of the ascetics with matted locks on head and loins covered with animal skin, stood up, and with the concurrence of the other Rishis, spoke as follows, ’You all know that that possessor of the sovereignty of the Kurus who was called king Pandu, had, after abandoning the pleasures of the world, repaired hence to dwell on the mountain of a hundred peaks.  He adopted the Brahmacharya mode of life, but for some inscrutable purpose the gods have in view, this his eldest son, Yudhishthira, was born there, begotten by Dharma himself.  Then that illustrious king obtained from Vayu this other son—­the foremost of all mighty men—­called Bhima.  This other son, begotten upon Kunti by Indra, is Dhananjaya whose achievements will humble all bowmen in the world.  Look here again at these tigers among men, mighty in the use of the bow, the twin children begotten upon Madri by the twin Aswins.  Leading in righteousness the life of a Vanaprastha in the woods, illustrious Pandu hath thus revived the almost extinct line of his grandfather.  The birth, growth, and Vedic studies of these children of Pandu, will, no doubt, give you great pleasure.  Steadily adhering to the path of the virtuous and the wise, and leaving behind him these children, Pandu departed hence seventeen days ago.  His wife Madri, beholding him placed in the funeral pyre and about to be consumed, herself ascended the same pyre, and sacrificing her life thus, hath gone with her lord to the region reserved for chaste wives.  Accomplish now whatever rites should be performed for their benefit.  These are (the unburnt portions of) their bodies.  Here also are their children—­these oppressors of foes—­with their mother.  Let these be now received with due honours.  After the completion of the first rites in honour of the dead, let the virtuous Pandu, who had all along been the supporter of the dignity of the Kurus, have the first annual Sraddha (sapindakarana) performed with a view to installing him formally among the Pitris.’

“Vaisampayana continued, ’The ascetics with Guhyakas, having said this unto the Kurus, instantly disappeared in the very sight of the people.  And beholding the Rishis and the Siddhas thus vanish in their sight like vapoury forms appearing and disappearing in the skies, the citizens filled with wonder returned to their homes.’”

SECTION CXXVII

(Sambhava Parva continued)

“Vaisampayana continued, ’Dhritarashtra then said, ’O Vidura, celebrate the funeral ceremonies of that lion among kings viz., Pandu, and of Madri also, in right royal style.  For the good of their souls, distribute cattle, cloths, gems and diverse kinds of wealth, every one receiving as much as he asketh for.  Make arrangements also for Kunti’s performing the last rites of Madri in such a style as pleaseth her.  And let Madri’s body be so carefully wrapped up that neither the Sun nor Vayu (god of wind) may behold it.  Lament not for the sinless Pandu.  He was a worthy king and hath left behind him five heroic sons equal unto the celestials themselves.’