Stories of the Great Bharata - A Retelling Arc 1 – Sabhākriyā and Lokapāla Sabhāvarṇana - Chapter 6 - T

Vaiśampāyana said:

O Janajaya, son of the Kuru line, when Yudhiṣṭhira heard the words of Nārada, he fell into deep contemplation. Repeatedly he sighed, for his mind was now agitated by the thought of the Rājasūya sacrifice. The glory of the monarchs of old weighed heavily upon his heart—especially that of Harischandra, whose noble yajña had elevated him to Indra’s celestial court.

Having reflected on the sacred rewards promised to those who walk the path of dharma through sacrifice, and being certain of the heavenly realms attained by such kings, Yudhiṣṭhira began to entertain the thought of initiating preparations for the Rājasūya. He worshipped his counsellors and elders in the royal assembly with humility, and in turn was honoured by them with reverence. In that hallowed circle, the matter of the great sacrifice was opened for counsel.

Yet, O tiger among kings, though inclined toward the grandeur of the Rājasūya, Yudhiṣṭhira was foremost in virtue and cautious in action. He paused to consider what was truly best for the people—what would serve their welfare, not rely his own glory. He weighed righteousness above ambition.

“Let none be wronged,” he often said,

“To each their right, their daily bread.

No man shall fear the royal hand—

May Dharma ever guard this land.”

Because of such unwavering justice, the people of his realm raised their voices in praise. In every town and village one could hear the cry—“Blessed be Dharma! Blessed be Dharma! Long live Yudhiṣṭhira!”

He was called Ajātaśatru, “one without enemies,” for none harboured hatred towards him. The king treated all his subjects as mbers of his own family. Bhīma upheld justice with the might of his arm, ruling firmly yet fairly. Arjuna, ambidextrous and swift as lightning, stood as protector of the realm from foes beyond its borders. Sahadeva dispensed justice with serene impartiality, while Nakula, ever modest and graceful, won the hearts of all through his natural humility.

Because of such noble governance, peace reigned across the kingdom. There were no disputes, no unrest, no fear of famine or plague, nor of fire or treachery. Rains fell in abundance, and every field bore fruit. Traders, farrs, and artisans flourished. Wealth flowed steadily; sacrifice materials were never lacking. Even those inclined toward indulgence and pleasure contributed to the kingdom’s prosperity.

There was no harsh collector’s hand,

No poisoned cup, no burning brand.

No thief or knave, no law abused—

In Yudhiṣṭhira’s reign, none were misused.

The six strategies of kings—treaty, war, alliance, negotiation, deceit, and force—had been employed wisely. Monarchs once conquered now served him with willing hearts. Traders arrived from distant lands not in fear, but in trust, bearing their dues gladly.

So great was his fa, O Janajaya, that even those he subdued grew more devoted to him than to their own kin. From learned Brāhmaṇas to humble herdsn, all saw in Yudhiṣṭhira not a ruler—but a father.

He bore his power with patient grace,

A king of kings, none could replace.

And under his just, all-seeing eyes,

The Earth herself began to rise.

Vaiśampāyana said:

King Yudhiṣṭhira, the foremost among speakers and ever devoted to righteousness, then summoned his ministers, his wise brothers, and trusted companions. With deliberation and modesty, he asked them repeatedly about the rits, procedures, and consequences of undertaking the Rājasūya sacrifice. For the idea now gripped his heart with a quiet but steady fla.

His counsellors, deeply learned and loyal to the Kuru cause, listened attentively. When the ti was right, they responded with asured words, grave yet uplifting:

“O scion of the Kuru race,” they said,

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“He who owns a realm and seeks

The station of sovereign over all kings,

Performs the Rājasūya to gain the glory of Varuṇa.”

They spoke as one, their voices blending in harmony. “You, O king, are worthy in every way. The ti is ripe. The world already bends toward you in affection and submission. The sacrifice of imperial consecration—that which exalts a king and sanctifies his dominion—awaits your command. In that rite, O son of Dharma, the sages of austere vows ignite six sacred fires, guided by mantras from the Sāma Veda. To such a ritual you are entitled, for you are a true Kṣatriya with all the qualities of a universal monarch.”

They reminded him that the fruit of the Rājasūya equaled the rit of all other sacrifices combined, including the daily Agnihotra. At its conclusion, the perforr is installed not rely as king, but as Emperor, conqueror of all directions, guardian of Dharma. The ti had co, they said, and they assured him of their loyalty and strength.

“Thou art strong-ard and pure of heart.

We stand by thee, O righteous king.

Let thy will arise without delay—

Let the Rājasūya yajña begin.”

Thus spoke his friends and ministers—so alone, so together—all echoing the sa ssage. And Yudhiṣṭhira, destroyer of enemies and upholder of Dharma, heard them with reverence. He listened deeply, and though he accepted their counsel in his heart, he did not yet rush to act.

