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Mahabharata
Sambhava Parva (XIII)
Raising up of Kunti’s children. Birth of the Pandavas. Death of Pandu. Speech of the Rishis. Cremation of Pandu.
Vaishampayana said:
Having been thus addressed, the king (Pandu), learned in the precepts of religious spoke these words of virtuous import to that lady (his wife).
Pandu said:
O Kunti, what you have said is true. Vyushitashva of old did exactly as you said; he was like a celestial.
But I shall tell you the religious precepts which the illustrious Rishis, learned in the precepts of virtue, said in the Puranas.
O beautiful featured lady, O lady of sweet smiles, women were not formerly kept within the house. They used to go about freely and enjoyed as they liked.
O fortunate lady, O beautiful one, they had promiscuous intercourse form their maidenhood and they were not regarded sinful, for it was the custom of the age.
That very usage of the olden time is up to date followed by birds and beasts and they are free from anger and passions (for this promiscuous intercourse).
O lady of tapering things, the practice, being sanctioned by presidents, is praised by great Rishis; it is still regarded with respect by the Northern Kurus.
O lady of sweet smiles, this eternal usage, very favourable to the women, had the sanction of antiquity; the present practice has been established only very lately. Hear, I shall narrate to you in detail who established it and why.
We have heard that there was a great Rishi, named Uddalaka. He had a son, known by the name of Svetaketu, who was also a Rishi.
O lotus eyed one, the present virtuous practice was established by that Svetaketu in anger. I shall tell you why he did it.
One day, in the time of yore, in the very presence of Shvetakatu's father, a Brahmana came and taking his (Shvetaketu's) mother by the hand said, "Let us go".
Having seen his mother taken away as if by force, the son of the Rishi grew angry and became very much affected with sorrow.
Seeing him angry, his father told Svetaketu, "O child, do not be angry. This is an eternal usage.
The women of all the orders on earth are free. O son, men, in this matter as regards their respective orders, act as kine."
The son of the Rishi, Svetaketu, disapproved of this usage and he established the following practice on earth as regards men and women.
O greatly illustrious lady, we have heard that the present practice among men and women, dates from that day but not among other animals.
Svetaketu said:
The wife, not adhering to her husband, will be sinful from this date; she will commit as great and painful sin as the killing of an embryo.
The men who will go to other women neglecting a chaste and loving wife who has from her maidenhood observed a vow of purity, will commit the same sin.
The woman, who being commanded by her husband to raise offspring, will refuse to do it, will commit also the some sin.
Pandu said:
O timid lady, it was thus established by force in olden time the present virtuous usage by Uddalaka's son Shvetaketu.
O lady of the tapering thighs, we have heard that Madayanti, being appointed by (her husband) Saudasa, went to Rishi Vasishtha to raise up offspring.
That lady obtained from his a son, named Asmaka. She did this, moved by the desire of doing good to her husband.
O louts-eyed one, O timid girl, you know our birth, begotten by Krishna Dvaipayana, in order to expand the Kuru race.
O faultless one, seeing all these precedents, you should do my bidding which is not inconsistent with virtue.
O princess, O devoted wife, the men learned in the precepts of virtue, said that a wife in her season must seek her husband, though she may be free at other times.
The wise have said that this was the ancient practice. But, O princess, men, learned in the Vedas, have declared that whether the act be sinful or sinless, it is the duty of the wife to do what her husband commands.
O lady of faultless features, especially I who am deprived of the power of procreation, having yet become desirous of seeing son, should more to be obeyed by you. O amiable girl, joining my palms furnished with rosy fingers like lotus-leaves, I place my hand on your head to propitiate you.
O lady of beautiful hair, you should raise accomplished sons at my command by the help of same Brahmanas possessed of great ascetic merits. O lady of beautiful hips, by your doing this, I shall go to the way reserved for those that are blessed with sons.
Vaishampayana said:
Having been thus addressed by that subjugator of hostile cities, Pandu, the beautiful Kunti, ever engaged in doing good to her husband, thus replied -
O lord, I was engaged in my girlhood at my father's house in attending upon all guests. I attentively served the Brahmanas of rigid vows. I gratified with all attentions that Brahmana, known as Durvasa, who had all his passions under control and who was acquainted with all the mysteries of religion.
