The Birth, Naming, and Growth of the Five Pandavas
Following Kunti's instruction, Madri invokes the twin Ashvins and gives birth to Nakula and Sahadeva, completing the set of five sons for Pandu. A divine voice proclaims the twins' future greatness, and the sages perform the birth rites, naming all five brothers who will one day shape the fate of the Kuru dynasty.
Madri thought of the two Ashvins, the divine twin physicians of the gods. They came to her, and she gave birth to twin sons — Nakula and Sahadeva. Their beauty was unmatched on earth.
As they were born, an invisible voice spoke from the sky: "These beautiful, brave, and righteous sons will have qualities that will surpass all men. They will be radiant in energy, handsome, and prosperous."
The sages dwelling in the Shatashringa mountains performed the sacred birth rites. With affection, they gave names to all five of Pandu's sons. Kunti's eldest was named Yudhishthira. The middle son was named Bhimasena. The third was named Arjuna. The first of Madri's twins was named Nakula, and the one born a moment later was named Sahadeva. These supreme scions of the Kuru lineage were born one year apart.
Later, Pandu spoke to Kunti again in private, asking her to use the mantra for Madri once more. But Kunti refused. "O king," she said, "I gave her the secret to be used once. But she obtained two sons, and I was deceived. I am worried she will get the better of me. This is the evil way of women. Fool that I was, I did not know that by summoning two gods at one time, the fruits could also be doubled. Therefore, do not command me again. This is a boon that I ask from you."
Thus, five sons were born to Pandu through the gods. They were immensely powerful, bore all the auspicious marks, and were as handsome as the moon. They grew up swiftly in the sacred Himalaya mountains, their necks strong like lions, their gait powerful, their valour divine. The great sages who saw them grow were astounded. These five, alongside the hundred sons of Dhritarashtra, extended the Kuru lineage. They grew in a short while, like lotuses rising from a pond.