Chapter 13: Pāṇḍu’s death and Mādrī’s following him; Kuntī and the Pāṇḍavas return to Hastināpura, funeral rites are performed, and Satyavatī retires to the forest with Ambikā and Ambālikā.
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_020_1] (Bharata-Ext)
Then, in the great forest on the mountain, Pandu delighted in watching his five handsome sons, whom he protected by the strength of his own arms. (BORI: 1-116-1)
[PV-KDV:01_020_2] (Bharata-Ext)
Once, in the season of Madhu and Madhava, when the forest was in full bloom and all creatures were spellbound, the king roamed the woods with his wife. (BORI: 1-116-2)
[PV-KDV:01_020_3] (Bharata-Ext)
with palasha, tilaka, mango, champak, and paribhadra trees, and many other trees laden with fruit and flowers... (BORI: 1-116-3)
[PV-PAN:01_020_4] (Bharata-Ext)
When Pandu saw the forest adorned with various pools and lotus ponds, desire arose in his heart. (BORI: 1-116-4)
[PV-PAN:01_020_5] (Bharata-Ext)
As he wandered there with a joyful heart, like an immortal, Madri followed him alone, wearing a beautiful garment. (BORI: 1-116-5)
[PV-KDV:01_020_6] (Bharata-Ext)
As he gazed at the young woman in her thin garment, his desire grew like a fire springing up in a thicket. (BORI: 1-116-6)
[PV-PAN:01_020_7] (Bharata-Ext)
Seeing her alone, as dear to him as his own self, the lotus-eyed king, overpowered by desire, could not restrain his passion. (BORI: 1-116-7)
[PV-KDV:01_020_8] (Bharata-Ext)
Then the king forcibly seized her when she was alone, though the queen resisted and struggled with all her strength. (BORI: 1-116-8)
[PV-KDV:01_020_9] (Bharata-Ext)
But his mind overwhelmed by desire, he gave no thought to that curse as he approached Madri for intercourse, as if by force… (BORI: 1-116-9)
[PV-KDV:01_020_10] (Bharata-Ext)
The Kaurava, overcome by passion, cast aside his fear of the curse and forced himself upon his beloved, bringing his life to an end. (BORI: 1-116-10)
[PV-KDV:01_020_11] (Bharata-Ext)
His reason, consumed by desire and deluded by Death himself, overwhelmed all his senses and vanished together with his consciousness. (BORI: 1-116-11)
[PV-KDV:01_020_12] (Bharata-Ext)
After uniting with his wife, O delight of the Kurus, the supremely righteous Pandu succumbed to death. (BORI: 1-116-12)
[PV-KDV:01_020_13] (Bharata-Ext)
Then Madri embraced the lifeless king and again and again uttered exceedingly anguished cries. (BORI: 1-116-13)
[PV-PAN:01_020_14] (Bharata-Ext)
Then Kunti and her sons, together with the two Pandavas who were Madri’s sons, came to the place where the king lay in that state. (BORI: 1-116-14)
[PV-KDV:01_020_15] (Bharata-Ext)
Then, O king, the anguished Madri said these words to Kunti: “Come here alone. Let the children remain right here.” (BORI: 1-116-15)
[PV-KDV:01_020_16] (Bharata-Ext)
Hearing her words, Kunti held the children back there and, crying out, “I am undone!” rushed over. (BORI: 1-116-16)
[PV-KDV:01_020_17] (Bharata-Ext)
Seeing Pandu and Madri lying on the ground, Kunti, her whole body overwhelmed by grief, lamented in deep sorrow. (BORI: 1-116-17)
[PV-PAN:01_020_18] (Bharata-Ext)
Ever guarded by me, O hero, and always self-controlled, how did you transgress the forest-dweller’s curse, knowing of it? (BORI: 1-116-18)
[PV-PAX:01_020_19] (Bharata-Ext)
Surely, Madri, the king should have been protected by you. How then did you tempt the lord of men when you were alone with him? (BORI: 1-116-19)
[PV-PAX:01_020_20] (Bharata-Ext)
How did joy arise in him when, ever despondent and mindful of that curse, he found you alone in a secluded place? (BORI: 1-116-20)
[PV-PAX:01_020_21] (Bharata-Ext)
You are blessed, Bāhlīkī, and more fortunate than I, for you have seen the face of the delighted king. (BORI: 1-116-21)
[PV-PAX:01_020_22] (Bharata-Ext)
Mādrī said:
[PV-KDV:01_020_23] (Bharata-Ext)
Though I tempted him and repeatedly tried to restrain him, he did not control himself, wishing to make what was ordained come true. (BORI: 1-116-22)