Pleased with the attention with which waited upon him, that illustrious (Brahmana) gave me a boon in the form of a Mantra. He told me -
"Any of the celestial, whom you will call by this (Mantra), will be obedient to you, whether he likes it or not.
O princes, by each of their favour, you shall have offspring." O descendant of the Bharata race, this was told to me by him at my father's house.
O king, the words, uttered by the Brahmana, can never be false; the time has come when they may yield fruits. Commanded by you, I can call the celestial.
By that Mantra to rise up good offspring. O royal sage, O foremost of truthful men, tell me which of the celestial I shall call. Know, I wait your commands in this matter.
Pandu said:
O beautiful lady, O amiable one try to do it today in the proper form. Call Dharma (the god of justice), for he is the most virtuous in the world.
O beautiful lady, Dharma will ever be able to pollute us with sin and people will also consider that what we do is never sinful. There is no doubt the son thus begotten will be virtuous among the Kurus. Begotten by Dharma, his mind will never be in sin. Therefore, O lady of sweets smiles,, keeping virtue before your eyes and observing all vows, call Dharma by the help of your solicitations and incantations.
Vaishampayana said:
That best of women, (Kunti), having been thus addressed, said - "Be it so". She then went round him (for seven times) and resolved to do his bidding.
Vaishampayana said:
O Janamejaya, when Gandhari was pregnant for a year, it was then that Kunti called the eternal Dharma for offspring.
That lady (Kunti) offered adorations to Dharma and repeated in the proper form the Mantra, formerly given to her by Durvasa.
The deity Dharma, being overpowered by the Mantra, came on his car resplendent as the sun to the place where Kunti was seated.
Smiling he said to her, "O Kunti, what am I to give you?" Kunti also smilingly said, "You must give me offspring."
She was united with Dharma in his Yoga (spiritual) form and that beautiful lady obtained a son devoted to the good of all creatures.
She gave birth to an excellent son, who became afterwards greatly famous, at the eighth Muhurata called Abhijit of the hour of noon of that very auspicious day of the eight month, the fifth of the white fort-night, when the star Jyeshtha in conjunction with moon was in ascendant. As soon as the child was born, an invisible voice said -
"This (child) will be the west of men and the foremost of all the virtuous. He will be truthful and (also) greatly powerful; he will be the ruler of the earth.
This eldest son of Pandu will be known as Yudhisthira: he bill be a famous king, known all over the three worlds.
He will be endued with splendour, fame and vows. Having obtained this virtuous son, Pandu again told her.
"The wise say that Kshatriyas are the foremost in strength: therefore, ask for a son of great strength" having been thus addressed, she invoked Vayu.
Thereupon the greatly strong Vayu came to her riding on a deer, (and he asked), "O Kunti, what am I to give you? Tell me what is in your mind."
Smiling in bashfulness, she said, "O best of celestial, give me a son, who is strong, who is huge and how is capable of humbling the pride of everybody."
By him was born Bhima, endued with great strength: and on the birth of this greatly strong man, an invisible voice said, "This child will be foremost of all endued with strength." O descendant of the Bharata race, the following extraordinary incident happened as soon as Bhima was born. Falling from his mother's lap on the mountain, he broke into fragments the stone on which he fell. Kunti suddenly rose up from the fear of a tiger, forgetting that the child lay asleep on her lap. As she rose, the child, whose body was as hard as the thunder-bolt fell on the stone and broke it into a hundred pieces. Seeing the breaking of the stone, Pandu became very much astonished.
O best of the Bharatas, the day on which Bhima was born, on that very bay, the king of the world, Duryodhana, was also born.
On the birth of Bhima, Pandu again began to reflect, "How can I obtain a very superior son who will be the best of men?
This world depends on Daiva (Destiny) and Purushartha (exertion). But Destiny is gained in time by the grace of Providence.
We have heard that Indra is the foremost (among the celestial) and the king of the Devas. He is endued with immeasurable might, energy, Prowess and glory. Gratifying him by my asceticism, I shall obtain a greatly powerful son. The son that he will give me will be superior to all. He will be capable of defeating the inhabitants of earth and those who are not of this earth. I shall, therefore practice severest asceticism with heart, deed and speech."
Thereupon the descendant of Kuru, the great king Pandu, after consulting with the great Rishis, commanded Kunti to observe an auspicious vow for one full year.
