Three Queens Depart: The End of an Era

Hearing Madri weeping, Kunti and the rishis came running and were stunned to see Pandu lying dead. Kunti fainted and revived only after Madri splashed water on her face. The young princes were also shocked by their father's untimely death. The rishis of Shatashrung Mountain, who had educated the boys, tried to console them. Kunti insisted on burning herself on Pandu's funeral pyre. However, Madri also expressed the same intention, saying she had no right to live as she had caused her husband's death.

"Besides, I probably won't be able to treat your children fairly," she told Kunti, "whereas you are so big-hearted that I know you will care for my kids as well as yours. So, it is imperative that you stay alive for their sake." With that, she jumped onto Pandu's burning pyre and was engulfed in flames.

The rishis and munis of Shatashrung Mountain advised Kunti to return to Hastinapur with the five princes. When they reached the capital, a crowd of people had gathered to catch a glimpse of the princes. The elders of the Kuru clan welcomed them with respect and affection.

The wisest of the rishis who had accompanied the princes told Bheeshma, "The Kuru King Pandu had renounced life to live as a celibate, but God blessed him with five sons. Pandu passed away seventeen days ago, and Madri also perished on his funeral pyre. Please complete his final rituals and seat his eldest son, Yudhishthir, upon the throne."

Bheeshma and Dhritarashtra performed Pandu and Madri's last rites on the Ganga riverbank. The Brahmins were given a feast and showered with gifts.

As the mourning period came to an end, Rishi Vyas arrived at Hastinapur. He went straight to Satyavati's chamber and said, "Mother, the coming days are ominous, as the Kuru clan's end is at hand. I don't think you will be able to confront this difficult time. I request you to come with me to the forest and spend the rest of your days in peace."

Satyavati, too, had no desire to remain in Hastinapur, having lost her husband and two sons. She was especially attached to Ambalika and invited Ambalika to accompany her to the forest. Dhritarashtra's mother, Ambika, also didn't want to stay in Hastinapur without her sister and mother-in-law. Thus, the three queens left the city forever. Satyavati later passed away in the forest and did not have to witness the destruction of the Kuru clan.