[PV-KDV:01_020_24] (Bharata-Ext)
Kunti said:
[PV-KDV:01_020_25] (Bharata-Ext)
I am the senior lawful wife, and the highest reward of righteousness is mine. Madri, do not turn me away from what must inevitably come to pass. (BORI: 1-116-23)
[PV-KDV:01_020_26] (Bharata-Ext)
I shall follow our husband here, now that he has passed into the power of death. Rise, release him, and look after these children. (BORI: 1-116-24)
[PV-KDV:01_020_27] (Bharata-Ext)
Mādrī said:
[PV-KDV:01_020_28] (Bharata-Ext)
I myself shall follow my husband, the steadfast/non-fleeing one. (BORI: 1-116-25A)
[PV-KDV:01_020_29] (Bharata-Ext)
For I am not satisfied in my desires; therefore let the elder lady give her consent. (BORI: 1-116-25B)
[PV-PAN:01_020_30] (Bharata-Ext)
Having approached me, this best of the Bharatas was spent/overcome through desire. (BORI: 1-116-26A)
[PV-KDV:01_020_31] (Bharata-Ext)
How indeed could I bring/end that desire of his in Yama's abode? (BORI: 1-116-26B)
[PV-PAN:01_020_32] (Bharata-Ext)
Nor could I go on living, noble lady, treating your sons without distinction; for in that case sin would attach to me. (BORI: 1-116-27)
[PV-KDV:01_020_33] (Bharata-Ext)
Therefore, Kunti, you must treat my two sons as your own, for this king died while desiring me. (BORI: 1-116-28)
[PV-KDV:01_020_34] (Bharata-Ext)
Let this body of mine also be burned together with the king’s body, well covered. Noble lady, do me this kindness. (BORI: 1-116-29)
[PV-KDV:01_020_35] (Bharata-Ext)
Be vigilant in caring for the children and act for my good. Beyond this, I see nothing else that needs to be asked of you. (BORI: 1-116-30)
[PV-KDV:01_020_36] (Bharata-Ext)
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_020_37] (Bharata-Ext)
Having said this, the illustrious daughter of the king of Madra, his lawful wife, swiftly mounted the funeral pyre after that bull among men. (BORI: 1-116-31)
[PV-KDV:01_020_38] (Bharata-Ext)
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_020_110] (Bharata-Ext)
After performing Pāṇḍu’s final rites, the godlike great seers, those ascetics, assembled and deliberated. (BORI: 1-117-1)
[PV-KDV:01_020_111] (Bharata-Ext)
Having abandoned his kingdom and realm, that great-souled man of mighty austerities sought refuge among the ascetics in this place in order to practice austerities. (BORI: 1-117-2)
[PV-KDV:01_020_112] (Bharata-Ext)
King Pandu entrusted to you here, as a sacred charge, his newborn sons and his wives, and then departed for heaven. (BORI: 1-117-3)
[PV-KDV:01_020_113] (Bharata-Ext)
After consulting one another, they, devoted to the welfare of all beings, with Pāṇḍu’s sons at their head, toward the city called Nāgasāhvaya… (BORI: 1-117-4)
[PV-KDV:01_020_114] (Bharata-Ext)
The noble-minded ascetics resolved to go and entrust the Pandavas to Bhishma and Dhritarashtra. (BORI: 1-117-5)
[PV-KDV:01_020_115] (Bharata-Ext)
At that very moment, all the ascetics set out, taking with them Pandu’s wives and sons, as well as his body. (BORI: 1-117-6)
[PV-KDV:01_020_116] (Bharata-Ext)
She, who had once been happy and was ever devoted to her sons, embarked on the long journey but thought it short. (BORI: 1-117-7)
[PV-KDV:01_020_117] (Bharata-Ext)
Before long, the illustrious woman reached Kurujangala and came to the gate of Vardhamanapura. (BORI: 1-117-8)
[PV-KDV:01_020_118] (Bharata-Ext)
When the people of Nagapura heard of the arrival of those thousands of wandering sages, they were filled with wonder. (BORI: 1-117-9)
[PV-KDV:01_020_119] (Bharata-Ext)
When the sun had been up for a short while, all the townspeople, with righteousness foremost in their minds, set out with their wives to see the ascetics. (BORI: 1-117-10)
[PV-KDV:01_020_120] (Bharata-Ext)
Groups of women and Kshatriyas, riding in companies of vehicles, set out with the Brahmins; the Brahmins’ wives went as well. (BORI: 1-117-11)
[PV-KDV:01_020_121] (Bharata-Ext)
