Stories of the Great Bharata - A Retelling

Arc 3 - Dijvijaya and Rājasūya Parva - Chapter 3 - The Rājasūya Starts

Vaiśampāyana said:

In the days that followed the fourfold digvijaya of his brothers, Yudhiṣṭhira the Just ruled with unwavering truth, protecting his people through dharma and restraint. His justice was the shield of the weak; his rule was the order of heaven mirrored upon earth.

Because of his virtue and the honesty he upheld in every word and deed, the people of his kingdom flourished in their avocations. Trade, agriculture, and cattle-rearing prospered. Taxes were fair, and none were burdened beyond their means. The land responded to his righteousness.

The rains fell as the people wished,

Not more, not less, not out of time.

The rivers flowed, the harvests smiled—

And life moved like a sacred chime.

Even robbers and cheats spoke no lies, for truth had taken root in the hearts of all. No plagues, no floods, no untimely deaths darkened the horizon of the Bharata kingdom. The king’s justice extended like the light of dawn—touching every home without discrimination.

Other monarchs, near and far, came not to challenge him in battle but to offer homage, tributes that pleased rather than impoverished. They came to seek alliance, to offer services, or to pay their respects to the King of Dharma.

So vast became the royal treasury—filled only with wealth earned through virtue and not conquest—that it was said:

“Though spent for a hundred years,

Its depths would never cease.

For dharma guarded every gem,

And truth had made it peace.”

Seeing the abundance he had gathered, and hearing the voices of his ministers and brothers, Yudhiṣṭhira fixed his mind upon the performance of the Rājasūya sacrifice—a rite to sanctify sovereignty through righteousness.

And while his counselors were still speaking of preparations, Hari—Kṛṣṇa, the eternal soul of the universe—appeared.

Vaiśampāyana said:

That omniscient, imperishable, invincible being, whom the Vedas speak of as the origin and end of all things, the knower of past, present, and future, the slayer of Keśi, and the joy of the Vrishṇis, entered Khaṇḍavaprastha like the sun rising into a world that longed for light.

He came, the heart of sacred lore,

The breath of hymns, the soul of flame.

Where He abides, fear lives no more—

And time itself forgets its name.

Having placed Vasudeva in charge of the Yādava host, Mādhava brought with him a great ocean of wealth—gems, gold, and precious ornaments—to add to the Pāṇḍavas' treasury. And as his chariot-wheels rumbled across the roads, the air was filled with joy and awe.

His presence, O King, gladdened Indraprastha as the sun gladdens a dark valley, or a soft breeze brings life to a still land. The hearts of the people swelled with peace. For where Kṛṣṇa dwells, Dharma is complete.

As Kṛṣṇa arrived at Indraprastha, resplendent as the sun in autumn, Yudhiṣṭhira the Just approached him with joy and reverence. He bowed deeply and welcomed his friend and cousin with the honor due to the eternal Self who walks the world in human form.

When Keśava was seated in comfort, surrounded by Bhīma, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva, and the sages Dhaumya and Vyāsa, Yudhiṣṭhira, his hands folded in humility, spoke thus:

“O Mādhava, O soul of grace,

Through thee the earth is under me.

By thy compassion, wealth flows free—

Let all be given to Brāhmaṇa race.

Unto the priests and Agni's flame,

This wealth I yield by sacred rite.

Permit, O Kṛṣṇa, that with thee

We cleanse our hearts in yajña light.

O Govinda, if thou take part,

And consecrate this holy deed,

Then sin shall flee, and all my house

Shall rise in dharma’s fullest seed.

But if not thou, then give consent

That I, with brothers, take the vow.

For granted thus by thee, O Lord,

Heaven’s doors shall open even now.”

Vaiśampāyana said:

Hearing these words, so humble and pure, Kṛṣṇa, smiling gently, praised Yudhiṣṭhira’s virtue and replied with deep affection:

“O tiger among kings, most just,

Thy soul is dharma robed in dust.

Let sacrifice by thee be done—

For thou art worthy, Pandu’s son.

