along with Keshava, rested there for some time, having been summoned by King Dhritarashtra and the son of Shantanu.