That mighty-armed man (Pandu), himself stood upon his one leg and began to perform the severest asceticism and penances. He practiced severe austerities from morning to evening with his mind deep in meditation in order to gratify the lord of the celestial. It was after a long time that Indra appeared.
Indra said:
I shall give you a son who will be famous all over the three worlds.
Who will promote the welfare of the Brahmanas, kine and all honest men. The son that I shall give you will be the chastiser of the wicked and the delight of his friends and relations. He will the foremost of all and the slayer of all foes.
Having been thus addressed by the illustrious Indra, the virtuous Kuru king (Pandu), remembering the words of the king of the celestial said to Kunti, O fortunate one, your vow has been successful. The king of the celestial is gratified. He is willing to give you a son such as you desire to have (who will be) of superior human achievements and great fame (how will be) a chastiser of enemies and a greatly wise man, (who will possess) a great son, (who will be) invincible battle, (who will be) as effulgent as the sun (who will be) very handsome and endued with all the Kshatriya splendour.
O lady of beautiful thighs, O lady of sweet smiles, raise up a son. Call the lord of the celestial, I have gratified him.
Vaishampayana said:
Having been thus addressed, the illustrious Kunti invoked Indra. The lord of the celestial came begot Arjuna.
As soon as the prince was born, an invisible voice filled the whole sky with a laud and deep roar.
Addressing Kunti, it said a distinct voice in the hearing of every creature dwelling in that hermitage,
"O Kunti, (this child) will be equal to Kartavirya and Shiva in prowess he will be invincible like Indra himself. He will spread your fame everywhere. As Vishnu enhanced Aditi’s joy, so Arjuna (this child) like Vishnu will enhance your joy.
He will maintain the Lakshmi (goddess of prosperity) of the Kuru dynasty by subjugating Madra, the Somakas with the Kurus, Chedi, Kashi and Karusha.
Agni will be greatly gratified with the fat of all creatures which will be burnt in the Khandava (forest) through the strength of arms of this (hero).
This greatly powerful hero with his brothers will conquer all the weak kings and perform three great horse-sacrifices.
O Kunti, he will be equal to the son of Jamadagni (Parashurama)and Vishnu in prowess. He will be the foremost of all men endued with great strength he will be greatly famous.
He will gratify in battle the great god Shankara (Shiva) and he will receive from him a weapon, named Pashupata, which will he given to him with Pleasure. By command of Indra, your this mighty-armed son will kill those Daityas, called Nivatkavachas, who are enemies of the celestial.
He will also acquire all kinds of celestial weapons and this best of men will retrieve the lost fortunes of his race."
Kunti heard these extraordinary words in her lying-in-room. Having heard these words, so loudly uttered, the ascetics, dwelling on that mountain with hundred peaks and the celestial with Indra sitting on their cars, became exceedingly happy.
The sounds of drums of drums rose in the sky and made a great noise; and the whole place was covered with the showers of flowers.
The various tribes of celestial assembled to adore Partha (Arjuna). The sons of Kadru, the son ofVinata, the Gandharvas. The seven great Rishis, namely, Bharadvaja, Kashyapa, Gautama, Vishvamitra, Jamadagni, Vasishtha and the illustrious Atri, who illuminated the world when the sun was lost came there.
Marichi, Angira, Pulastya, Pulaha Kratu, the Prajapati Daksha, the Gandharvas and the Apsaras, all cane there.
The Apsara ladies, decked with celestial garlands and every ornament and attired in fine robes, began to dance chanting the Praises of Vibhatsa (Arjuna).
The great Rishis began to utter the propitiatory Mantras every where and handsome Tumburu began to sing.
Bhimasena, Ugrasena, Umayus, Anagha, Gopati, Dhritarashtra, Suryavarcha, Yugapa, Trinapa, Krashni, Nandi, Chitraratha, Shalishira, Parjanya, Kali, Narada, Ritva, Brihattva, Brihaka, Karala, Brahmachari, Vahuguna, Suvama, Vishvavasu, Bhumanyu, Suchandra, Sharu. the celebrated tribes of Haha and Huhu, gifted with sweet melody of voice, O king all these celestial and Gandharvas came there.
Many famous Apsaras of large eyes, decked in every ornament, came there in joy to dance and sing.