He reflected in silence, weighing their words against the greater good. He considered his own strength, the burdens of empire, the duties of kingship, and the whispers of Dharma in his soul. He knew that to act rightly, even consent must be tested.

Then, with wisdom born of self-restraint, Yudhiṣṭhira once again gathered his brothers and his priests. He sought the guidance of the Ṛtvik Brahmanas around him, including the sage Dhaumya and the venerable Dwaipayana Vyāsa. With humility, he placed before them his wish and his doubts—thus resolving to examine the path of the Rājasūya not with haste, but with clarity and justice.

Vaiśampāyana said:

When Yudhiṣṭhira, the king of Dharma and son of Kuntī, had received the counsel of his ministers and sages, he turned once more inward. Though encouraged by all to proceed with the Rājasūya, he pondered carefully over his resources, strength, and duties. For the wise do not act on passion or impulse—they weigh the consequences with a balanced mind, considering ti, place, and circumstance. Such was the discipline of Yudhiṣṭhira.

He understood that faith and speech alone would not suffice to bring such a grand aspiration to fruition. A sacrifice of this magnitude—ant for emperors and guardians of Dharma—could not be undertaken rely from personal desire. Its success would depend on collective harmony, political strength, and cosmic alignnt.

Then, with great care and humility, the son of Dharma turned his thoughts toward Kṛṣṇa, that supre being clothed in human form. Though born in the house of Vasudeva, Kṛṣṇa was not bound by birth. He had manifested by his own will, uncreated yet creator of all, lord of strength, and destroyer of adharma. Yudhiṣṭhira knew there was no one more fit to advise, none more aware of the world’s subtle order, none more capable of resolving the righteous path.

“He who knows all things,

Whose arms uphold the world,

Whose will subdues fate itself—

Let him decide my course.”

Thus resolved, Yudhiṣṭhira sent a noble ssenger, bearing words of respect and affection—frad as blessings from an elder to a younger kin—to Kṛṣṇa who then dwelt in Dvārakā among the Yādavas.

Hearing of his cousin’s wish to see him, Keśava—the unfailing one—rose at once. Drawn by swift horses, he departed joyfully with Indrasena as his companion, passing over mountains, rivers, and cities with effortless speed. Soon he arrived at Indraprastha, the jeweled city of the Pāṇḍavas, radiant with Dharma and joy.

Kṛṣṇa entered the city like auspicious rain upon parched earth. Yudhiṣṭhira welcod him with deep affection, embracing him as a father would embrace a cherished son. Bhīma too embraced him warmly, their bond marked by mutual strength and loyalty. Then Kṛṣṇa turned toward Kuntī, his father’s sister, bowing with reverence and receiving her blessings. The twins Nakula and Sahadeva offered him the courtesies of younger brothers, while Arjuna’s heart swelled with delight as he beheld his dearest friend.

After resting in a pleasant chamber and being refreshed by the Pāṇḍava’s hospitality, Kṛṣṇa—his presence radiant and calming—sat in ease. Yudhiṣṭhira approached him when the mont was ripe. Then, with humility and reverence, the king unfolded his heart to Kṛṣṇa and revealed his desire to undertake the Rājasūya sacrifice.

Yudhiṣṭhira, bowing slightly and folding his hands with solemn grace, addressed Kṛṣṇa with words born of humility and discernnt.

“O Kṛṣṇa,” he said, “I have long nurtured the desire to perform the Rājasūya sacrifice. Yet, I know well that such a sacrifice cannot be fulfilled by desire alone. It is not enough to wish it. One must possess the strength, the sovereignty, and the sanction of Dharma to see it through. Only he in whom all things are possible, he who is honored by the wise and revered across the three worlds, only such a one may hope to complete this rite. Such a king must be lord of lords, a ruler of emperors.”

He paused for a mont, searching Kṛṣṇa’s serene eyes before continuing.

“My friends and counselors have urged to proceed. They believe the ti is right, and they speak from faith in and love for our house. Yet I know, O Mādhava, that counsel can often be clouded. So speak out of loyalty, but do not see the obstacles that lie ahead. Others, moved by personal gain, offer only that which is pleasing to hear. Still others recomnd what serves their own good, not that which truly serves Dharma. This is the way of the world, O Kṛṣṇa: speech shaped by interest, advice tempered by blindness.”

He lowered his voice, now solemn and clear.

“But you—you stand beyond all such motives. Desire and anger do not move you. You see the world as it is and as it ought to be. Therefore, O Keśava, let your word be my guide. Tell truly, what is most beneficial—not just for , but for the world. If it is Dharma, then I shall proceed. If not, I shall restrain my will.”

Thus spoke the son of Dharma, seeking no glory for himself, but the welfare of all beings. And having offered his heart to the one who knew all hearts, Yudhiṣṭhira waited for the words of Govinda, the knower of ti, action, and destiny.