If thou shouldst win the rite’s reward,

Then we, thy kin, are also blessed.

Command me now in word or sword,

For I shall serve at thy request.”

Yudhiṣṭhira, his heart full, replied with soft gratitude:

“O Hariśikēśa, friend divine,

My will hath fruit, my stars align.

For when thy feet have touched this land,

All things are placed in dharma’s hand.”

Thus commanded by Kṛṣṇa, the son of Dharma, Yudhiṣṭhira the Just, resolved to prepare for the Rājasūya sacrifice—the imperial rite that sanctifies sovereignty through righteousness and cosmic order. With his brothers beside him and his ministers in counsel, he turned his will toward the task like a flame reaching upward toward the heavens.

He spoke with quiet authority, his heart grounded in humility:

“Let all be gathered without delay,

The gifts the Brāhmaṇas ordain.

Let sacred things in proper way

Be brought to life through dharma’s chain.

Let food and scent, and taste refined,

Be gathered well and given free—

For hearts are won where joy is kind,

And Brahmanas fed are gods, to me.”

He directed his youngest brother, Sahadeva, swift in duty and foremost among warriors, to oversee the preparation of every sacred article. Let each item be brought as prescribed by the Brāhmaṇas and Dhaumya, the family priest, in the proper order and with the proper rites.

He assigned Indrasena, Viśoka, and Puru, and even Arjuna with his charioteer, to gather all foodstuffs of pleasing aroma and divine taste—to delight the hearts of Brāhmaṇas and guests alike.

Vaiśampāyana continued:

Even as the words left Yudhiṣṭhira’s lips, Sahadeva had set all in motion. In no time, he returned to report that the task had been fulfilled. Then the great sage Dvaipāyana Vyāsa, seer of time and knower of eternal truths, appointed the officiating priests, men of vast knowledge and Vedic power.

Vyāsa himself became the Brahmā,

The knower of origin and end.

Susaman chanted the Sāma hymns—

In rhythm that only gods could send.

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Yājñavalkya, full of flame,

Served as Adhvaryu in the rite.

Paila and Dhaumya, holy-souled,

Stood as Hotṛs, invoking light.

And many disciples and sons of these sages, skilled in the Vedas and all its branches, became Hotṛgts (assistant priests), each purified by mantra and trained in sacred rites.

Having recited the benedictions and declared the purpose of the yajña, they consecrated the great sacrificial compound, worshipping it with hymns as prescribed in the ancient ordinances.

At their command, skilled builders and artisans, masters of sacred geometry, raised many pavilions and structures—vast, airy, fragrant, and adorned with golden banners, like the dwellings of the gods.

Vaiśampāyana continued:

When all was in readiness, Yudhiṣṭhira, ever mindful of all classes and castes, turned again to Sahadeva and said:

“Let word go forth, from gate to field,

That all may come and none be barred.

Let Brāhmaṇas, kings, and traders bold,

And Śūdras too, receive regard.”

Sahadeva, swift as wind in the king’s service, sent forth messengers to the far corners of the kingdom. Their command was clear:

“Invite all Brāhmaṇas, each landholder Kṣatriya,

All noble Vaiśyas and every upright Śūdra.

Let none be missed, for dharma calls—

And Yudhiṣṭhira welcomes all.”

Thus commanded by Kṛṣṇa, the son of Dharma, Yudhiṣṭhira the Just, resolved to prepare for the Rājasūya sacrifice—the imperial rite that sanctifies sovereignty through righteousness and cosmic order. With his brothers beside him and his ministers in counsel, he turned his will toward the task like a flame reaching upward toward the heavens.

He spoke with quiet authority, his heart grounded in humility:

“Let all be gathered without delay,

The gifts the Brāhmaṇas ordain.

Let sacred things in proper way

Be brought to life through dharma’s chain.

Let food and scent, and taste refined,

Be gathered well and given free—

For hearts are won where joy is kind,

And Brahmanas fed are gods, to me.”

He directed his youngest brother, Sahadeva, swift in duty and foremost among warriors, to oversee the preparation of every sacred article. Let each item be brought as prescribed by the Brāhmaṇas and Dhaumya, the family priest, in the proper order and with the proper rites.