Anuchana, Anavadhya, Gunamukha, Gunavara, Adrika, Soma, Mishrakeshi, Alambusha, Marichi, Suchika, Vidyutpama, Tilottama, Ambika, Lakshana, Kshema, Subahu, Supriya, Vapu, Pundarika, Sugandha, Surasa, Pramathini, Kamya and Sharadvati, all danced there together. Mainaka, Sahajanya, Kamika, Punjikasthala. Ritusthala, Ghritachi, Vishvachi, Purvachitti, Umlocha, Pramlocha and Urvashi, these large eyed dancing girls of heaven all came their and sang in chorus. Dhatri, Aryama, Mitra, Varuna, Angsha, Bhaga. Indra, Vivasvana, Pusha, Tvashta, Savita, Parjanya, alias Vishnu, these twelve Adityas glorified the son of Pandu remaining in the sky.
Mrigavyadha, Sarpa, illustrious Niriti. Ajaikapada, Ahiburdhnya, Pinaki, Dahana, Ishvara, Kapali, Sthanu and the illustrious Bhaga, these eleven Rudras also came there.
The Ashvinis, the eight Vasus, the mighty Maruts, the Vishvadevas and the Saddhyas also came there.
Karkotaka, Vasuki, Kashyapa, Kunda and the great Naga Takshaka, those mighty and wrathful Nagas possessed of ascetic merits and other Nagas also came there.
Tarkshya, Arishtanemi, Garuda, Asitadhvaja, Aruna and Aruni of the race of Vinata also came there.
Only the great Rishis, who were crowned with ascetic success, saw those celestial and others seated on their cars or standing on the mountain peaks. The others could not see them.
Those excellent Rishis were astonished to see that wonderful sight and their love and affection for Pandu's sons were enhanced.
The illustrious Pandu, desirous of getting more sons, wished to speak again to his lawful wife, but Kunti addressed him thus -
"The learned men do not sanction a fourth delivery (conception) even in an emergency. The woman who holds intercourse with four different men is called Svairini; with five she becomes a harlot.
O learned man, well-acquainted as you are with the scriptures, why being tempted by the desire of offspring, do you ask me again, forgetting the ordinance."
Vaishampayana said:
After the birth of sons of Kunti and that of the sons of Dhritarashtra, the daughter of the king of Madra privately spoke to Pandu thus.
O chastiser of foes I can have on complaint, if you do not favourably look at me. O sinless one, I have no complaint that though I am by birth superior (to Kunti), yet I am inferior to her in status. O descendant of Kuru, O king, I do not grieve, hearing that Gandhari has obtained one hundred sons.
This is my great grief (however) that though we are both equal, you should have sons by Kunti alone.
If the princess Kunti so provide that I should have offspring, she would do me a great favour and she will also do you good.
Kunti is my rival and therefore, I feel a delicacy in soliciting any favour from her. If you are favourably inclined towards me, ask her to grant me my desire.
Pandu said:
O Madri, I have often, reflected over this matter in my own mind. But I hesitated to tell you, not knowing whether you would like it or not.
Now that I know your mind, I shall certainly try to do it. I think, being asked by me, she (Kunti) will not refuse.
Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon Pandu again spoke to Kunti in private; (he said), "O blessed lady, great me some more offspring for the good of my race and of the whole world. Provide that I myself, my ancestors and you also, may always have the funeral cake.
In order to gain fame, do this difficult work for me. Indra, through he has obtained the sovereignty of the celestial, performs sacrifices for fame alone.
O handsome lady, Brahmanas, learned in Mantras, after having acquired ascetic merits most difficult to be achieved, still go to their preceptors for fame.
All the royal sages and Brahmanas, Possessed of ascetic wealth, have achieved the most difficult of feats for fame alone.
O blameless one, rescue Madri with a raft of offspring; and achieve imperishable fame by making her a mother of children."
Having been thus addressed, Kunti said to Madri, "Think of some celestial, from whom you will certainly get offspring."
Thereupon, Madri reflecting sometime, thought of the twin Asvinis. They came to her without delay and begot offspring on her.
Namely Nakula and Sahadeva, matchless in beauty on earth. On the birth of that twin, the invisible voice said.
"There virtuous and accomplished sons will transcend in energy and beauty even the twin Asvinis themselves. Possessed of great energy and beauty, they illuminated the whole region.
