Sabha Parva



Chapter One



Maya Danava Erects the Imperial Court



Before Lord Krishna and Arjuna had gone a great distance, the demon Maya
Danava fell at their feet pleading, "You have spared my life, and for this I am
very grateful. My name is Maya Danava, the architect of the demons. Please
allow me to show appreciation for your merciful act."

Since the demon was looking at Arjuna, Arjuna replied, "I do not want anything
in return for saving your life. It is my principle never to accept charity for
performing a good deed. However, if you want to offer a gift, then ask Krishna
what you can do for Him."

Lord Krishna thought for a moment and said, "You are the architect of the
demons, capable of performing many wonderful feats. The Pandavas are very dear
to me, and, therefore, I want you to construct an imperial court for them that
will excel all on earth." Maya Danava readily agreed, and together they
departed for Indraprastha.

Upon reaching the royal palace, Arjuna related to Yudhisthira all events that
had transpired in relation to the burning of the Khandava forest. Maya Danava
was then introduced to Yudhisthira, who welcomed him with great honor. Maya
Danava greatly appreciated the humility of the King and considered him a saint
amongst the kshatriyas. They then began discussions about the construction of
an assembly hall that would have no equal in the universe. Maya Danava chose a
plot of land that was 90,000 feet square to begin his work.

Now that Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, had lived
Indraprastha for some time, He desired to return to His own capital, Dvaraka.
The Pandavas were very reuluctant to let Him go. "You are the Supreme
Personality of Godhead," Yudhisthira lovingly said; "that brightest moon that
guides our boat to safety. You have given us everything, and, therefore, how
can we agree to Your leaving us at this time? You are Hrishikesha, the master
of our mind and senses. Please stay and always direct our thoughts and
actions.

Lord Krishna declined the loving offer of Yudhisthira, but reassured His
devotee that He would return whenever Yudhisthira called for Him. Lord Krishna
then took leave of His Aunt Kunti, who affectionately smelled His head and
embraced Him. He satisfied His sister Subhadra with sweet words and bestowed
many blessings upon her. Then Lord Keshava ascended His chariot, and
Yudhisthira took up the reins. Arjuna and Bhima stood on either side and fanned
Him with chamara whisks. Nakula and Sahadeva stood behind, holding an umbrella
over the Lord of the universe.

When the chariot had gone about two miles, Lord Krishna requested the Pandavas
to return to their capital. He then affectionately bade farewell to the five
brothers and proceeded toward Dvaraka. The Pandavas could not take their
attention off the Supreme Person because of His exquisite beauty. Their eyes
followed Him a great distance until He could be seen no more. They were
unsatiated with the sight of Lord Krishna, and their minds accompanied Him to
the city of Dvaraka. The Pandavas returned to the city of Indraprastha, but
they always contemplated the transcendental qualities and pastimes of the
Supreme Personality of Godhead.

 Maya Danava was busy with preparations for constructing the great assembly
hall. He approached Arjuna and informed him, "Near Mount Kailasa there are many
jewels that I have secretly hidden. To the east of Mount Kailasa there is also
a lake called Bindu, wherein lies a mace that was thrown by a king of the
demons after killing his enemies. That mace is equal in power to a hundred
thousand maces. It is a fit weapon for Bhima, even as the Gandiva is for you.
Also, in the lake is a large conchshell named Devadatta which belongs to
Varuna. The blast of that conchshell can be heard in all directions. I will
bring that conch as a gift." Maya then took leave of Arjuna and wen˙ to Mount
Kailasa.

Maya Danava searched for his great quantity of jewels and found them. He also
entered Lake Bindu and found the powerful club and the conchshell Devadatta. He
took those back to Indraprastha and presented the club to Bhimasena and the
conchshell to Arjuna. The sound of this conchshell could break the heart of any
opponent.

Maya then began to construct the great royal assembly house. It took him a
full fourteen months, but it was, indeed, magnificent. The columns were golden
and radiated an effulgence like the sun itself. The walls were embedded with
thousands of multi-colored jewels, and the effulgence of the precious gems
illuminated the entire palace. Within the palace Maya Danava placed water ponds
that were lined with highly polished stone and filled with lotuses whose leaves
resembled dark colored emeralds and whose stalks were made of precious jewels.
There were also other flowers with golden leaves. The water was crystal clear
and filled with a variety of fishes and tortoises of a golden hue. The pond was
surrounded by a flight of crystal stairs, and it was difficult to understand
where was water and where was land. Flowers inside and outside the palace
bloomed in all seasons and were the finest variety.

When the palace was completed, Maya Danava informed Maharaja Yudhisthira, and
a great celebration was planned. Thousands of brahmanas came and invoked
auspiciousness by chanting the Vedic hymns. Maharaja Yudhisthira gave thousands
of cows in charity and fed the brahmanas sumptuously. He then entered this most
opulent royal assembly court accompanied by his brothers. Kings and sages from
every country came to see the wonderful Sabha (Royal court), and upon seeing
it, they were struck with wonder. The fame of the assembly hall built by Maya
spread far and wide, and even the demigods came to see it. Some of the princes
who visited at this time stayed in Indraprastha to learn the science of archery
from Arjuna. Chief amongst these princes was Satyaki, or Yuyudhana. He was a
cousin of Lord Krishna. This was a happy time for the Pandavas, but it was like
the lull before the storm. They were destined to enjoy their kingdom for only a
few months more.

During this time Subhadra gave birth to a son named Abhimanyu. He was born
with many auspicious marks. The astrologers foretold that he would be a great
warrior and add fame to the Pandava dynasty. Draupadi also gave birth to a
child by each of her husbands. From Yudhisthira, Prativindhya took birth, and
Bhima's son was Sutasoma. Arjuna's son was Shrutakirti. Nakula's son was
Sataneeka, and Sahadeva's son was Shrutasena. The sons matured with the good
qualities of their fathers, including mastering the science of weapons.

One day while the Pandavas were sitting in their imperial assembly court, the
great rishi Narada Muni came to see them. The Pandavas rose with excited hearts
and offered their respects to the great sage. They seated him properly and
washed his feet, offering him all kinds of presentations for his pleasure.
Narada Muni was then shown the royal assembly hall by Maharaja Yudhisthira, and
Narada appreciated the wonderful workmanship. When Narada was again seated,
Yudhisthira began to inquire from the exalted sage, "My dear lord, you have
traveled through the three worlds, and seen many elegant imperial assembly
halls like the one I have. Can you tell me about them?"

"Yes, I have seen all the great sabhas of the universe," Narada smilingly
said. "I will tell you about them. However, I have never seen an assembly hall
anywhere that was built of such rare precious stones and jewels. This sabha
defeats the beauty of the Sudharma imperial court in the heavenly planets."

Narada then described the different assembly houses, such as those of Indra
and Yamaraja. He told Maharaja Yudhisthira that in the imperial court of
Yamaraja there were many kings from the Kuru house, including Pandu and others.
Narada then went on to describe the royal courts of Varuna and Kuvera.

When the narration was finished, the hall was silent. Narada waited for
Yudhisthira to speak. "My lord," inquired Yudhisthira, "I have been listening
to all the descriptions of the differnet sabhas, and I have noticed one thing.
Most of the kings who were lords of this earth are all in the assembly house of
Yamaraja rather than Indra's. Even my father, the great Pandu, was not in
Indra's abode, as I was thinking all these years. I have heard from you that
Harischandra of the solar dynasty is sitting on the throne of Indra. What pious
activities did Harischandra perform that my father did not? My father was the
purest of men and never spoke a word of untruth. He was a saint amongst the
kingly order. Please tell me why my father is not in the court of Indra."

