Vaisampayana, the sage, narrated to Janamejaya the tale of Pandu’s sons, born of divine grace into the Kuru lineage. Strong, intelligent, and radiant as lion-cubs, their birth was proclaimed by a heavenly voice, and their names were uttered from the skies as if the celestials themselves had chosen them. Vasudeva, the brother of Kunti, mindful of the ancient curse pronounced upon Pandu by the sage Kindama in deer-form, and knowing that these children were begotten by the favor of gods, sent his priest Kasyapa with silks and jewels, bearing words of goodwill and blessings. Kasyapa, fulfilling his sacred duty, conveyed Vasudeva’s message, performed the necessary rites, and initiated the children into the path of Vedic learning.
At that time, the world was adorned with spring, gladdening every living being. Blossoms unfolded in splendor, inviting bees to hum with joy and spread fragrance far and wide. The tender mango shoots drew flocks of parrots and koels, whose songs, mingling in rivalry, filled the air with sweetness. Birds darted from tree to tree, their chorus leaving an exalted spell upon all hearts. Ashoka trees shone with radiant yellow and orange, rivaling the golden beams of the tender sun. Palash flowers blazed upon branches like scattered tongues of fire, so vivid that young fledglings, beholding them for the first time, shrieked in terror as if the forest itself had caught flame. Champak trees, with their deep golden blossoms, appeared draped in garments of saffron, while sandalwood spread its cooling fragrance without respite. Banana groves bent with leaves and fruit, sanctifying the landscape, while lotus-strewn lakes drew bees, birds, swans, cows, and men alike, circling in reverence. A gentle breeze carried comfort so delicate that none wished to part from such delight.
Amid this enchantment, Pandu, bound by penance in the hermitage, succumbed to the pull of desire. Overcome by Madana’s influence and the allure of spring, he approached Madri in passion despite her resistance, and, forgetting Kindama’s curse, embraced her. In that fatal act his life was forfeited. Madri, struck with grief and helplessness, clung to his lifeless form, while Kunti, returning from service to the Brahmins, fell at his feet with her children, weeping bitterly. The sages of the Satasringa mountain gathered, struck with sorrow at the king’s fall. In her despair Kunti declared that her life was bound to Pandu and begged to follow him to the pyre. Yet Madri, with steady resolve, said that Kunti was the true pillar of his life, the mother of sons begotten by gods, and the one destined to uphold the Kuru line. She, Madri, who had failed to guard him from peril and who had borne him sons but not fulfilled his desires, would join him in death. Entrusting her children to Kunti, she ascended the pyre and entered the flames, uniting with Pandu in heaven.
The sages performed the last rites for Pandu and Madri, consoling Kunti and the children. They reminded her that Pandu had renounced wealth, kingdom, and attendants, choosing instead the austerity of the mountains. Now his sons must be taken to Hastinapura, to be reared under the guidance of elders. Thus, accompanied by nearly a thousand ascetics chanting Vedic hymns, Kunti and her five sons set forth for the city. The people of Hastinapura flocked to behold the children, marveling at their noble features, radiant gait, and lion-like presence. Ministers, priests, and scholars welcomed them at the gates, while Duryodhana, Dussasana, and the hundred sons of Dhritarashtra offered due courtesies. Bhishma, Vidura, Satyavati, Ambika, and Ambalika received them with folded hands, embraced the boys with affection, and honored Kunti with reverence. Gandhari, in her grief, sought to console Dhritarashtra for the loss of his brother.
The eldest of the sages then proclaimed: Pandu, like unto the sun, had performed penance on Satasringa and by divine grace obtained five lion-hearted sons from Yama, Vayu, Indra, and the twin Ashwins. Seventeen days had passed, and he and Madri had ascended to heaven together, their ashes now resting in the sacred urn for the prescribed rites. Kunti had wished to follow him, yet was persuaded to remain for the sake of her children, incarnations of divine power destined to uphold the Kuru line. Their names were Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva, and they had already been consecrated with the sacred thread and initiated into Vedic study. The elders were charged to nurture them in dharma and protect them as the future of the dynasty. The sages blessed them and departed.
Vidura, with the consent of Bhishma and Dhritarashtra, then conducted the ceremonies of the Pitru-yajna. Ashes were immersed in holy waters, and in honor of the departed prince, abundant gifts were distributed—lands, cattle, gold, garments, elephants, and horses bestowed upon Brahmins and the needy. In time, Vyasa came to Satyavati and spoke words of counsel: the world is fleeting, wealth is like a mirage, and the past bears wisdom greater than the promises of the future. He warned that the sons of Dhritarashtra were wicked, given to enmity without cause, and would one day prove the ruin of the Kuru house. Unable to alter destiny, he advised her to withdraw to the hermitage and free herself from sorrow. Thus, Satyavati, with Ambika and Ambalika, left the palace, performed penances for a time, and departed for heaven.
So passed Pandu and Madri, and so began the trials of Kunti’s sons, with the stage of time prepared for the fateful play of destiny—a guidance eternal for all mankind.