Likewise, there was a great mingling of the groups of Vaishyas and Shudras. No one felt envy; they were all righteous-minded. (BORI: 1-117-12)
[PV-KDV:01_020_122] (Bharata-Ext)
Likewise Bhishma, son of Shantanu; Somadatta; Bahlika; the royal sage whose wisdom was his sight; and Vidura himself, the chamberlain… (BORI: 1-117-13)
[PV-KDV:01_020_123] (Bharata-Ext)
The queen Satyavati, the illustrious Kausalya, and Gandhari, surrounded by the royal ladies, came out. (BORI: 1-117-14)
[PV-KDV:01_020_124] (Bharata-Ext)
Dhritarashtra’s hundred heirs, led by Duryodhana and adorned with splendid ornaments, came forth. (BORI: 1-117-15)
[PV-KDV:01_020_125] (Bharata-Ext)
After bowing their heads to all those great sages, all the Kauravas, together with their priests, sat down nearby. (BORI: 1-117-16)
[PV-KDV:01_020_126] (Bharata-Ext)
Likewise, all the townspeople and country folk bowed their heads to the ground in reverence and then took their seats. (BORI: 1-117-17)
[PV-KDV:01_020_127] (Bharata-Ext)
Seeing that the entire multitude was utterly silent, Bhishma then presented the kingdom and the realm to the great seers. (BORI: 1-117-18)
[PV-KDV:01_020_128] (Bharata-Ext)
Then the eldest among them, a great seer wearing matted locks and a deerskin, rose, ascertained the opinion of the great seers, and said: (BORI: 1-117-19)
[PV-KDV:01_020_129] (Bharata-Ext)
That heir of the Kauravas, the king named Pandu, renounced sensual pleasures and went from here to Shatashringa. (BORI: 1-117-20)
[PV-KDV:01_020_130] (Bharata-Ext)
While he observed the vow of celibacy, this son of his, Yudhishthira, was born directly from Dharma through divine agency. (BORI: 1-117-21)
[PV-KDV:01_020_131] (Bharata-Ext)
Likewise, Mātariśvan gave that great-souled king this son, Bhīma by name, mighty in strength and foremost among the powerful. (BORI: 1-117-22)
[PV-KDV:01_020_132] (Bharata-Ext)
This man of unfailing valor was born to Kunti by Puruhuta; his fame will surpass that of all great archers. (BORI: 1-117-23)
[PV-KDV:01_020_133] (Bharata-Ext)
And these two mighty bowmen, foremost of the Kurus, whom Mādrī bore by the Aśvins—these two tigers among men also stand here. (BORI: 1-117-24)
[PV-KDV:01_020_134] (Bharata-Ext)
By the illustrious Pandu, ever devoted to righteousness, who lived in exile in the forest, this ancestral lineage was restored. (BORI: 1-117-25)
[PV-KDV:01_020_135] (Bharata-Ext)
As Pandu continually watched his sons’ birth and growth and their study of the Vedas, his abiding joy increased. (BORI: 1-117-26)
[PV-KDV:01_020_136] (Bharata-Ext)
Living according to the ways of the virtuous and having gained sons, Pandu went to the realm of the ancestors seventeen days later. (BORI: 1-117-27)
[PV-KDV:01_020_137] (Bharata-Ext)
Knowing that he had been placed on the funeral pyre and offered into the mouth of the fire, Madri entered the flames, relinquishing her own life. (BORI: 1-117-28)
[PV-KDV:01_020_138] (Bharata-Ext)
Devoted to her husband, she has gone with him to his world. Then let whatever must be done for her and for him be performed. (BORI: 1-117-29)
[PV-KDV:01_020_139] (Bharata-Ext)
Here are the bodies of those two, and here are their noble sons. Let these scorchers of foes, together with their mother, be received with the proper rites. (BORI: 1-117-30)
[PV-KDV:01_020_140] (Bharata-Ext)
And when the rites for the dead are complete, may the illustrious Pāṇḍu, knower of every duty and upholder of the Kuru line, receive the ancestral rites. (BORI: 1-117-31)
[PV-KDV:01_020_141] (Bharata-Ext)
Having thus addressed all the Kurus, all the Charanas vanished in an instant before the Kurus’ very eyes, together with the Guhyakas. (BORI: 1-117-32)
[PV-KDV:01_020_142] (Bharata-Ext)
Seeing the host of seers and Siddhas, which resembled a city of Gandharvas, vanish there once again, they were filled with the utmost amazement. (BORI: 1-117-33)
[PV-PAN:01_020_143] (Bharata-Ext)
Dhritarashtra said:
[PV-KDV:01_020_161] (Bharata-Ext)
Vidura, have all the funeral rites of Pandu, that lion among kings, performed in royal fashion, and especially those of Madri as well. (BORI: 1-118-1)
[PV-KDV:01_020_162] (Bharata-Ext)
For Pandu and Madri, give cattle, garments, jewels, and various kinds of wealth to whomever and in whatever measure is desired. (BORI: 1-118-2)
[PV-PAN:01_020_163] (Bharata-Ext)
Show Madri the same honor that Kunti would, and keep her so well covered that neither the wind nor the sun may see her. (BORI: 1-118-3)
[PV-KDV:01_020_164] (Bharata-Ext)
The blameless Pandu is not to be mourned; that king is worthy of praise, for he has five heroic sons, equal to the sons of the gods. (BORI: 1-118-4)
[PV-KDV:01_020_165] (Bharata-Ext)
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_020_166] (Bharata-Ext)
Vidura agreed to this and, together with Bhishma, had Pandu’s funeral rites performed in a very secluded place, O Bharata. (BORI: 1-118-5)
[PV-KDV:01_020_167] (Bharata-Ext)
Then Pandu’s royal priests swiftly carried the blazing fires out of the city, preceded by offerings of clarified butter. (BORI: 1-118-6)
[PV-KDV:01_020_168] (Bharata-Ext)
Then, after covering him completely with cloth, they adorned the bier with seasonal perfumes and various splendid garlands. (BORI: 1-118-7)
[PV-PAX:01_020_169] (Bharata-Ext)
The ministers, relatives, and friends gathered around the bier, thus adorned with garlands and costly fabrics. (BORI: 1-118-8)
[PV-PAX:01_020_170] (Bharata-Ext)
They bore that lion among men together with Madri, completely covered, on a splendidly adorned, man-drawn conveyance of the finest kind. (BORI: 1-118-9)
[PV-PAX:01_020_171] (Bharata-Ext)
Then they adorned him with a white parasol, a yak-tail fan, and the music of every kind of instrument. (BORI: 1-118-10)
[PV-PAX:01_020_172] (Bharata-Ext)
Taking up many hundreds of jewels, the men gave them there to all who desired them as offerings for Pandu’s funeral rites. (BORI: 1-118-11)
[PV-PAX:01_020_173] (Bharata-Ext)
Then they brought fine white parasols, large and pale, and splendid garments for the Kaurava. (BORI: 1-118-12)
[PV-PAX:01_020_174] (Bharata-Ext)
The sacrificial fires, into which white-robed priests were pouring oblations, went blazing before him, beautifully adorned. (BORI: 1-118-13)
[PV-KDV:01_020_175] (Bharata-Ext)
Thousands of Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, weeping and overcome with grief, followed the king. (BORI: 1-118-14)
[PV-PAX:01_020_176] (Bharata-Ext)
Where will this king, our supreme protector, go after abandoning us, consigning us to unending sorrow, and leaving us without a protector? (BORI: 1-118-15)
[PV-PAX:01_020_177] (Bharata-Ext)
All the Pandavas, Bhishma, and Vidura, lamenting aloud, at a delightful woodland spot on the fair, level bank of the Ganges… (BORI: 1-118-16)
[PV-PAX:01_020_178] (Bharata-Ext)
Then those truthful men had the bier bearing Pāṇḍu, the tireless lion among men, together with his wife, set down. (BORI: 1-118-17)
[PV-PAX:01_020_179] (Bharata-Ext)
Then his body, perfumed with every fragrance, anointed with pure kālīyaka and scented with the finest bathing essences, was quickly sprinkled with water from golden jars. (BORI: 1-118-18)
[PV-PAX:01_020_180] (Bharata-Ext)
They anointed him with the finest white sandalwood paste, blended with black aloe and fragrant resin. (BORI: 1-118-19)
[PV-PAX:01_020_181] (Bharata-Ext)
Then they arrayed him in white garments made in his own country. Covered with those garments, that tiger among men—the best of men, accustomed to a costly couch—shone as though alive. (BORI: 1-118-20)
[PV-PAX:01_020_182] (Bharata-Ext)
With the permission of the officiating priests, who were well versed in funeral rites, the king, anointed with ghee and richly adorned, together with Mādrī… (BORI: 1-118-21)
[PV-PAX:01_020_183] (Bharata-Ext)
They cremated them with fragrant sandalwood mixed with tuṅga and padmaka, and with abundant aromatic substances of various other kinds. (BORI: 1-118-22)