Narada, who had come just to discuss this point, replied, "Certainly, I shall
tell you. The great Harischandra was the son of Trishanku, the favorite of the
sage Visvamitra. Harischandra was a powerful monarch and had conquered all the
kingdoms of the earth. Because of his pious activities, he was able to perform
the Rajasuya sacrifice. For this reason he is able to share the same throne
with Indra. The king who performs the Rajasuya sacrifice receives immense
benefit in the heavenly realm. While I was in Yamaraja's abode, I met your
father. He told me, 'My sons have become powerful on earth. If Yudhisthira
performs the Rajasuya, I will be transferred to Indraloka, and also his fame
will be spread far and wide.' This is the desire of your father. With your four
brothers to help you and with Lord Krishna on your side, it will be possible
for you to perform the Rajasuya. However, you must first conquer all the
earthly kings. It is not an easy task, but I know you are capable of it.
Reflecting on this, do as you think fit. I will go to Dvaraka City and request
Lord Krishna to help you." Narada then left Indraprastha and ascended into the
heavens, constantly chanting the glories of Lord Krishna.



Thus Ends the Mahabharata Summation to the First Chapter of the Sabha Parva,
Entitled, Maya Danava Erects an Imperial Court.





Chapter Commentary



Lord Krishna is the origin of all incarnations. He is the original Personality
of Godhead, the master of all heavenly gods. As stated in Bhagavad-gita 4.8,
"In order to deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants as well as to
establish the principles of religion, I advent Myself millennium after
millennium." Before the appearance of Lord Krishna, Bhumi, the superintending
deity of this earth, requested relief from the unnecessary military forces
which burdened her. The demigods headed by Lord Brahma then went to the ocean
of milk to pray to Lord Vishnu. Kshirodakasayi Vishnu answered the prayers of
Brahma and appeared as the son of Devaki. Lord Krishna knows past, present and
future. He could foresee the battle of Kurukshetra and its outcome. He
remembered how in Vaikuntha His two doorkeepers Jaya and Vijaya had been cursed
by the four Kumaras to come to this material world. Jaya and Vijaya were to act
as enemies of the Lord and allow Him to exhibit His fighting tendency.

The first births of Jaya and Vijaya were as Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha.
They were killed by the Lord in His incarnations as Lord Nrisimhadeva and Lord
Varaha respectively. In the next birth they were Ravana and Kumbhakarna, and
they were killed by the Lord in His incarnation as Lord Ramachandra. Now they
had taken birth as Shishupala and Dantavakra and were destined to be killed by
Lord Krishna. Krishna decided that Shishupala should die in an imperial court
constructed by the demon Maya.

The Pandavas were always situated in a state of spiritual perfection. Due to
their intimate association with the Lord, they could not forget Him at any
time. They remembered His beautiful features, his loving glances and joking
words. They remembered His unparaleled prowess and all of His pastimes. This is
the process of transcending this material world. The kingdom of God is within
all of us, and it has to be awakened by the process of hearing, chanting and
remembering the Name, features and activities of the Supreme Godhead. What was
available to the Pandavas is available to all of us by hearing the glories of
the Lord from the Lord's bonafide representatives and scriptures. Hearing and
chanting will lead to absorption in the Lord which will take one beyond this
world of birth and death.







































































Sabha Parva



Chapter Two



King Yudhisthira Prepares for a Rajasuya Sacrifice



King Yudhisthira, having heard the advice of Narada, sighed heavily and
engaged his thoughts in the matter of the Rajasuya sacrifice. He assembled his
counsellors and ministers in the imperial court and worshiped them accordingly.
They also venerated him in return. They then began to discuss preparations for
the Rajasuya sacrifice. King Yudhisthira wanted to determine the ultimate good
for all his citizens and not simply for his own personal glorification. That
foremost of all virtuous men was always kind to his subjects and worked for the
welfare of all without making distinctions. Being devoid of arrogance and
anger, King Yudhisthira always said, "Give unto each his due." The citizens
responded to such righteousness with the sounds, "Blessed be Dharma
(Yudhisthira)! Blessed be Dharma!"

Receiving paternal assurance from Maharaja Yudhisthira, the citizens in his
kingdom never harbored ever the the slightest hostile feeling towards him. He
therefore came to be known as Ajatrashatru (one with no enemy at all). The king
cherished every citizen in his state as a personal family member.

Bhima, also, governed the citizens justly. Arjuna, the carrier of the Gandiva
bow, protected everyone from any external enemies. The wise Sahadeva
administered justice impartially, and Nakula behaved towards all with a
humility that was inherant in him. Owing to the natural good qualities of the
Pandavas, the kingdom became free from disputes and fear of any kind. The
citizens were attentive to their respective occupations and there was no such
thing as unemployment. In King Yudhisthira's kingdom every one joyfully
executed his occupational duties. The rain became so abundant that the fields
produced more than their usual amount. The kingdom of the Pandavas grew in
prosperity.

In consequence of the King's virtues, the money lenders, the cowherdsmen, the
farmers and the traders grew in prosperity. During the reign of King
Yudhisthira, whoever was devoted to truth, never experienced extortion,
recession, fear of disease, fire, or death by poisoning or incantations. It was
never heard at any time that thieves or royal favorites ever behaved inimically
toward the King or towards one another. In other words, there was no crime in
Maharaja Yudhisthira's domain.

Kings from other countries were always desiring to serve King Yudhisthira in
order to please and worship him. The merchants of different classes were always
happy to bring their taxes levied on their respective occupations. Whatever
countries King Yudhisthira conquered, the citizens, from brahmanas to shudras,
became more attached to him than to their own fathers and mothers.

After assembling his ministers and brothers, King Yudhisthira repeatedly
questioned them about the possibility of performing the Rajasuya sacrifice. The
ministers, as a body, then responded to the King, "O prince of the Kuru race,
all in this assembly have concluded that you are worthy of the attributes of an
emperor. Therefore, the time for you to perform the auspicious Rajasuya
sacrifice in now. The time for that sacrifice, in which ascetic rishis kindle
the six fires with mantras from the Sama Veda, has come for you in consequence
of your kingly possessions. At the conclusion of the Rajasuya sacrifice, when
the performer is installed as the world sovereign, he is rewarded the fruits of
all other sacrifices, including the agnihotra. You are quite able, O noble
King, to perform this sacrifice. Therefore, make your resolution to perform the
Rajasuya without any further discussion."

King Yudhisthira, that foremost emperor, having heard the decision of his
ministers agreed mentally. However, he again consulted with his brothers, the
brahmanas, with Dhaumya, Dwaipayana and others. He wanted to be sure that this
was not his own personal desire, but the desire of the Supreme. The King
possessed great wisdom and had subjugated his mind and senses. He took
everything into consideration including his own strength and means, the
circumstances of time and place and his income and expenditure. He knew that
the wise never grieve after giving full thoughtfulness to all points.

Thinking that the sacrifice should not commence only on his desire, the pious
King Yudhisthira thought Lord Krishna to be the proper person to make the final
decision. He knew Lord Krishna possessed infinite prowess and wisdom. He knew
also that the Lord was birthless although apparently taking birth. Reflecting
on the Godly qualities of Lord Krishna, Maharaja Yudhisthira concluded that
there was nothing unknown to Him. Maharaja Yudhisthira, therefore, humbly
requested Narada to go to Dvaraka to convey his desires to Lord Krishna.

Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, lived in the city of Dvaraka
along with his sixteen thousand one hundred and eight queens. He built a
separate palace for each and every one of them, and each queen thought that
Krishna was living with her alone. The Lord would perform certain morning
duties, and after He had completed them, He would leave His palaces and go to
the Sudharma imperial court. His charioteer Daruka would come with the Lord's
chariot, bow down before the Lord, and stand with folded hands, intimating that
the chariot was ready. Holding on to His charioteer's hands, Lord Krishna would
mount the chariot, together with Uddhava and Satyaki. While sitting on the
dazzling chariot, Lord Krsna appeared more beautiful than the sun rising on the
Eastern horizon. When the Lord was about to leave His palaces, all the queens
and palace ladies would look at Him with shy, loving glances. The Lord would
respond in a loving way, making separation very difficult. He attracted their
hearts so much so that they could not forget Him for a moment during their
daily activities. The Lord would say good-bye in all the sixteen thousand
palaces, and again He would become one and enter the Sudharma Imperial court in
procession with other members of the Yadu dynasty.

Then Lord Krishna, attended by all the Vrishnis, would enter the Imperial
Royal court named Sudharma. The Sudharma Imperial Court had been taken away
from the heavenly planets and reestablished in Dvaraka City. The uniqueness of
the Royal Court was that anyone who entered it would be freed from the six
kinds of material waves, namely hunger, thirst, lamentation, illusion, old age
and death. As long as one remained in that imperial court of Sudharma, he would
not be infected by these six material pangs.

After entering the imperial assembly house, Lord Krsna sat on the exalted
royal throne, emanating a radiant aura of transcendental effulgence. In the
midst of all the famed heroes of the Yadu dynasty, Lord Krishna resembled the
full moon, surrounded by the multitude of luminious stars. In the imperial
court professional jesters would enterain the Lord by displaying various comic
moods. The jesters would joke in such a way that the Lord and His associates
would laugh heartedly, refreshing the morning mood. One by one actors, female
dancers and musicians would begin their respective functions to please the Lord
and put Him in a happy mood. The dramatic actors would relive the lives of
great kings and incarnations of the Lord, and the dancing girls would
separately display their artistic movements. These performers would dance and
sing to the sounds of mridangas (drum), vinas (stringed instrument), flutes,
symbols and conchshells followed by the sound of the murajas, another type of
drum.

Along with the melodic sounds of the instuments, the professional poets
(sutas) chroniclers (magadhas) and panegyrists (vandinahs) would recite the
Lord's glories. In the imperial court highly pious brahmanas were heard
fluently and devotionally chanting the Vedic hymns, while other brahmanas
narrated histories of past kings of pious renown. In this way, the residents of
Dvaraka City would offer their respective services to the Supreme Personality
of Godhead just to please Him. The Lord, accompanied by the other members of
the Yadu dynasty, would be very much pleased to accept the loving devotion of
His eternal associates.

Once, while this festive mood was in progress, a man arrived at the door of
the imperial court, and with the permission of Lord Krishna, he was admitted
into the assembly by the doorkeeper. The man bowed down to the Lord and then
stood before Him with joined palms. With the permission of the Lord he then
began to describe how King Jarasandha conquered all other kingdoms and how many
kings did not accept subjugation before Jarasandha. As a result of their
refusal, all of them, numbering twenty thousand, were arrested and
incarcerated. This man was a messenger from these imprisoned kings, and he now
presented their pleas before Lord Krishna , "O Krishna, Krishna, O
inconceivable Soul, O destroyer of all fear for Your surrendered devotees,
despite our unsurrendered mentality, we have come to You for shelter out of
fear of material existence. People in this world are always diverted by sinful
activities and are thus bewildered about their real duty, which is to worship
You according to Your will. Devotional service to You is the only activity that
would truly bring them good fortune. Let us offer our obeisances unto You, the
all-powerful Lord, who appears as eternal time and frustrates one's stubborn
hope for a long life in this world. You are the predominating Lord of the
universe and have descended into this world with Your personal potency to
protect the saintly devotees and annhilate the wicked. We cannot understand, O
Lord, how anyone can transgress Your supreme will and still continue to enjoy
his fruitive work.

"O Lord, we are encaged in these material bodies, and are thus always full of
fear. We bear the burden of the illusory happiness of kings, which is just like
a dream. Thus we have rejected the inner happiness of the soul, which comes by
rendering unmotivated and selfless devotional service to You. Because of our
wretched attachments, we simply suffer in this life under the enchantment of
Your deluding energy. Therefore, since Your lotus feet relieve the material
affliction of those who surrender to You, please release us from the shackles
of our past sinful activities, which have now manifested in the form of the
Magadha King, Jarasandha. Wielding alone the prowess of ten thousand maddened
elephants, he has arrested us and locked us in his prison just as a lion
captures sheep.

"O wielder to the disc! Your strength is unlimited and beyond human
comparison, and thus seventeen times You crushed Jarasandha in battle. But
then, absorbed in Your own pastimes, he appeared to defeat You once. Now he is
so filled with pride that he thinks he can harass those who are Your devoted
followers. O unconquerable Lord, You have descended to protect the pious and to
annihilate those opposed to Your supreme will. Please fulfill Your mission by
killing this Jarasandha."

"This is the appeal of the kings imprisoned by Jarasandha," the envoy
continued. "They are aspiring for Your personal association, having surrendered
to Your lotus feet. Please shower your grace and causeless mercy upon these
afflicted souls."

After the representative of the imprisoned kings had thus spoken, Narada
rishi, the sage amongst the demigods, suddenly appeared in that assembly.
Bearing golden matted locks on his head and emanating a cooling effulgent aura,
the sage entered the imperial court like the radiant solar orb. Lord Krishna is
the worshipable deity for even planetary rulers like Brahma, Shiva, Indra,
Surya, Chandra, Varuna and others, yet as soon as He saw Narada Muni, He humbly
and joyfully stood up along with the other members of the Yadu dynasty to
receive the powerful sage. To set an example of how to receive a saintly
person, He then offered His respectful obeisances by bowing His head.

Knowing that Lord Krishna was setting an example for the kingly order, Narada
accepted the seat offered to him. Lord Krishna worshiped the sage with full
paraphernalia according to scriptural injunctions and gratified him with
reverence. He then spoke the following truthful and pleasing words, "It is
certain that today the entire universe, and certainly our small assembly, has
attained freedom from all fear, for such is the influence of a great
personality like yourself. There is nothing unknown to you within the cosmic
manifestation of the Supreme Lord. Certainly you have visited Indraprastha and
the Pandavas headed by King Yudhisthira. Therefore please tell Us how the
Pandavas are faring and what plans they intend to execute for the welfare of
the entire world."

"I have many times seen," Narada replied, "the insurmountable power of Your
illusory energy, O infallible one. With this power You bewilder even the
creator of this universe, Brahma. O Lord of infinite prowess, it does not
surprise me that You disguise Yourself as an ordinary human being by Your own
diverse energies while moving among the created beings, as fire covers its
luster with smoke. Who can understand properly Your purpose? Simply by Your
desire this material energy creates and also withdraws the cosmos, and the
interim manifestation appears to have substantial existence. Obeisances to you,
whose transcendental position is inconceivable. The conditioned soul bound by
the repetition of birth and death does not know how to free himself the
material tabernacle, which is the cause of his affliction. But You, the Supreme
Personality of Godhead, descend to this world in various incarnations to teach
and illumine the soul's path back to the spiritual sky. Your glorious pastimes
triumphantly dominate this universe and are the only panacea for the
conditioned soul. Therefore, I surrender unto You.

