In the radiant court of Indraprastha, the venerable sage Dhoumya, his heart brimming with delight at the peerless achievements and transcendent virtues of the Pandava princes, turned to Dharmaraja with words of benediction. “O scion of the Kuru race,” he said, “your rule, founded upon spotless conduct and abundant virtues, has bestowed true wealth and growth upon your people. According to the ancient scriptures, the treasure of a king is not his lineage’s inheritance, but the shared prosperity of his subjects. When the king governs in righteousness, the wealth of the state becomes the wealth of the people. Those who would deceive or betray their sovereign either mend their ways or perish in the fervent faith and vigilance of the commonwealth. The watchful eye of justice leaves no refuge for traitors; the palace kin who might conspire with outsiders find no foothold, for the power of your governance transforms or destroys their designs.
Illness and sickness retreat before the healthy life and the plentiful harvests; fresh and wholesome food of every kind nourishes the people. Vengeance has softened into mutual respect, fear into unity, grief into a stranger’s name. The harmony of the realm breeds cooperation, and local councils swiftly address grievances. The value of goods stands firm, for honest production and a wisely administered barter system prevail. By the courage and boldness of your brothers, all neighboring kings have been conquered and, of their own free will, they bow in faith and confidence to your throne. O king of duty and devotion, the hour has come to undertake the august rite of the Rājasūya.
Your exchequer overflows like the treasure of Kubera himself: chests of gold, blocks of silver, and a profusion of diamonds, emeralds, and rubies beyond count. The granaries are laden with ghee, salt, pulses, rice and every provision, so that even if multitudes were fed without pause for many years, the stores would not fail, for the fields yield in abundance and the orchards bend beneath their fruits and flowers. Your storehouses gleam like the wish-fulfilling tree of heaven. The Brahmins who perform the sacred rites pray for your welfare and growth. Delay no longer—commence the Rājasūya.”
Even as these words were spoken, the Lord of Dvārakā, the sustainer of worlds, Śrī Krishna, entered the court bearing rich gifts and honoring Dharmaraja. Yudhishthira bowed before him and, in the presence of Dhoumya, Vyāsa, scholars, and ministers, spoke with reverence: “O Lord, wearer of the earth, fountain of virtue, subduer of demonic pride, giver of joy to kinsmen and guardian of wealth—you are the very cause of our sovereignty. Through the courage and prowess of the Pandavas, wealth has been gathered in righteousness from all quarters of the earth, uncountable and resplendent. Even Brihaspati might falter to measure it. According to ancient tradition, wealth so gained must be offered in charity to the worthy after the completion of the great sacrifice. Thus, the blazing mouth of Agni, which is the face of the gods, shall be satisfied with our oblations. Deign to accept a place in this yajña and bless us all.”
Śrī Krishna replied with gracious humility: “O son of Dharma, jewel of the Bharata race, in you the royal virtues shine like those of Indra himself. Divine blessing and human excellence stand at your side. You are indeed fit to perform the grand sacrifice. Command me as you will; assign to me whatever service you deem proper, great or small. Let those who yearn for the sacred share in these duties.”
Joy filled Yudhishthira’s heart at these words of the incarnate Lord, the very embodiment and enjoyer of the sacrifice itself. “By the nectar of Krishna’s speech,” he said, “all my desires are fulfilled. With his grace, our wealth shall bear true fruit.” He then directed Sahadeva to arrange all requirements for the chief priest Dhoumya, and bade Indrasena and Arjuna’s charioteer Rukmi prepare hospitality for the multitude of guests. Sahadeva, placing architects under Indrasena’s charge, raised the sacrificial pavilion precisely as the scriptures prescribe and gathered every provision at the chosen site. Throughout Indraprastha, water, fruits, and food were set ready for all invitees, and the city shone with the splendor of a heavenly paradise.
At Sahadeva’s summons, the Vedic scholars, Brahmins, kings, vassal lords, traders, farmers, and workers came with their families in their traditional robes and ornaments, each making orderly arrangements according to custom. Yudhishthira sent Nakula to Hastinapura to invite Bhishma and the elders. They came affectionately, bringing rich gifts, and the king of Dharma received Bhishma, Dhritarashtra, Vidura and Drona with profound respect. “By the grace of you all,” he said humbly, “I have undertaken this great sacrifice. Deign to accept this honor and give me your support.”
He then entrusted offices with impartial confidence: Kripacharya to oversee the distribution of gold, silver, gems and gifts to the deserving; Bhishma and Drona to govern the conduct of the ceremony; Vidura to manage provisions, goods and food; Duryodhana to receive tributes of gold, jewels, weapons, horses and elephants; and Dussasana to provide food and drink for the assembled throng.
Initiated into the sacrificial rite, the wise and virtuous Yudhishthira, accompanied by chanting scholars, elders, and kinsmen, entered the sacred enclosure radiant with the majesty of dharma. He stood like the very flame of righteousness, encircled by Brahmins who shone like celestial seers. Vedic hymns and sacred music filled the air; every ear was lifted to a summit of joy as the yajña unfolded. Dhoumya and Paila began the chants of the Rig Veda, Yajnavalkya led the Yajur Veda, Susama the Sāma Veda, while the sage Vyāsa, as Brahma of the sacrifice, oversaw the sacred proceedings. Mithravaruna and Achhavaka tended the Atharva Veda rites; Nārada and other sages watched over the sacrifice; Bhishma and the other royal sages lent their aid.
Thus, the Rājasūya was brought to perfect completion. The gods received their due, the scholars and Brahmins were honored with gifts, and the common people were fed and clothed in charity. The sage Vaiśampāyana declared that every soul present was satisfied and each received his rightful due. Yudhishthira shone like the moon in tranquil splendor, his heart serene in the fulfillment of duties owed to both the mortal and the divine. Yet, as with every great event in the universe, the aftermath would weave its own chain of consequences—some noble, some dark—beyond the foresight of those who wrought it.
