Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/320

286 of wives, viz, Kunti, also called Pritha, and Madri. One day Pandu going out to hunt saw a deer coupling with its mate. That was really a Rishi in the form of a deer. And seeing the deer in that attitude he killed it by his arrows before its desire had been gratified. Pierced with the king's arrow, the deer quickly changing its form and becoming a Rishi said unto Pandu, 'O Pandu thou art virtuous and acquainted also with the pleasure devivedderived [sic] from the gratification of one's desire. Before my desire was gratified thou hast slain me. Therefore thou also, when in such a state and before thou art gratified, shalt die.' And Pandu hearing this curse became pale, and from that time would not go unto his wives. And he told. them these. words:—'From my own fault, I have been cursed. But I have heard that for the childless there are no regions hereafter.' Therefore he solicited Kunti to raise offspring for him. And Kunti, saying 'Let it be,' raised up offspring. By Dharma she had Yudhishthira; by Maruta, Bhima; and by Sakra, Arjuna. And Pandu well pleased with her, said, 'This thy co-wife is also childless. Therefore cause her to bear children. And Kunti saying 'Let it be,' imparted unto Madri the mantra of invocation. And in Madri were raised, by the twin Aswinas, the twins Nakula and Sahadeva. And (one day) Pandu beholding Madri decked in ornaments had his desire kindled. And as soon as he touched her he died. And Madri ascended the funeral pyre with her lord. And she said unto Kunti, 'Let these twins of mine be brought up by thee with affection.' After some time those five Pandavas were taken by the ascetics of the woods to Hastinapore and there introduced to Bhisma and Vidura. And after introducing them the ascetics disappeared in the very sight of all. And after the conclusion of the speech of those ascetics, flowers were showered down upon the earth. And the celestial Dundhuvi also rang in the skies. And the Pandavas were then taken (by Bhisma.) They then represented the death of their father and performed his obsequial rites duly. And as they were being brought up there Duryodhana became exceedingly jealous of them. And the sinful Duryodhana, acting like a Rakshasa, tried by various means to drive them away. But that which