"Nonetheless, O Supreme Truth, who plays the part of a human being, I shall
relate to You what Your devotee Maharaja Yudhisthira, the son of Your Aunt
Kunti, intends to do. Desiring unrivaled sovereignty, King Yudhisthira plans to
worship You with the greatest fire sacrifice, the Rajasuya. First of all may I
inform You that King Yudhisthira has all material opulences which are possible
to achieve in the highest planetary system, Brahmaloka. He has no material
opulence for which to aspire, and yet he wants to perform the Rajasuya
sacrifice only to get Your association and please You. Please bless his
endeavor with Your personal presence. O Lord, exalted heavenly Gods and
glorious kings, eager to see you, will all come to that best of sacrifices. O
Lord, even mllechas and yavanas are purified by hearing and chanting Your
glories and meditating upon You, the Absolute Truth. What then to speak of
those who see and touch You?

"My dear Lord, You are the symbol of everything auspicious. Your
transcendental name and fame is spread throughout the universe like an
umbrella, gving a chance to the conditioned souls to revive their original
nature as Your eternal servant. The transcendental water that washes Your lotus
feet is known in the higher planetary systems as the Mandakini River, in the
lower planetary systems as the Bhogavati and in this earthly planetary system
as the Ganges. This sacred water flows throughout the entire universe,
purifying wherever it goes."

Previous to Narada's arrival, the Yadus had been listening to the messenger
from the imprisoned kings, and they were contemplating how to conquer
Jarasandha. Therefore, they objected to the proposal of Narada out of a desire
to subjugate the Magadha King. Seeing the differences of opinion, Lord Keshava
turned to his servant Uddhava and smilingly requested him in the following
words, "My dear Uddhava, you are always my well-wishing confidential friend,
and because you possess the eye of wisdom, I wish to see everything through you
because I believe that your counsel is always right. Therefore please advise us
what should be done in this situation."

It was known to Uddhava that although Lord Krishna was acting like an ordinary
man, He knew everything - past, present and future. However, because the Lord
was trying to consult with him, Uddhava, in order to render service to the
Lord, began to speak.



Thus Ends the Mahabharata Summation to the Second Chapter of the Sabha Parva,
Entitled, King Yudhisthira Prepares for the Rajasuya Sacrifice.



Chapter Commentary



The greatness of King Yudhisthira is obvious from this chapter. Although
surrounded by intelligent ministers, wise brahmanas, sages, and his brothers,
still he did not want to make a decision without consulting Lord Krishna. He
wanted to execute all duties on behalf of the Lord's desire. A surrendered soul
wants to find out the will of the Lord and act accordingly. He never wants to
act for his own sense gratification. Maharaja Yudhisthira did not want an
unrivaled kingdom if it was opposed to the desire of the Lord. His only
ambition was to gain the Lord's association and also give that association to
others.

It is interesting to note that Maharaja Yudhisthira had no enemies in his
kingdom. Everyone loved him as father, because they knew he cared about their
ultimate welfare. It is stated that even in their minds the citizens never held
hostile intentions towards the King. This kind of leader was a rare jewel
indeed. If the present leaders of society could gain a taste for reading Srimad
Bhagavatam and Mahabharata, they might pick up the qualities of Maharaja
Yudhisthira. It is hard to accept everyone as one's own family member unless
one is an advanced devotee of the Lord. Because Maharaja Yudhisthira saw Lord
Krishna in the heart of every living being, he treated everyone equally,
irrespective of his caste.

There were no complaints in Maharaja Yudhisthira's kingdom, and, therefore,
there was little need for a judicial system. Any complaints were brought
directly to the king. Can you imagine not needing judges, lawyers and
prosecutors? How much money would the taxpayers save? This kind of government
exists when there a godly leader heading the government. Because current
governments cater to the sense gratification of the citizens, there is constant
bickering and quarrel. Each person is trained to look after his or her own
selfish needs. Everyone is competing with all other persons. However, in
Maharaja Yudhisthira's kingdom, everyone thought of the next person's welfare
instead of his own. Such a kingdom is like the kingdom of God.

It is also interesting to note that there was no crime in Maharaja
Yudhisthira's kingdom. Mother Earth supplied all necessities to man due to the
piety of the King. There were ample jewels, gold, cloth, food, water and
whatever else anyone desired. What was the need to steal? Mother Earth
restricts the necessities of life when people are Godless. Today we feel the
pinch of material life because we don't worshipm the Lord and follow His
desires. Famine, drought, flooding, earthquakes, rampant diseases and other
natural disasters are a direct result of not obeying the will of the Lord. A
lot can be learned from the rule of Maharaja Yudhisthira.

Lord Krishna does not always do everything personally. He may act through His
energies or through his devotees and representatives. Lord Krishna knew how to
solve the dispute about whether to kill Jarasandha or to attend the Rajasuya
sacrifice. However, he decided to give that decision through Uddhava. There
will be a similar case after the Kurukshetra battle, when not even Lord Krishna
could convince Yudhisthira that the battle was the desire of the Lord. It took
Bhishma's instructions to convince Maharaja Yudhisthira. The Lord acts in
mysterious ways and no one can understand His purpose. We only have to
surrender to His Divine will.





Sabha Parva



Chapter Three



Lord Krishna journeys to Indraprastha City



Having heard the statements of Devarshi Narada, and understanding the opinions
of both the assembly and Lord Krishna, the highly intelligent Uddhava began to
speak, "O Lord, as the rishi advised, You should help Your cousin Yudhisthira
fulfill his plan for performing the Rajasuya sacrifice, and You should also
protect the kings who are begging for Your shelter. Only one who has conquered
all opponents in every direction can perform the Rajasuya sacrifice, O almighty
one. Thus, in my opinion, conquering Jarasandha will serve both purposes. By
this decision the Rajasuya sacrifice will be performed, and You will save the
imprisoned kings. Thus, Govinda, You will be glorified.

"The invincible King Jarasandha" Uddhava continued, "is as strong as ten
thousand elephants. Indeed, other powerful warriors cannot defeat him. Only
Bhima is equal to him in strength. He will be defeated by an equal opponent in
duel, not when he is leading his hundred military divisions. Now, Jarasandha is
so devoted to brahminical culture that he never refuses requests from
brahmanas. Bhima should go to him disguised as a brahmana and beg charity. Thus
he will obtain single combat with Jarasandha, and in Your presence Bhima will
no doubt kill him. Even Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva act only as Your instruments
in cosmic creation and annihilation, which are ultimately done by You, the
Supreme Lord, in Your invisible aspect of time.

"In their homes, the wives of the imprisoned kings sing of Your noble
deeds-about how you will kill Jarasandha and deliver them. The gopis also sing
Your glories--how You killed the crocodile enemy of Gajendra, the elephant
king; Ravana, the enemy of Sita; and the enemies of Your own parents as well.
So also do the sages who have obtained Your shelter glorify You, as do we
ourselves. O Krishna, the killing of Jarasandha, which is certainly a reaction
of his past sins, will bring immense benefit. Indeed, it will make possible the
execution of the Rajasuya ceremony as You desire."

Devarshi Narada, the Yadu elders, the ministers and Lord Krishna all welcomed
Uddhava's proposal, which was entirely auspicious and full of wisdom.
Thereafter, Lord Shree Krishna, the chief of the Yadus, honored Narada Muni.
After bowing down to the Lord, Devarshi Narada's senses were fully satisfied.
Thus having heard the decision of the Lord and having been worshiped by Him,
Narada placed the Lord firmly within his heart and graceful departed into the
clear blue sky.

