The Pandavas’ Arrival at Hastinapura

The Pandavas’ Arrival at Hastinapura

Hearing Kunti’s words, Madri broke down in helpless grief. Sobbing uncontrollably, she pleaded with Kunti:

“Sister! Grant me permission to follow my husband in sahagamana. The king was overcome by desire for me, and before that longing could be fulfilled, he abandoned his body. Let me accompany him to the other world and fulfill his wish there, if not here.

Moreover, there is another reason why it is essential that you remain behind.

‘If I live on after you perform sahagamana, I will not be able to care for your sons with perfect impartiality. I may unknowingly show favoritism, and that sin would bind me. But you, Kunti, will surely protect my children as your own. Of this I have complete faith.’

Therefore, sister, allow me to ascend the funeral pyre of our husband.”

Madri’s pitiable plea moved even Kunti’s resolute heart. Amid the heart-rending cries of Kunti and the five sons of Pandu, and the tearful lamentations of the assembled sages and their wives, Pandu’s funeral pyre blazed fiercely. Madri mounted the pyre and relinquished her mortal body, following her husband in eternal fidelity.

After the completion of Pandu’s final rites, the gathered sages deliberated upon the future of Kunti and the sons of Pandu. Pandu, though a righteous king, had renounced his kingdom and lived a life of austerity in the forest. Having fathered noble sons, he had now departed for heaven, leaving behind his wife and children.

The sages unanimously resolved that Kunti and the Pandava princes should be taken to Hastinapura, Pandu’s rightful kingdom, and placed under the guardianship of Bhishma.

At an auspicious hour, accompanied by Kunti and the children, and carrying the sacred relics of Pandu and Madri, the sages set out toward Hastinapura. Though the long journey was arduous—filled with rocky paths and thorny stretches—Kunti walked steadfastly, suppressing her anxiety about the future and thinking only of her sons’ welfare.

Soon, they reached the grand eastern gate of Hastinapura known as Vardhamāna Dvāra. Through the gatekeepers, the sages conveyed news of their arrival to the king.

The tidings spread quickly: thousands of siddhas and celestial beings had arrived along with Kunti and the sons of Pandu. Astonished and eager, the citizens of Hastinapura adorned themselves in fresh garments and came in large groups to the city gate to behold the sages and the Pandava princes. In the presence of the holy ascetics, the minds of the people were filled with righteousness, free from jealousy or malice.

Meanwhile, Dhritarashtra, Bhishma, Vidura, Somadatta, Bahlika, and other elders of the Kuru dynasty—along with Satyavati, Ambika, Ambalika, Gandhari, and the royal women—arrived in jewel-studded chariots, accompanied by priests, to welcome the sages. Duryodhana and the sons of Dhritarashtra followed.

All alighted from their chariots, bowed reverently before the sages, and stood with folded hands. On behalf of all, Bhishma offered arghya and pādya, worshipped the sages, prostrated himself at their feet, and received their blessings.

As everyone waited in solemn anticipation, one of the eldest and wisest sages addressed the royal assembly:

“Pandava Chakravarti’s renunciation of worldly pleasures and his life of austerity at Mount Shatashringa are well known to you all. Though he lived a life of strict continence there, by divine grace he was blessed with five sons.

From Dharma Deva was born Yudhishthira,

from Vayu Deva was born Bhima,

from Indra Deva was born Arjuna,

and by the grace of the Ashwini Devas, the twins Nakula and Sahadeva were born to Madri.

Thus, through Pandu, the Kuru lineage has been preserved and strengthened. These princes, accomplished in both scriptures and weapons, will surely bring you great joy.

Seventeen days ago, Pandu departed from this world in accordance with destiny and ascended to heaven. Queen Madri, the embodiment of wifely devotion, entered his funeral fire and joined him, attaining the highest merit.

Here are the sacred remains of Pandu and Madri. Perform the rites that are yet to be completed.

Accept these five noble sons of Pandu, who have arrived here with their mother Kunti, and raise them with due honor. They are rightful heirs of the Kuru lineage, and it is your sacred duty to receive them.”

Having entrusted Kunti and the Pandava princes into the care of Bhishma, the sages departed once again for the forest.