in righteousness the life of a Vanaprastha in the woods, the illustrious Pandu hath thus revived the almost extinct line of his grand-father. The birth, growth, and Vedic studies of these children of Pandu, will, no doubt, give ye great pleasure! Steadily adhering to the path of the virtuous and the wise, and leaving behind him these children, Pandu hath departed hence, seventeen days ago. His wife Madri, beholding him placed on 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 all foes—with their mother! Let these be now received with due honors. And, after completion of the first rites in honor of the dead, let the virtuous Pandu, who had all along been the supporter of the dignity of the Kurus, have the first annual sradhā (sapindikarana) performed with a view to install him formally among the pitris.'"
Vaisampayana continued, "The ascetics with the Guhyakas, having said this unto the Kurus, instantly disappeared in the very sight of the people. And beholding the Rishis and the Sidhyas thus vanish in their sight, like vapoury forms appearing and disappearing in the skies, the citizens, filled with wonder, returned to their homes."
Thus ends the hundred and twenty sixth Section in the Sambhava of the Adi Parva.
( Sambhava Parva continued. )
Vaisampayana continued, "Dhrita-rashtra then said, O Vidura, celebrate the funeral ceremonies of that lion among kings—Pandu, and of Madri also in a right royal style! For the good of their souls, distribute cattle, cloths, gems, and various kinds of wealth, every one having as much as he asketh for. Make arrangements also for Kunti's performing