With pleasing words the Lord, who has eyes like lotus petals, addressed the
messenger sent by the kings, "My dear messenger, I wish all good fortune to
you, I shall arrange for the killing of King Magadha. Do not fear." Feeling
satisfied at heart, the messenger departed and relayed the Lord's message to
the imprisoned kings. Eager for freedom, they then waited anxiously for their
meeting with the Lord of all sentient beings.

The almighty personality of Godhead, the son of Devaki, begged His superiors
for permission to leave. Then He ordered His servants, headed by Daruka and
Jaitra, to prepare for departure. Arrangements were made for His 16,108 queens,
their children and baggage to be taken to Indraprastha. After taking leave of
Lord Baladeva and King Ugrasena, Lord Krishna mounted His chariot marked with
the insignia of Garuda and departed for Indraprastha. The vibrations of
mridangas, bheris, kettledrums, conchshells and gomukhas filled the sky in all
directions as the Lord set out on His journey. He was accompanied by the
commanders of His chariot, elephant, calvary and infantry divisions. He was
also surrounded on all sides by His personal body guards. Lord Achyuta's chaste
wives, along with their children, followed the Lord on golden palanquins
carried by stout armed men. The queens were adorned with fine clothing,
ornaments, fragrant oils and flower garlands, and they were surrounded on all
sides by soldiers carrying swords and shields.

On all sides of the procession were finely adorned women--attendants of the
royal household, as well as courtesans. They rode on palanquins and camels,
bulls and buffalo, donkeys, mules, bullock carts and elephants. Their
conveyances were fully loaded with tents, blankets, clothes and other items for
the trip. Lord Krishna's imperial procession was adorned with royal umbrellas,
chamara fans and huge flagpoles with waving banners. During the day the sun's
rays reflected brightly from the soldiers' finely polished weapons, jewelry,
helmets and armor. Thus Lord Krishna's army, exuberant with shouts and clatter,
appeared like an ocean stirring with agitated waves and timingila fish. The
royal procession could be seen from one horizon to the other, so great was the
number of men, women, animals and paraphernalia.

As He traveled through the provinces of Anarta, Sauvira, Marudesha and
Vinashana, Lord Hari crossed rivers and passed mountains, cities, villages, cow
pastures and stone quarries. The inhabitants of these regions perfected their
eyesight by gazing on the transcendental features of the Lord. They waved their
upper clothes and glorified the transcendental activities of the Lord. After
crossing the rivers Drishadvati and Sarasvati, He passed through Panchala and
Matsya and finally came to Indraprastha.

King Yudhisthira was delighted to hear that the Lord, whom ordinary citizens
rarely see, had now arrived. Accompanied by his priests and dear associates,
the King came out to meet Lord Krishna. As songs and musical instruments
resounded along with the loud vibration of Vedic hymns, the King went forth
with great reverence to meet Lord Hrishikesha, just as the senses go forth to
meet the consciousness of life. The heart of King Yudhisthira melted with
affection when he saw his dearmost friend, Lord Krishna, after such a long
separation, and he embraced the Lord again and again. The eternal form of Lord
Krishna is the everlasting residence of the goddess of fortune. As soon as King
Yudhisthira embraced Him the King became free of all the contamination of
material existence. He immediately felt transcendental bliss and merged in an
ocean of jubilation. There were tears in his eyes, and his body trembled due to
ecstasy. He completely forgot that he was living in this world. Then Bhima, his
eyes brimming with affectionate tears, laughed with joy as he embraced his
maternal cousin, Krishna. Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva also joyfully embraced
their dearmost friend, the infallible Lord and tears of love fell profusely
from their eyes.

After Arjuna had embraced Him once more and Nakula and Sahadeva had offered
Him their obeisances, Lord Krishna bowed down to the brahmanas and elders
present, thus properly honoring the respectable members of the Kuru, Srinjaya
and Kaikaya dynasties. Sutas, Magadhas, Gandharvas, Vandis, jesters and
brahmanas all glorified the lotus-eyed Lord--some reciting prayers, some
dancing and singing--as mridangas, conchshells, kettledrums, vinas, panavas and
gomukhas resounded. Thus surrounded by His well-wishing relatives and praised
on all sides, Lord Krishna, the crest jewel of the justly renowned, entered the
decorated city.

The roads of Indraprastha were sprayed with fragrant water sprinkled from the
trunks of intoxicated elephants, and colorful flags, golden gateways and full
waterpots enhanced the city's splendor. Men and young girls were beautifully
arrayed in fine, new garments, adorned with flower garlands and ornaments, and
anointed with aromatic sandalwood paste. Every home displayed glowing lamps and
respectful offerings, and from the holes of the latticed windows drifted
incense, further beautifying the city. Colorful banners waved in the breeze,
and the roofs were a series of finely carved golden domes situated on broad
silver bases. Thus Lord Krishna saw the royal city of the Kuru King, Maharaja
Yudhisthira.

When the young women of Indraprastha heard that Lord Krishna, the reservoir of
pleasure for every eye, had arrived, they hurriedly went onto the royal streets
to see Him. They abandoned their household duties and even left their husbands
in bed, and in their eagerness, the knots of their hair and garments came
loose. The royal streets being quite crowded with elephants, horses, chariots
and foot soldiers, the women climbed to the top of their houses, where they
caught sight of Lord Krishna and His queens. The city ladies scattered flowers
upon the Lord, embraced him in their minds and expressed their heartfelt
welcome with broadly smiling faces. Observing Lord Mukunda's wives passing on
the well paved and ornately designed streets like stars accompanying the moon,
the women exclaimed, "What pious activities and austerities have these ladies
executed that grant them the joy of Lord Keshava's generous smiles and playful
sidelong glances?"

Along the well decorated avenues of Indraprastha, citizens came forward
holding auspicious offerings for Lord Krishna, and sinless leaders of
occupational guilds came forward to worship the Lord. With wide-open eyes, the
members of the royal household rushed forward in a flurry to lovingly greet
Lord Mukunda, and thus the Lord entered the royal palace of King Yudhisthira.
When Queen Kunti saw her nephew Krishna, the master of the three worlds, her
heart filled with loving devotion. Rising from her couch with her
daughter-in-law, Draupadi, Kunti embraced the Lord and all feelings of anxiety
disappeared from her heart. King Yudhisthira respectfully brought Lord Govinda,
the Supreme God of gods, to his personal quarters. The King was so overcome
with joy that he could not remember all the rituals of worship.

Encouraged by Queen Kunti, Draupadi worshiped all of Lord Krishna's wives,
including Rukmini, Satyabhama, Bhadra, Jambavati, Kalindi, Mitravinda,
Nagnajiti, Lakshmana and the other queens of Lord Krishna who were present.
Draupadi honored all of them with such gifts as clothing, flower garlands and
jewelry. King Yudhisthira personally made arrangements for Krishna's comfort
and saw to it that all who came along with Him--namely His queens, soldiers,
ministers and secretaries--were comfortably situated. He arranged that they
would experience a new feature of reception every day while staying as guests
of the Pandavas.



Thus Ends the Mahabharata Summation to the Third Chapter of the Sabha Parva,
Entitled, Lord Krishna Journeys to Indraprastha City.



Chapter Commentary



Lord Krishna displayed such opulence that only He could manifest. Parashara
Muni has defined the Lord as full in six opulences: all wealth, all fame, all
knowledge, all renunciation, all power and all beauty. These days we have
trouble maintaining one wife, but here we see the Lord arranged a procession of
16,108 queens along with His children and servants. The Lord manifests such
opulence, and He doesn't have to labor to do it. By His divine potency and will
everything is arranged. In the ninth chapter of Bhagavad-gita Lord Krishna
tells Arjuna, "The whole cosmic order is under Me. By My will it is manifested
again and again, and by My will it is annihilated at the end." The Lord simply
desires and everything takes place.

