Because of his remarkable fearlessness and fierce wrath, the son of Arjuna became renowned among all as Abhimanyu, the slayer of enemies. This great chariot-warrior, Abhimanyu, was born to Dhananjaya Arjuna from Sātvati, his birth as auspicious and powerful as the sacrificial fire emerging from the sacred arani wood during a Vedic ritual. When the mighty Yudhishthira, son of Kunti, was born, he celebrated the event by giving ten thousand cows and gold to the learned Brahmins, honoring them as prescribed, O scion of the Bharatas. From his earliest days, Yudhishthira became dear to Vasudeva Krishna and to all his fathers, cherished like the moon by all living beings. From the very moment of Abhimanyu’s birth, Krishna himself performed the auspicious rites for the child, and as the days passed, the boy grew in strength and charm, waxing like the bright fortnight’s moon. Arjuna, subduer of foes, taught his son the fourfold and tenfold divisions of archery, imparting mastery over all celestial and earthly weapons as learned from the knower of the Vedas. Abhimanyu received thorough training in the science of weapons, in skill, and in all the practices of a warrior; the mighty youth was especially instructed in every aspect. In both theory and application, he made himself the equal of his teachers, and Dhananjaya was filled with joy as he watched his son, Saubhadra, excel. Abhimanyu was endowed with all noble bodily proportions, marked by auspicious signs, and hard to defeat. His shoulders were like those of a bull, and his face resembled the open-mouthed serpent. With the pride of a lion, prowess in archery, the stride of a maddened elephant, a voice resounding like thunderclouds and drums, and a face shining like the full moon, he stood out among men. In courage, strength, appearance, and deeds, Abhimanyu was like Krishna himself; Bhībhatsu Arjuna saw his son as Maghavan, king of the gods, might see his own reflection. Meanwhile, the illustrious Panchali, Draupadi, who bore auspicious marks, gave birth to five heroic sons from her five husbands, just as five great mountains rise from the earth. From Yudhishthira was born Prativindhya; from Vrikodara Bhima came Sutasoma; from Arjuna, Shrutakarman; from Nakula, Shatanika; and from Sahadeva, Shrutasena. These five great chariot-warriors Panchali bore, as Aditi once bore the Adityas. In accordance with the scriptures, the Brahmins advised Yudhishthira that Prativindhya should be well-versed in the knowledge of others’ weapons. In the thousandth part of Sutasoma, whose brilliance rivaled the sun and moon, Bhimasena begot Sutasoma, the great archer. After performing great deeds, the crowned one withdrew, and thus Shrutakarman was born to Arjuna. Nakula fathered Shatanika, the son of the royal sage Shatanika, a great-souled Kaurava and bearer of fame. Then Krishna—Draupadi—under the constellation ruled by Agni, bore a son to Sahadeva, who was named Shrutasena. These illustrious sons of Draupadi were born at intervals of one year, each devoted to the welfare of his brothers. Dhaumya, the priest, performed for them all the rites in due order, including the birth ceremonies, tonsure, and sacred thread investiture, as prescribed. After completing their study of the Vedas, these virtuous sons received from Arjuna the knowledge of all divine and human weapons. With sons whose chests were broad like those born of divine mothers, and who were great chariot-warriors, the Pandavas, O tiger among kings, rejoiced and found happiness. Dwelling in the splendid city of Indraprastha, the Pandavas received tribute from other kings, by the command of King Dhritarashtra and the son of Shantanu, Bhishma. All people took refuge in King Yudhishthira, whose actions were marked by virtue, and lived happily under his rule, as embodied beings dwell content in their own bodies. Yudhishthira honored his three brothers, who were as dear to him as his own self, and wisely attended to righteousness, desire, and wealth together. Among these brothers, who shared all things equally on earth, the king shone forth as if he were the fourth among the great goals of life—righteousness, wealth, and desire. The people cherished their ruler, who was foremost in Vedic learning, chief officiant at great sacrifices, and protector of auspicious realms. Prosperity and wisdom, firmly established, increased in every way through his rule, and he watched over the earth with care. The king, together with his four brothers, shone even more brilliantly, like a great sacrifice extended by the Vedas recited in unison. Dhaumya and other Brahmins, chief among them and equal to Brihaspati in wisdom, surrounded and attended him as the immortals attend Prajapati. For King Yudhishthira, out of great affection, the eyes and hearts of the people delighted in him equally, as they do in a spotless full moon. It was not merely by fate that the people rejoiced; whatever pleased their minds, he accomplished by his actions. Never did Partha, wise and sweet-spoken, utter anything improper, untrue, unbearable, or disagreeable. Wishing for the welfare of all people and himself, that mighty and radiant one, O best of the Bharatas, rejoiced. Thus, all the Pandavas, free from distress and filled with joy, ruled the earth, shining with their own splendor. After some days had passed, Arjuna approached Krishna and said, “The weather is hot, Krishna; let us go to the Yamuna.” He suggested they enjoy themselves there, surrounded by friends, and return in the evening if it pleased Krishna. Krishna agreed, saying, “O mother Kunti, I too am pleased by this idea—that we, with our friends, should freely enjoy the water, O son of Pritha.” Having taken leave of King Yudhishthira and received his permission, Partha and Govinda, along with their companions, set out for the Yamuna, eager for pleasant diversion.