The inhabitants (Rishi) of the mountain with the hundred parks, uttering blessings on them and performing the first rites of birth, named them.
The eldest of the Kunti's sons was called Yudhisthira, the second was named Bhimasena and the third was named Arjuna.
The first birth of the twins among Madri's sons was named Nakula and the next one Sahadeva. The Brahmanas with much pleasure named them thus.
Those best of Kurus, the sons of Pandu, looked like five years old boys when they were only one year of age.
Seeing his sons endued with celestial beauty and extraordinary strength, with super abundant energy, prowess and largeness of mind, Pandu. The king, became exceedingly
glad obtaining such sons. To all the Rishis, inhabitants of the mountain with the hundred peaks. And to their wives, they became great favourites. Sometime after, Pandu again requested Kunti for Madri.
In private, when the faithful Pritha replied to him thus, "Having given her the Mantra only for once, she has got two sons. I have been deceived by her.
I fear she will surpass me in the number of her children. This is the way of all wicked women, fool I was, I did not know that by invoking the twin gods, I might get two sons all at once. Do not command me again, I ask from you this boon". Thus were born to Pandu five sons, begotten by the celestial and endued with great strength. They achieved great fame and expanded the Kuru race. They were all as handsome as Soma and bore all the auspicious marks on their person.
They were proud as lions; they were great bowmen; their necks were like those of lions and they were capable of going to the place frequented by lions. These kings of men endure with the prowess of the celestial daily grew up. Seeing them and their virtuous growth with years, the great Rishis, dwelling on the Himalaya mountains, were filled with astonishment and wonder.
These five (Pandavas) and the hundred (sons of Dhritarashtra), the extenders of the Kuru race, grew up rapidly like an assembly of lotuses in a lake.
Vaishampayana said:
Seeing his five handsome sons before him in the great forest on the charming mountain slope, Pandu left that the old strength of his arms had come back.
One day in the season of spring which maddens all creatures, the king (Pandu) with his wife (Madri) roamed in the woods where every tree was blossomed.
He saw Palashas, Tilakas, Mangoes, Champakas, Paribhadrakas and Kamikaras Kesharas, Atimuktas. There were also many other trees bent down with the weight of their flowers and fruits. There were many lakes overgrown with lotuses. Seeing all this, Pandu felt the influence of (the god of) love in his mind.
In a delightful heart he roamed there like a celestial, followed by (his wife) Madri, who was robed in a semi-transparent cloth.
The king could not suppress his desire on seeing his lotus eyed wife and he was completely overcome by it in that solitude of the wood.
The king then sized her by force, but Madri, trembling in fear, resisted him to the best of her power.
He (the king) was then overcome by desire; he did not remember the course (of the Rishi); he embraced Madri by force. O descendant of Kuru, unrestrained by the fear of curse and impelled by fate, the king, being overpowered by passion, forcibly sought the embraces of his wife, as if to put an end to his life.
His reason, being clouded by the destroyer himself, after intoxicating his senses was itself lost with his life.
The descendant of Kuru, virtuous minded Pandu succumbed to the inevitable influence of Time while united with his wife.
Then Madri, embracing the senseless (dead) king, began repeatedly to utter words of lament.
Kunti with her sons and the sons of Madri, the Pandavas, came there where the king lay in that state.
O king, Madri then crying piteously said to Kunti, "Come here alone and let the children stay there."
Having heard her these words, Kunti bade the children to remain there came running and crying, "Woe tome!"
Seeing both Pandu and Madri lying prostrate on the ground, she bewailed in grief and affliction, saying -
"Thus self controlled hero was always watched by me with care. How did he embrace you, knowing the curse of the Rishi."
O Madri, this king ought to have been protected by you, but why did you tempt the king in solitude?
He was always melancholy, thinking the curse of the Rishi. How did he become marry with you in solitude?
"O princess of Valhika, greater fortunate you are than I. You have seen the face of the king in gladness and joy."
Madri said :
Sister, with tears in my eyes, I resisted the king, but he could not control himself, as if he was bent upon making the Rishi's curse true.
Kunti said :
I am the eldest of his wedded wives; the chief religious merit is mine. O Madri, therefore, prevent me not from what must come to pass. I must follow our lord to the region of the dead. Rise up, give me the body and you rear the children.