The living beings in this world have to struggle hard to survive. They cannot
simply desire and get what they want. It is said in the Bible that the Lord
cursed Adam to work by the sweat of his brow for the sin of eating from the
tree of knowledge. This world is a prison house for those who have rebeled in
the kingdom of God. We have to work hard to gain little. In the Lord's Kingdom
there are desire trees from which a person can choose whatever he likes to
serve the Lord, chintamani prakara sadmansu kalpa vriksha. (B.S. 5.22) The word
kalpa vriksha means desire tree from which one can choose anything that he
likes. These trees do not exist in this world. However, when the Lord descends
to this world, they are present in places like Vrindavana, Mathura and Dvaraka.
The Lord manifests such opulences encouraging us to leave this world of woe and
come back to the kingdom of God, our eternal home.



Sabha Parva



Chapter Four



King Jarasandha Slain



In the great assembly of respectable persons, citizens, friends, relatives,
brahmanas, kshatriyas and vaishyas, King Yudhisthira, in the presence of all,
including his brothers, directly addressed Lord Krishna as follows, "O Krishna,
I desire to perform the Rajasuya sacrifice. That sacrifice, however, cannot be
performed without the sanction of higher authorities. You know, O Krishna,
everything about the means by which this sacrifice may be accomplished. That
person alone can perfect this sacrifice in whom everything is possible, who is
worshiped everywhere and who is the king of kings. My friends and counsellors
have said that I should perform that sacrifice. However, My Lord, I desire to
worship Your auspicious, opulent expansions by the Rajasuya sacrifice, the king
of Vedic ceremonies. Please make our endeavor a success, my Lord. Purified
persons who constantly serve, meditate upon and glorify Your shoes, which
destroy everything inauspicious, are sure to obtain freedom from material
existence, O lotus-naveled one. Even if they desire something in this world,
they obtain it, whereas others-those who do not take shelter of You-are never
satisfied, O Lord. Therefore, O Lord of lords, let the people of this world see
the power of devotional service rendered to Your lotus feet. Please show them,
O almighty one, the position of those Kurus and Shrinjayas who worship You, and
the position of those who do not. Within Your mind there can be no such
differentiation as "This one is mine, and that is another's," because You are
the Supreme Absolute Truth, the Soul of all beings, always equipoised and
enjoying transcendental happiness within Yourself. Just like the heavenly
desire tree, You bless all who properly worship You, granting their desired
fruits in proportion to the service they render You. There is nothing wrong in
this.

"My dear Govinda, as far as the execution of this sacrifice is concerned, Your
words of wisdom shall be my guide. Those who give me counsel, out of
friendship, do not know the difficulties that are to be encountered. Others,
from motives of self interest, say only what is agreeable. Men are seen to
counsel according to their motivations. However, You, O Krishna, are above
material motivation. You are Hrishikesha, the controller of desire and anger.
It behoves You to tell me what will most benefit the world."

"O great king," Lord Krishna replied, "your decision is perfect, and thus your
noble fame will spread to all the worlds, O tormentor of the foes. Indeed, for
the benefit of the great sages, the forefathers and the heavenly gods, for Our
well-wishing friends and, indeed, for all living beings, the performance of
this king of Vedic sacrifices is desirable. First conquer all kings, bring the
earth under your control and collect all the required paraphernalia; then
execute this great sacrifice. These brothers of yours, O king, have taken birth
as partial expansions of the various ruling heavenly gods. And you are so self
controlled that you have conquered even Me, who am unconquerable for those who
cannot control their senses. No one in this world, even a demigod--what to
speak of an earthly king--can defeat My devotee with his strength, beauty, fame
or riches.

"My dear King, you possess the proper qualifications essential to perform the
Rajasuya sacrifice. However, there is one impediment of which you must be
informed. The numerous royal lines all represent themselves as descendants of
Aila and Ikshvaku. These descendants are divided into a hundred separate
dynasties. In this line the descendants of Yayati and Bhoja and numerous. At
the present, O monarch, King Jarasandha, has subjugated many of these
kshatriyas and incarcerated them. Jarasandha is now enjoying sovereignty over
the middle portion of the earth. He has resolved to create disunion among the
different dynasties.

"O Monarch, only a King who is the king of all kings can properly be called an
emperor. Many Kings and princes have voluntarily taken his shelter. They
include Shishupala, the mighty Vaka, who waits upon Jarasandha as his disciple.
There is also Hansa, Dimvaka, Dantavakra, Karusha, Karava, and Meghavahana.
King Bhagadatta, who is the old friend of your father, has bowed his head
before Jarasandha. In his heart he has affection for you, but he regards you as
a father regards his son, and not as a subordinate king looks upon an emperor.
Paundraka, who represents himself as a divine personality and falsely bears My
symbols of the conch, disc, lotus and mace, has also espoused the side of
Jarasandha. Even King Bhishmaka, My father-in-law, has become a servitor of
Jarasandha. Eighteen clans of the Bhojas have fled to the west out of fear of
Jarasandha. So have the Surasenas, the Bhadrakas, the Vodhas, the Salwas, the
Patachcharas, the Susthalas, the Kukuttas, the Kulindas, along with the Kuntis
and many others have also fled their countries alarmed at the power of
Jarasandha. The King of Magadha has conquered many lands and has imprisoned
eighty-six kings. When the total of kings incarcerated reaches one hundred, he
will sacrifice these noblemen before his deity, Lord Shiva. O King, before the
Rajasuya sacrifice can be performed, Jarasandha must by slain and the
imprisoned Kings released. Only then can one be truly called an emperor, one
who rules over all other kings."

"O Janardana," Yudhisthira said, "we have also been frightened by the
wickedness of this monarch. O infallible one, the might of Your arms is our
refuge and strength. I am repeatedly depressed at the thought that Jarasandha
cannot be slain. But what shall I say, O Keshava? You are my highest authority
on everything. Please tell me, O Krishna, the history of this Jarasandha, his
birth and how he obtained so much power. How is it that although You have
conquered him eighteen times, he is still living?"

Lord Krishna replied, "Hear, O Monarch, the history behind this Jarasandha and
his great power. There was a mighty King of the Magadhas named Brihadratha. He
owned three Akshauhini divisions of troops and was very puffed up over his
strength. He had married the two daughters of the King of Kashi. Many years
passed, however, without obtaining a son.

"One day he went to the great sage named Chandra Kausika and served the rishi
with great care. The sage became pleased with him and asked him to take a
benediction. King Brihadratha then asked for a son who could continue his
dynasty. While they were talking, a mango dropped from the tree into the muni's
lap. The muni then said to the King, "Your desire shall be fulfilled." He then
chanted mantras and handed over that mango to the King telling him to give half
to each queen. The muni then went away. King Brihadratha cut the fruit in half
and gave each queen a portion. In due course of time the queens became
pregnant. The King was overjoyed and waited for the birth of the children.

