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.
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