The virtuous Panchali was received with great honor, as if she were a goddess of fortune herself, and all regarded her with the reverence due to Shachi, the queen of the gods. In that gathering, Madhavi, together with Krishna, bowed before Gandhari. After bestowing her blessings, Gandhari warmly embraced Panchali. As Gandhari embraced Krishna of lotus eyes, a thought passed through her mind: “Panchali is truly the cause of my sons’ destruction.” Yet, with careful consideration, Gandhari—the wise daughter of Subala—spoke to Vidura: “O Kshatta, bring Kunti, the noble lady, along with her daughters-in-law and attendants.” She continued, “If it pleases you, let the dwelling for the sons of Pandu be prepared swiftly, with all the proper rites, on an auspicious star and a favorable lunar day. Let Kunti find happiness in her own house with her sons.” Vidura, ever diligent, immediately carried out her instructions. At that time, the Pandavas were honored by their relatives, and the citizens and the leaders of the guilds paid their respects to them as well. Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Karna, and Bahlika with his son, at the command of Dhritarashtra, performed all the duties of hospitality. While the great-souled Pandavas enjoyed these honors, Vidura, following the royal command, directed all their affairs. The Pandavas, together with Keshava, stayed there for some time, summoned by King Dhritarashtra and Bhishma, the son of Shantanu. Then, Dhritarashtra addressed Yudhishthira and his brothers: “O son of Kunti, listen to my words. The kingdom was raised and the world protected by Pandu. By my command, my mighty brother Pandu performed many difficult deeds. Therefore, you too, O son of Kunti, should follow my command without delay, for my sons are wicked and filled with pride.” He continued, “My sons, always intent on their own interests and evil-minded, will never obey me. Let there be no further conflict; enter Khandavaprastha. While you dwell there, no one will be able to trouble you. Protected by Partha as the gods are by the wielder of the thunderbolt, and having obtained half the kingdom, go to Khandavaprastha. If Keshava considers it proper, then let it be done without doubt.” Accepting these words, all present paid homage to the king. After consulting with Vasudeva, the Pandavas took their seats. Then Dhritarashtra instructed, “O steward, quickly bring all that is needed for the consecration, for today I shall anoint the joy of the Kurus as king. Let the Brahmanas, the best of merchants, the leaders of the guilds, the people, and especially the relatives, be summoned. Proclaim the auspicious day, and let a thousand cows be given. Let the village chiefs also give generously to the Brahmins.” He ordered further, “Bring the crown for the head, ornaments for the hands, pearl necklaces, a garland, gold coins, and armlets. Prepare a girdle for the waist, a sacred thread, and a binding for the belly. Gather one thousand and eight elephants, presided over by Brahmanas. Let the priests quickly bring water from the Ganges to bathe him for the consecration, adorned with all ornaments. Seat him upon the ceremonial chariot, fan him with divine fans, and shade him with a white parasol adorned with gold and gems.” As all this was done, Brahmanas acclaimed Yudhishthira with cries of “Victory!” and kings praised him as well. All beheld Yudhishthira, the eldest son of Kunti, the foremost of the Ajamidhas, seated in splendor. Others, pleased at heart, joyfully praised him, for the kingdom had now been granted to the son of Pandu, who had rendered great service. Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, and Vidura declared, “Well done, well done! This is fitting, O greatly fortunate one, and brings glory to the Kauravas. O king of kings, you should have this done at once, as you have said.” Krishna of the Vrishni clan then hastened to carry out all that was ordered, and as instructed by Dhritarashtra, Keshava ensured everything was done. At that moment, Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa arrived, honored by all the Kurus and their friends. Together with Brahmanas learned in the Vedas, who anointed Yudhishthira’s head, Vyasa performed the rites according to tradition, with Keshava’s approval. Kripa, Drona, Bhishma, Dhaumya, Vyasa, Keshava, Bahlika, and Somadatta, all led by those versed in the four Vedas, conducted the consecration on the auspicious, well-prepared throne. Vyasa spoke: “Having conquered the whole earth and brought the kings under your sway, you should perform the Rajasuya and other sacrifices, with great gifts. After bathing in the concluding ablution, rejoice with your kinsmen.” Thus addressed, all honored Yudhishthira with blessings. The Kaurava king, anointed on the head and adorned with all ornaments, was acclaimed with shouts of “Victory!” and he gave away inexhaustible wealth. Honored by all those who had performed the anointing, the joy of the Kurus mounted the ceremonial chariot, shining beneath the white parasol. Beloved by the people, the king shone like Mahendra among the gods. Then, after circumambulating the city of Nagasahvaya, the king entered his house, honored by the townspeople, and the Kauravas approached the newly anointed son of Kunti.