"It so happened that both queens gave birth to fragmental children. A half of
a child took birth from each of them. The queens were disgusted and arranged
that the king throw the portions of the children in the forest. After this had
been accomplished, a witch named Jara happened to come to the spot where the
two halves were thrown. She loved human flesh and desired to take the newly
found meal home with her. To make it easier to carry the halves, she joined
them, and when she did, the two halves united and became one child. She was
unable to carry the child because of its great weight. The child began to roar
like a monsoon cloud, and she could not stop it. It so happened that the King
was in the area, and hearing the crying of the child, he came to that spot. The
Rakshasa woman then informed the monarch, 'O Brihadratha, here is your child
that has been cast into the forest. I have found the child in two parts and,
joining them, the child has become one. I have been living in your kingdom, and
I am pleased with your rule. Take this child back for he is destined to become
King.' The Rakshasa woman then gave the child to the King and disappeared from
sight. Because the child was brought to life by this she-witch, he was given
the name Jarasandha, which means one who was joined by the witch Jara."

Lord Krishna continued: "The child grew up to be as powerful as ten thousand
elephants. When King Brihadratha saw the power and influence of his son, he
crowned his son king and then entered the forest to perform austerities and
penances. Jarasandha offered his two daughters, Asti and Prapti, to King Kamsa
of Mathura. When I killed King Kamsa, I created an enmity with the powerful
Jarasandha. Overcome with anger, Jarasandha took up his mace and released it a
distance of ninety-nine yojanas (792 miles). It landed just outside the city of
Mathura. Understanding his intentions, we prepared the city of Mathura for
attack. We defeated him eighteen times, but still he persisted in fighting. On
his eighteenth attempt, I was already engaged in obtaining Rukmini for My wife.
I, therefore, ordered the city of Dvaraka built so that no other powerful kings
could attack the Yadu dynasty while I was away. The time has now come for his
death."

Upon hearing these nectarean words from the lotus mouth of the Supreme Lord,
King Yudhisthira became joyful, and his face blossomed like a lotus. Lord
Krishna then informed King Yudhisthira of the plan explained by Uddhava for
conquering King Jarasandha. Bhimasena, Arjuna and Lord Krishna then started
together for Girivraja, the capital city of Jarasandha. Attired in the dress of
brahmanas, they looked wonderful and radiant. When the people saw them walking
on the road, they regarded Jarasandha as already slain.

Upon reaching the region of Magadha, Lord Krishna exclaimed, "Behold, O
Partha, the great capital of Girivraja, standing in all its splendor. Just see
outside the city walls the vast ocean of cows and sheep. This majestic town has
a water source that is inexhaustible. Just see the fine mansions symmetrically
aligned. Indeed, it appears that this city is free from any kind of calamity.
Just behold the five large hills that surround the city. They are covered with
cooling shade trees, bearing flowers of every scent and color. It was here that
the great sage Gautama had his ashrama for some time. Due to his presence, this
place has become almost a heavenly abode. Even Manu has ordered that the land
of Magadha never be afflicted with drought. Owning such a city, Jarasandha
desires to become the emperor of the entire earth. We shall, however, humble
his pride by slaying him in single combat."

Before entering the city, Bhima and Arjuna decided to pulverize Chaityaka peak
near the city gate. This hill was one of the five that surrounded the city and
it was dear to the inhabitants and also to King Jarasandha. On this hill King
Brihadratha had once slain a cannibal named Rishava and made three drums from
the Rakshasa's skin. When those drums were beaten, the reverberating sound
echoed for one full month. With their mighty arms only, Bhima and Arjuna
leveled the hill to the point where the drums were beaten, indicating their
desire to place their feet on the head of their foe. With the power of their
arms they broke down the peak, which was worshipped by the citizens of
Girivraja.

Lord Krishna, Bhima and Arjuna then joyfully entered Girivraja in the guise of
brahmanas. As they walked down the main road, they beheld the extraordinary
arrangement of shops full of various edibles, hand crafted items and floral
wreaths. Some of the shops were supplied with intricately carved articles of
various qualities that any person might desire. The shop owners and other
citizens of Magadha, beholding those heroes looking like elephants, with broad
necks and chests, began to wonder about them. Lord Krishna, Bhima and Arjuna
then chose garlands from the shop of one fortunate flower merchant and
decorated their bodies with them. Their arms, which were broad like the trunks
of trees, were then smeared with sandalwood paste by one merchant who pious
activities had now fully fructified. Attired in robes of various colors and
decked in garlands and earrings, the heroes approached King Jarasandha's
palace. Those bulls among men passed through three gates that were heavily
guarded with soldiers and men. They cheerfully entered the palace of King
Jarasandha, and the King, seeing these extraordinary personalities approaching,
exclaimed, "You are welcome in my kingdom." He rose to offer them proper
sitting places. He washed their feet with honey and water, and offered them
gifts of cows and wealth.

Partha and Bhima remained silent during the reception. Therefore, Lord Krishna
informed King Jarasandha, "O monarch, these two brahmanas are in observance of
a vow. Therefore, they will not speak until midnight when their vow will be
completed. You may talk with them at that time." King Jarasandha then gave his
guests comfortable quarters and retired to his own chambers.

King Jarasandha was famous for honoring brahmanas. Even if a brahmana
requested an audience at midnight, he would grant it. Therefore, he rose at
midnight and approached the quarters of his guests. Despite the strange attire
of these brahmanas, he waited on them respectfully. He asked them to take their
seats and then inquired from them, "It is well known to me that brahmanas
observing vows of silence never attire themselves with garlands, and fragrant
paste. Who are you? You are dressed as brahmanas, but your arms bear the marks
of bowstrings. You lead me to believe that you are brahmanas, but you exude
kshatriya energy. Tell me truly who you are. You have broken the peak of
Chaityaka hill, and you have entered my city without fear of royal wrath. The
quality of a brahmana dwells in his speech and not in his physical prowess.
This destruction of Chaityaka hill is not suited to the order you profess. What
is your motive for coming to me?"

Lord Krishna, in the dress of a brahmana, replied to the King: "O King, know
us to be needy guests who have come to you from afar. We wish all good fortune
to you. Please grant us whatever we desire. What can the tolerant not bear?
What will the wicked not do? What will the generous not give in charity? And
who will those with equal vision see as an outsider? He, indeed, is to be
censured and pitied who, though able to do so, fails to achieve with his
temporary body the lasting fame glorified by great saints. Harischandra,
Rantideva, Unchavritti Mudgala, Bali, Shibi, the legendary hunter and pigeon,
and many others have attained the permanent by means of the impermanent." Lord
Krishna, in the garb of a brahmana, thus informed Jarasandha that fame is
imperishable, but the body is perishable. If one can attain imperishable name
and fame by sacrificing his perishable body, he becomes a very respectable
figure in the history of human civilization.

While Lord Krishna was speaking in the garb of a brahmana, Jarasandha became
convinced that the three of them were not actual brahmanas. The signs on their
bodies indicated that they were kshatriyas. Their shoulders were marked with an
impression due to carrying bows; they had beautiful bodily structure, and their
voices were grave and commanding. Thus he definitely concluded that they were
not brahmanas, but kshatriyas. He was also thinking that he had seen them
somewhere before. Although these three persons were kshatriyas, they had come
to his door begging alms like brahmanas. Therefore, he decided that he would
fulfill their desires, in spite of their being kshatriyas. He thought in this
way because their position had already been diminished by their appearing
before him as beggars.

"Under the circumstances," he thought, "I am prepared to give them anything.
Even if they ask for my body, I shall not hesitate to offer it to them." In
this regard, he began to think of Bali Maharaja. Lord Vishnu in the dress of a
brahmana appeared as a beggar before Bali, and in that way He snatched away all
of his opulence and kingdom. He did this for the benefit of Indra, who, having
been defeated by Bali Maharaja, was bereft of his kingdom. Although Bali
Maharaja was cheated, his reputation as a great devotee who was able to give
anything and everything in charity is still glorified throughout the three
worlds. Bali Maharaja could guess that the brahmana was Lord Vishnu Himself and
that He had come to him just to take away his opulent kingdom on behalf of
Indra. Bali's spiritual master and family priest, Sukracharya, repeatedly
warned him about this, and yet Bali did not hesitate to give in charity
whatever the brahmana wanted, and at last he gave up everything to that
brahmana.