He assigned Indrasena, Viśoka, and Puru, and even Arjuna with his charioteer, to gather all foodstuffs of pleasing aroma and divine taste—to delight the hearts of Brāhmaṇas and guests alike.

Vaiśampāyana continued:

Even as the words left Yudhiṣṭhira’s lips, Sahadeva had set all in motion. In no time, he returned to report that the task had been fulfilled. Then the great sage Dvaipāyana Vyāsa, seer of time and knower of eternal truths, appointed the officiating priests, men of vast knowledge and Vedic power.

Vyāsa himself became the Brahmā,

The knower of origin and end.

Susaman chanted the Sāma hymns—

In rhythm that only gods could send.

Yājñavalkya, full of flame,

Served as Adhvaryu in the rite.

Paila and Dhaumya, holy-souled,

Stood as Hotṛs, invoking light.

And many disciples and sons of these sages, skilled in the Vedas and all its branches, became Hotṛgts (assistant priests), each purified by mantra and trained in sacred rites.

Having recited the benedictions and declared the purpose of the yajña, they consecrated the great sacrificial compound, worshipping it with hymns as prescribed in the ancient ordinances.

At their command, skilled builders and artisans, masters of sacred geometry, raised many pavilions and structures—vast, airy, fragrant, and adorned with golden banners, like the dwellings of the gods.

Vaiśampāyana continued:

Among the first to arrive were Bhīṣma, the revered son of Gaṅgā, and Dhṛtarāṣṭra, with Vidura, the wise and discerning, by their side. The Kaurava brothers, including Duryodhana, rode behind in proud formation. From the northwest came Śakuni of Gāndhāra, son of Suvala, accompanied by his kin. And there too came Karna, ever radiant in his golden mail, and the mighty Śalya from Mādradeśa.

The earth trembled under the wheels of their chariots and the hooves of war-elephants as heroes gathered like clouds to the mountain of sacrifice.

Jayadratha came from Sindhu’s realm,

And Bhūri, Bhūriśravā, and Śala as well.

The threefold warriors of Somadatta’s line

Marched in strength and ancient pride.

From distant eastern realms arrived King Bhagadatta of Pragjyotiṣa, bringing with him fierce Mleccha tribes from the sea marshes—tall, dark-skinned warriors of alien tongues and gleaming weapons. Behind him came the kings of Vanga and Kaliṅga, of Aṅga, Kuntala, and Mālava, with banners fluttering like divine birds.

There came also the rulers of Draviḍa, of Siṃhala, of Kāśmīra, and Kuntibhoja, that elder of Yudhiṣṭhira’s maternal line. Gauravāhana came with his mountain tribes, and Vīrāṭa, king of Matsya, with his two lion-hearted sons. Monarchs came from the valleys of the Himālaya and from the plains of the south, and even kings from the farthest western coasts.

Among the most radiant guests was Śiśupāla, king of Cedi, mighty in arms and wrathful in heart—though he came in formal peace, accompanied by his son and court.

The road grew dense with gold-clad men,

With tusked beasts and carven gems.

The world itself, it seemed, drew near—

To honor Dharma’s prince sincere.

Then arrived the Vrishni heroes from the west, from Dvārakā’s fortified isle. Rāma, the plough-armed lord; Aniruddha, youthful and fierce; and Gada, Sāraṇa, and the noble Pradyumna all came. With them were Sāmba, Charudeṣṇa, and Nishatha; Ulmuka of burning wrath, and Aṅgavāha, firm in war. They came in chariots adorned with silks and conches, flanked by rows of soldiers and sages.

Indeed, countless were the Vrishṇis—valiant, noble, and radiant as stars beneath the banner of Mādhava.

Vaiśampāyana concluded:

Thus did all kings, princes, and holy ones arrive in Indraprastha to grace the sacrifice of Yudhiṣṭhira. Their hearts were stirred by love, duty, and awe. And as the world converged upon that sacred court, it was as if Bhārata-varṣa herself bent low in homage to Dharma restored.

