, 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.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Then Vidura, O Bharata, saying, 'So be it,' in
consultation with Bhishma, fixed upon a sacred spot for the funeral rites
of Pandu. The family priests went out of the city without loss of time,
carrying with them the blazing sacred fire fed with clarified butter and
rendered fragrant therewith. Then friends, relatives, and adherents,
wrapping it up in cloth, decked the body of the monarch with the flowers
of the season and sprinkled various excellent perfumes over it. And they
also decked the hearse itself with garlands and rich hangings. Then
placing the covered body of the king with that of his queen on that
excellent bier decked out so brightly, they caused it to be carried on
human shoulders. With the white umbrella (of state) held over the hearse
with waving yak-tails and sounds of various musical instruments, the whole
scene looked bright and grand. Hundreds of people began to distribute gems
among the crowd on the occasion of the funeral rites of the king.
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