[PV-PAX:01_020_184] (Bharata-Ext)
Then, seeing their two bodies, Kausalyā was overcome with grief. Crying, “Alas, my son!” she suddenly fell to the ground. (BORI: 1-118-23)
[PV-PAX:01_020_185] (Bharata-Ext)
Seeing her fallen and grief-stricken, all the people of the city and countryside cried aloud, moved by compassion and devotion to the king. (BORI: 1-118-24)
[PV-PAX:01_020_186] (Bharata-Ext)
As if exhausted, all creatures—even those born as animals—wailed in anguish along with the people. (BORI: 1-118-25)
[PV-PAX:01_020_187] (Bharata-Ext)
Likewise Bhishma, son of Shantanu, the wise Vidura, and all the Kauravas cried aloud, deeply afflicted with grief. (BORI: 1-118-26)
[PV-PAX:01_020_188] (Bharata-Ext)
Then Bhishma, Vidura, the king with his kinsmen, and all the Kuru women offered water for him. (BORI: 1-118-27)
[PV-KDV:01_020_189] (Bharata-Ext)
O king, all the people, grieving, gathered around the sorrow-worn Pandavas after they had offered the water rites. (BORI: 1-118-28)
[PV-PAX:01_020_190] (Bharata-Ext)
Just as the Pandavas slept on the ground with their kinsmen, so too, O king, did the townspeople, beginning with the Brahmins. (BORI: 1-118-29)
[PV-PAX:01_020_191] (Bharata-Ext)
For twelve nights, the entire city, down to its children, remained joyless, distressed, and dejected along with the Pandavas. (BORI: 1-118-30)
[PV-PAX:01_020_192] (Bharata-Ext)
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_020_197] (Bharata-Ext)
Then the chamberlain, the king, and Bhishma, together with their kinsmen, offered Pandu a śrāddha consisting of the nectar of ancestral offerings. (BORI: 1-119-1)
[PV-PAX:01_020_198] (Bharata-Ext)
having fed thousands of Kurus and eminent Brahmins, and given heaps of jewels and excellent villages to the foremost of the twice-born… (BORI: 1-119-2)
[PV-PAX:01_020_199] (Bharata-Ext)
Then the citizens took the Pandavas, those bulls of Bharata’s line who had completed their purification rites, and entered the city named after the elephant. (BORI: 1-119-3)
[PV-KDV:01_020_200] (Bharata-Ext)
All the townspeople and country folk continually mourned that bull of the Bharatas as they would a kinsman of their own who had died. (BORI: 1-119-4)
[PV-PAX:01_020_201] (Bharata-Ext)
Then, at the conclusion of the funeral rites, Vyasa saw the people in distress and spoke to his mother, who was bewildered and afflicted with pain and grief. (BORI: 1-119-5)
[PV-KDV:01_020_202] (Bharata-Ext)
Happy times have passed, and dreadful times are upon us. Day by day, the days grow worse; the earth has lost her youth. (BORI: 1-119-6)
[PV-PAN:01_020_203] (Bharata-Ext)
A terrible age will come, rife with deceit, beset by many evils, in which the practices and observances of dharma have vanished. (BORI: 1-119-7)
[PV-PAN:01_020_204] (Bharata-Ext)
Go, embrace renunciation, and live a disciplined life in the ascetic forest, so that you do not witness the terrible destruction of this family of yours. (BORI: 1-119-8)
[PV-KDV:01_020_205] (Bharata-Ext)
Having assented, saying, “So be it,” she went in and said to her daughter-in-law, “Ambika, we have heard that because of your son’s misconduct, the Bharatas will perish together with their kin, and the grandsons as well.” (BORI: 1-119-9)
[PV-KDV:01_020_206] (Bharata-Ext)
So, if you agree, let us take this afflicted Kausalyā, tormented by grief for her son, and go to the forest. May all be well with you. (BORI: 1-119-10)
[PV-KDV:01_020_207] (Bharata-Ext)
When Ambikā replied, “So be it,” the virtuous Satyavatī took leave of Bhīṣma and went to the forest with her two daughters-in-law, O Bhārata. (BORI: 1-119-11)
[PV-KDV:01_020_208] (Bharata-Ext)
After performing extremely severe austerities, those noble women gave up their bodies and then attained their desired destination, O great king, best of the Bharatas. (BORI: 1-119-12)
[PV-KDV:01_020_209] (Bharata-Ext)