complete sinlessness, Pandu became even like a Brahmarshi (though he was a Kshatriya by birth).
"On a certain day of the new moon, the great Rishis of rigid vows assembled together, and desirous of beholding Brahmā were on the point of starting on their expedition. Seeing them about to start, Pandu asked those ascetics, saying, 'Ye first of eloquent men, where shall ye go?' The Rishis answered, 'There will be a great gathering today, in the abode of Brahmā, of celestials, Rishis, and Pitris. Desirous of beholding the Self-create we shall go there today.'"
Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing this, Pandu rose up suddenly, desirous of visiting heaven along with the great Rishis. Accompanied by his two wives, when he was on the point of following the Rishis in a northerly direction from the mountain of hundred peaks, those ascetics addressed him, saying, 'In our northward march, while gradually ascending the king of mountains, we have seen on its delightful breast many regions inaccessible to ordinary mortals; retreats also of the gods, Gandharvas, and Apsaras, with palatial mansions by hundreds clustering thick around and resounding with the sweet notes of celestial music; the gardens of Kuvera laid out on even and uneven grounds; banks of mighty rivers, and deep caverns. There are many regions also on those heights that are covered with perpetual snow and are utterly destitute of vegetable and animal existence. In some places the downpour of rain is so heavy that they are perfectly inaccessible and incapable of being utilised for habitation. Not to speak of other animals, even winged creatures cannot cross them. The only thing that can go there is air, and the only beings, Sidhas and great Rishis. How shall these princesses ascend those heights of the king of mountains? Unaccustomed to pain, shall they not droop in affliction? Therefore, come not with us, O thou bull of the Bharata race!'
"Pandu replied, 'Ye fortunate ones, it is said that for the sonless there is no admission into heaven. I am sonless! In affliction I speak unto ye! Ye whose wealth is asceticism, I am afflicted because I have not been able to discharge the debt I owe to my ancestors! It is certain that with the
