Dhritarashtra Receives News and Performs Mourning Rites
News arrives in Hastinapura that the Pandavas and Purochana have perished in the fire. Dhritarashtra stages a public lament, declares his brother Pandu truly dead, and orders elaborate funeral rites. The entire court mourns — except for Vidura, who knows the truth.
The citizens' message reached Dhritarashtra: the Pandavas, together with the adviser Purochana, had been burnt to death.
Hearing the terrible news, King Dhritarashtra lamented in great, public sorrow. He said, "When those warriors and their mother have been burnt to death, today my unparalleled brother, Pandu, is truly dead." He gave immediate orders. "Let men quickly go to Varanavata and perform the funeral ceremonies for those warriors and for the princess Kunti. Let the bones of the dead be sanctified in large and white receptacles. Let the well-wishers of the dead pay homage to them." He framed the expenditure as an act of devotion. "Now that this has happened, let us spare no riches to perform acts that bring welfare to Kunti and the Pandavas."
Surrounded by his relatives, Ambika's son then tendered offerings of water to Pandu's sons, a ritual for the dead. Afflicted with what appeared to be grief, all the Kouravas joined in the lament.
Vidura did not sorrow much. He knew more.