Madri said :
I am still clasping our lord and here not allowed him to go away. Therefore, I shall follow him. I am not as yet satiated you are my eldest sister, give me permission (to go).
This best of the Bharata race came to me with the desire of having intercourse. His desire was not satiated, should I not go to the region of the Yama to gratify him?
O revered sister, if I survive you, it is certain I shall not be able to rear up your and my own children (with equality) and thus sin will touch me.
O Kunti, you will be able to bring up my sons as if they are yours. The king, in seeking me with desire, has gone to the region of the dead.
Therefore, my body should be burned with that of the king. O revered abater, do not refuse me your permission to what is agreeable to me.
You will certainly bring up the children carefully. It would be doing the greatest good to me. I do not find anything more to tell you.
Vaishampayana said:
Having said this, the daughter of the king of Madra, the lawfully wedded wife of that best of men Pandu, ascended the funeral pyre of her lord.
Vaishampayana said:
The Rishis, who were all celestial like and wise in council, seeing the death of Pandu, consulted with one another.
The Rishis said:
The high souled and the illustrious (Pandu), abandoning his sovereignty and kingdom, came here to practice asceticism and received the protection of the ascetics.
The king Pandu has gone to heaven, leaving his wife and infant sons as a trust in our hands.
It is now our duty to go to his kingdom with these his sons, his body (unburnt portion) and his wife.
Vaishampayana said:
Thus consulting with one another those god like Rishis of magnanimous hearts and of ascetic success resolved to go to the city of Hastinapur with the sons of Pandu in their front and to place them in the hands of Dhritarashtra and Bhishma.
The ascetics started at that very moment, taking with them the boys, the two bodies and Kunti.
The affectionate mother, Kunti, though she had all along led a most comfortable life, now regarded the long journey as being very short.
Arriving at Kurujangala within a very short time, the illustrious Kunti presented herself at the principal gate.
The ascetics told the gate keepers "Go, inform the king." They went in a moment to the royal court and informed the king.
The citizens of Hastinapur were filed with wonder on hearing that thousands of Charanas and Rishis had arrived at their city.
It was soon after sunrise that the citizens all came with their wives and children, placing them in front, to see these ascetics.
Seated on thousands of cars and conveyances, thousands of Kshatriyas and Brahmanas came out with their wives.
The crowd of Vaishyas and Shudras was also very large. The vast crowd was very peaceful, because every one of them one of them was then inclined to piety.
The son of Shantanu, Bhishma, Somadatta or Balhika, the royal sage (Dhritarashtra) with the prophetic eyes and Vidura himself.
The venerable Satyavati, the illustrious princess of Kausalya and Gandhari surrounded by their maids, all came out to the royal gate.
The hundred sons of Dhritarashtra, with Duryodhana at their head, all decked with various ornaments, also came out.
Seeing the great Rishis, the Kauravas with their priests bowed down their heads in salutations and they all took their seats before them (Rishis).
All the citizens also, bowing down their heads touching the ground in solutions, took their seats.
O lord, Bhishma, seeing that vast crowd perfectly still, duly worshipped those ascetics by offering them water to wash their feet and the customary Arghya. He then spoke to them about the sovereignty and kingdom. Thereupon, the eldest of the ascetics with matted locks and skin cloth stood up. And with the concurrence of other great Rishis, he spoke thus-
"The descendant of Kuru, the king, named Pandu, after abandoning pleasure and luxury, went to the mountain with the thousand peaks.
He observed there the vow of Brahmacharya, but for some incrutable purpose of the celestials, this his eldest son, Yudhisthira, was born, begotten by Dharma himself.
Then that high souled monarch was given another greatly powerful son by Vayu. This is that foremost of mighty men, who is called Bhishma.
This other son, begotten on Kunti by Indra, is Dhananjaya (Arjuna), whose achievements will humble all bow men in the world.
Look at these (two) best of men, the great bowmen, the twin boys, who were begotten by Ashvinis on Madri.
The almost extinct race of his forefathers was thus revived by the illustrious Pandu, leading in piety the life of a recluse.
The birth, growth and the Vedic studies of these sons of Pandu will no doubt give you much pleasure.
Steadily adhering to the path of the virtuous and the wise and leaving behind him these children, Pandu has gone to the land of the Pitris.