And thus, O monarch, not only kings from distant quarters, but also many rulers from the Madhyadeśa, the sacred heartland of Bhārata, came to attend that grand Rājasūya of Yudhiṣṭhira, son of Dharma. Their retinues filled the streets of Indraprastha, and the very earth seemed honored by their tread.

At the command of that just king, splendid mansions were allotted for each sovereign—mansions rich in comforts, adorned with gardens and pools, and laden with fragrant trees bearing blossoms and shade. Each abode reflected the reverence that Yudhiṣṭhira bore for his guests, and his heart was bent upon treating all with dharma and dignity.

Like snow-white cliffs of Kailāsa’s breast,

They rose to greet each royal guest.

With golden mesh and pearl-bound halls,

And sandal wafting through their walls.

The interiors of those mansions were a vision of celestial delight. Gleaming white as Himalayan peaks or moonlit clouds, they were adorned with exquisite carpets, perfumed garlands, and lamps burning fragrant aloes. Their steps were gentle to climb, their doors wide and finely carved, and the floors shone with inlaid gems and polished metals. The very walls glowed like molten ivory, and latticed windows of gold filtered soft light into the rooms.

Their outer walls stood tall and radiant, washed in pure lime, crowned by towers and finials. From a yojana away, they shimmered like snowy peaks against the sky, catching the eye of every traveler before he even entered the city.

Flowers hung in rows like sacred rites,

Their scent like dreams in scented nights.

The kingly halls, so richly blessed,

Seemed fit to house the gods at rest.

After their journey and ceremonial reception, the kings retired to their mansions—not in weariness, but in wonder. Each one felt honored and seen, their lineage and valour acknowledged by the son of Kuntī. Then, refreshed and adorned, they made their way to the sacrificial pavilion, eager to witness the rites of dharma.

And what they beheld, O Janamejaya, was no ordinary rite.

For Yudhiṣṭhira, seated among Ṛṣis, Brahmanas, and wise ministers, appeared like Indra among the Devas. The sacrificial hall echoed with sacred chants and the sound of clarified butter hissing in fire. Brāhmaṇas were seen receiving gifts of gold, land, and cattle, while Vedic chants interwove with the murmurs of royalty.

The mansion of sacrifice, vast and bright,

Shone like Svarga in mortal sight.

With sages, kings, and seers of fame—

Each hall resounded Dharma’s name.

Thus did the kings behold the greatness of Dharma embodied in Yudhiṣṭhira, and in that holy company, even monarchs felt humble—grateful to be part of something beyond power and pride, something eternal.

Then, O King, after the arrival of monarchs and the sanctification of the sacrificial arena, the righteous Yudhiṣṭhira approached the elders and teachers of the Kuru house. With folded hands and reverence in his heart, he bowed to Bhīṣma, Drona, Kripa, and the other revered guests. Turning to them, he spoke with humility and clarity:

“O grandsire Bhīṣma, O preceptor Drona,

And you who are wise—Kripa, Aśvatthāman,

Duryodhana, and brave Vivingsati,

Guide me now in this sacred ceremony.

The son of Dharma, though monarch of the earth, entrusted his sacrifice to the wisdom of the elders, saying, “This treasury, filled with gifts and wealth of kings, is not mine—it is yours. Counsel me, O learned ones, and direct the rites as per your will.”

With their blessings, Yudhiṣṭhira delegated each task according to the capacity and nature of those around him, knowing well the value of order and mutual trust.

He placed Duḥśāsana, skilled in organization, in charge of provisions and all delights of the feast—food, drinks, and pleasures to gladden the hearts of kings and Brāhmaṇas alike.

To Aśvatthāman, son of the sage-warrior Drona, he entrusted the hospitality of the Brāhmaṇas—ensuring they were honored, seated, and cared for with sacred attention.

Sañjaya, wise and eloquent, was tasked with performing the return honors—offering worship to kings who had come bearing tributes from far lands.

To Bhīṣma and Drona, wisdom’s twin flame,

He gave the charge: to watch all done in name—

What should be, and what remained undone,

In the court of sacrifice where all deeds shone.