Seeing him placed on the funeral pyre and about to be burnt down, his wife Madri entered the fire, thus sacrificing her life.
She has thus gone with him to the land of Pati (reserved for chaste wives). Perform now those rites that should be performed for them.
These are their bodies (unburnt portions); here also are their sons, the chastisers of foes, with their mother; let them be received in due honour.
After the completion of the first funeral rites, let the virtuous Pandu, the supporter of the dignity of the Kuru race, gain the Pitrimedha (the blissful region of the Pitris).
Vaishampayana said:
Having said this to the Kurus, the ascetics with the Rishi Guhyakas instantly disappeared in the very sight of the Kurus.
Seeing the Rishis disappear in their sight like the cities of the Gandharva (vapoury figures appearing and disappearing in the sky) the citizens was filled with wonder and astonishment and returned of their homes.
Dhritarashtra said:
O Vidura, perform the funeral ceremonies of that lion of kings, Pandu and also of Madri in all proper form.
For the good of their souls, distribute cattle, cloths, gems and all kinds of wealth and give every one as much as he asks. Make arrangements also for Kunti's performance of the last rites of Madri in such a way as will please her. Let Madri's body be so carefully covered that neither the sun nor the wind may see it.
Do not lament for the sinless Pandu; he was a worthy king and has left behind him five sons like the celestial children.
Vaishampayana said:
O descendant of the Bharata race, Vidura said, "Be it so" and he with Bhishma performed the funeral ceremony of Pandu on a sacred spot.
O king, without loss of time the priests went out of the city carrying with them, the last fire for Pandu the fragrant and blazing sacred fire, fed with ghee.
Friends, relatives and adherents, wrapping it up with cloth, decked the body of the king with the flowers of the season and sprinkled over it various perfumes. They decked the hearse also with garlands and rich hangings. Then placing the bodies of the king and the queen on the excellent heir, decked out so brightly, they caused it to be carried on the shoulders of men.
With the white umbrella held, over the hearse, with waving yak tails, with sounds of various musical instruments, the whole scene looked bright and grand.
Many hundreds of men began to distribute gems among the crowd at the time of the funeral ceremony of Pandu.
While umbrellas, large yak tails and beautiful robes were then brought for the dead Kaurava.
The priests clad in white, walked in the van of the procession, pouring libations of ghee on the sacred fire, blazing in an ornamental vessel. Thousands of Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and followed the king, weeping in grief.
The Citizen said:
O king, where do you go, leaving us behind and making us miserable and wretched forever?
Bhishma, Vidura and the sons of Pandu all wept aloud. They at last came to a charming and holy wood on the banks of the Gangas. There they laid down the hearse on which the truthful, the lion hearted and the pious king and his wife lay.
They then besmeared the bodies with all kinds of perfumes; they brought water in may golden vessels and washed his body. They then again smeared at with white sandal. They then dressed it in a white dress made of national fabrics and smeared it with Kalaguru mixed with Tungarasa (sort of perfume).
With the new dress on, the king appeared like a living man, as if he was only sleeping on a costly bed.
When the other funeral ceremonies were over, the Kauravas, with the direction of their priests, set fire to the bodies on the king and that of Madri which had been besmeared with ghee and decked with ornaments; and they burnt them with the fragrant Sandal woods which was besmeared with Tungapadma and other perfumes.
Seeing the bodies in flame, Kausalya cried out, "O my son, O my son" and she fell senseless on the ground.
Seeing her prostrate on the ground the citizens and the people wept in grief or the affection they for the king.
The beast and birds bewailed with men at the lamentations of Kunti.
Then the son of Shantanu, Bhishma, the high-souled Vidura and all the other Kurus became disconsolate in grief and sorrows
Then Bhishma, Vidura, the king (Dhritarashtra), with the Pandavas and all the Kuru ladies, performed his (Pandu's) water ceremony. All Pandavas grieved for his father.
Bhishma, Vidura and other relatives all are grieved. All of them performed the water ceremony.
When the water ceremony was over, the people, themselves filled with grief, began to console the bereaved sons ofPandu.
The Pandavas slept on the ground with their friends and relatives. O king, seeing this the Brahmanas and other citizens also gave their bed. Young and old, all men grieved with the sons of Pandu and passed twelve days in mourning.
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