The discerning Kṛpa, master of subtlety and measure, was made custodian of the gems—diamonds, gold, pearls, and other wealth to be gifted to worthy Brāhmaṇas.

The assembly of princes was thus engaged in sacred duty: Vālhika, Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Somadatta, and Jayadratha, all honored guests brought by Nakula, moved freely through the sacrificial pavilions, marveling like lords of heaven.

The ever-just Vidura, also called Kṣattā, was appointed as disburser of funds—for none in the realm matched his understanding of dharma and fairness.

And Duryodhana, son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, was set in charge of receiving the tributes from kings—vessels of gold, horses, elephants, fine garments, and celestial ornaments. With skill and pride, he oversaw the inflow of that vast sea of wealth.

But even amidst such grandeur, one sight outshone all.

He who was the axis of all spheres,

The soul to whom the cosmos veers—

Śrī Kṛṣṇa, radiant and self-possessed,

Chose for himself the humblest quest.

Govinda, Lord of all, took it upon himself to wash the feet of the Brāhmaṇas. Though worshipped by gods, he bent in service, his divine hands anointing the feet of sages with water and sandal-paste. His purpose was not fame but the fruit of humble dharma, the merit that flows from reverence and self-effacement.

Thus, O Janamejaya, in that city of sacrifice, all the noble sons of Kuru and their companions moved like stars in a vast constellation, each in his orbit, each glowing with the brilliance of righteous action.

Vaiśampāyana said:

Then, O Janamejaya, as the time of the Rājasūya arrived in its full glory, the earth resounded with the steps of monarchs who came to witness the sacrifice of Dharmarāja, the son of Kuntī. None came empty-handed or with offerings mean. No king brought tribute of less than a thousand—whether in measure, weight, or number. Each sovereign, proud of his lineage and wealth, sought to outshine the other in generosity, believing his gifts would crown the sacrifice with success.

With gems and pearls in chests of gold,

With steeds and slaves in numbers untold,

With silks and fragrant sandal-wood—

Each monarch came as best he could.

Beholding the beauty of that sacrificial city, adorned with palaces that rivalled the cars of the gods, each guest stood in awe. The halls, crowned with golden pinnacles, touched the heavens, as if welcoming the celestial beings who hovered above to witness the rites of Dharma incarnate.

The compound of sacrifice shone like Svarloka upon earth—filled with celestial chariots, towering pavilions, and white-turreted mansions for kings and sages. Within, the Brahmanas chanted sacred hymns, while the noble princes of many lands stood in reverence before the son of Dharma.

It seemed as if all realms had come

To Indraprastha, their living sun.

And Yudhiṣṭhira, the just and wise,

Was like Varuṇa, lord of sacrifice.

The sacrifice itself was begun—six sacred fires blazed high, and generous gifts flowed like rivers into the hands of Brāhmaṇas. Each guest, whether sage or king, was honored with gifts of immeasurable worth. Vessels of gold overflowed with clarified butter, rice, fruits, and the finest foods. No man went unfed, no wish was unfulfilled.

Ida was poured, the Homa flame fed,

And priests recited Vedic thread.

The gods were pleased with scent and sound,

And joy among all beings found.

The Brāhmaṇas, versed in mantra and pronunciation, performed the rites with precision. They offered oblations to Agni, chanting the sacred invocations that drew the gods to the altar. In turn, the deities were gratified—shining blessings upon the son of Kuntī.

Every order of society—Brāhmaṇa, Kṣatriya, Vaiśya, Śūdra—was nourished and exalted. From the poorest mendicant to the richest lord, all hearts brimmed with joy, and the dharma of hospitality was fulfilled beyond compare.

With rice and wealth and fragrant food,

The king uplifted every mood.

No hand was empty, none were poor—

Such was Yudhiṣṭhira’s open door.

Thus, O King, the sacrifice of Yudhiṣṭhira shone across the three worlds, echoing with the chants of sages, the music of Gandharvas, and the joy of beings both mortal and divine.