"It is my strong determination," thought Jarasandha, "that if I can achieve
immortal reputation by sacrificing this perishable body, I must act for that
purpose; the life of a kshatriya who does not live for the benefit of the
brahmana is certainly condemned."

Actually King Jarasandha was very liberal in giving charity to the brahmanas,
and thus he informed Lord Krishna, Bhima and Arjuna, "My dear brahmanas, you
can ask from me whatever you like. If you so desire, you can take my head also.
I am prepared to give it."

After this, Lord Krishna addressed Jarasandha as follows: "My dear King,
please note that we are not actually brahmanas, nor have we come to ask for
foodstuffs or grains. We are all kshatriyas, and we have come to beg a duel
with you. We hope that you will agree to this proposal. You may note that here
is the second son of King Pandu, Bhimasena, and the third son of Pandu, Arjuna.
As for Myself, you may know that I am your old enemy Krishna, the cousin of the
Pandavas."

When Lord Krishna disclosed their disguise, King Jarasandha began to laugh
very loudly, and then in great anger and in a grave voice he exclaimed, "You
fools! If you want to fight with me, I immediately grant your request. But,
Krishna, I know that You are a coward. I will not fight with You because You
refused to face me in fighting and have left the battlefield. Out of fear of me
You left Your own city, Mathura, and now You have taken shelter within the sea;
therefore, I must refuse to fight with You. As far as Arjuna is concerned, I
know that he is younger than I and is not an equal fighter. I refuse to fight
with him because he is not in any way an equal competitor. But as far as
Bhimasena is concerned, I think he is a suitable competitor to fight with me."
After speaking in this way, King Jarasandha immediately handed a very heavy
club to Bhimasena, and he himself took another, and thus all of them went
outside the city walls to fight.

Bhimasena and King Jarasandha engaged themselves in fighting, and with their
respective clubs, which were as strong as thunderbolts, they began to strike
one another very severely, both of them being eager to fight. They were both
expert fighters with clubs, and their techniques of striking one another were
so beautiful that they appeared to be two dramatic artists dancing on a stage.
The citizens of Magadha, consisting of thousands of brahmanas, kshatriyas,
vaishyas, shudras, women and the aged, all came out of the city to witness the
combat. The crowd became so great that there was a solid mass of humanity with
no space between bodies.

When the clubs of Jarasandha and Bhimasena loudly collided, they sounded like
the impact of the big tusks of two fighting elephants, or like a thunderbolt in
a flashing electrical storm. When two elephants fight together in a sugarcane
field, each of them snatches a stick of sugarcane and, by catching it tightly
in its trunk, strikes the other. Each elephant heavily strikes his enemy's
shoulders, arms, collarbones, chest, thighs, waist, and legs, and in this way
the sticks of sugarcane are smashed. Similarly, all the clubs used by
Jarasandha and Bhimasena were broken, and so the enemies prepared to fight with
their strong-fisted hands. Both Jarasandha and Bhimasena were very angry, and
they began to smash each other with their fists. The striking of their fists
sounded like the striking of iron bars or like the sound of thunderbolts, and
they appeared to be like two elephants fighting. Unfortunately, however,
neither was able to defeat the other because both were very expert in fighting,
both were of equal strength, and their fighting techniques were equal also.
Neither Jarasandha nor Bhimasena became fatigued or defeated in the fighting,
although they struck each other continually. At the end of a day's fighting,
both lived at night as friends in Jarasandha's palace, and the next day they
fought again. In this way they passed twenty-seven days in fighting.

On the twenty-eighth day, Bhimasena told Krishna, "My dear Krishna, I must
frankly admit that I cannot conquer Jarasandha." Lord Krishna, however, knew
the mystery of the birth of Jarasandha. Jarasandha was born in two different
parts from two different mothers. When his father saw that the baby was
useless, he threw the two parts in the forest, where they were later found by a
black-hearted witch named Jara. She managed to join the two parts of the body
of the baby from top to bottom. Knowing this, Lord Krishna, therefore, also
knew how to kill him. He gave hints to Bhimasena that since Jarasandha was
brought to life by the joining of the two parts of his body, he could be killed
by the separation of these two parts. Thus Lord Krishna transferred His power
into the body of Bhimasena and informed him of the device by which Jarasandha
could be killed. Lord Krishna immediately picked up a twig from a tree and,
taking it in His hand, bifurcated it. In this way He hinted to Bhimasena how
Jarasandha could be killed. Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead,
is omnipotent, and if he wants to kill someone, no one can save that person.
Similarly, if He wants to save someone, no one can kill him.

Informed by the hints of Lord Krishna, Bhimasena immediately took hold of
Jarasandha's legs and threw him to the ground. When Jarasandha fell to the
ground, Bhimasena immediately pressed one of Jarasandha's legs to the ground
and took hold of the other leg with his two hands. Catching Jarasandha in this
way, he tore his body in two, from the anus up to the head. As an elephant
breaks the branches of a tree in two, so Bhimasena separated the body of
Jarasandha. The citizens of Magadha who were standing nearby saw that the body
of Jarasandha was now divided into two halves, so that each half had one leg,
one thigh, one testicle, one breast, half a backbone, half a chest, one
collarbone, one arm, one eye, one ear and half a face.

As soon as the news of Jarasandha's death was announced, all the citizens of
Magadha began to cry, "Alas, alas," while Lord Krishna and Arjuna embraced
Bhimasena to congratulate him. Although Jarasandha was killed, neither Krishna
nor the two Pandava brothers made a claim to the throne. Their purpose in
killing Jarasandha was to stop him from creating a disturbance against the
proper discharge of world peace. A demon always creates disturbances, whereas a
godly person always tries to keep peace in the world. The mission of Lord
Krishna is to give protection to the righteous persons and to kill the demons
who disturb a peaceful situation. Therefore Lord Krishna immediately called for
the son of Jarasandha, whose name was Sahadeva, and with due ritualistic
ceremonies He asked him to occupy the seat of his father and reign over the
kingdom peacefully. Lord Krishna is the master of the whole cosmic creation,
and He wants everyone to live peacefully and execute Krishna consciousness.
After installing Sahadeva on the throne, He released all the kings and princes
who had been imprisoned unnecessarily by Jarasandha.



Thus Ends the Mahabharata summation to the Fourth Chapter of the Sabha Parva,
Entitled, King Jarasandha Slain.



Chapter Commentary



King Yudhisthira consistently shows the true qualities of a King. He did not
want perform the Rajasuya sacrifice without consulting with the Supreme Lord.
This is the example set by this great king. No leader should make important
decisions without consulting with the Supreme Lord. The leader of a nation is
supposed to be so pious as to have direct contact with the Lord for instituting
the will of the Lord. Saintly kings like Dasaratha, Janaka, Yudhisthira, David,
Solomon and others had direct communication with the Lord due to their being
obedient servants of the Lord. The Lord reveals Himself to one who is
surrendered and obedient.

King Yudhisthira was actually afraid to act for his personal sense
gratification. To perform this sacrifice would mean that he would be the
emperor of the world. It would mean that kings from all subordinated kingdoms
would come and bow their heads at his feet. King Yudhisthira did not want this
position unless the Supreme Lord sanctioned it. Maharaja Yudhisthira was a self
realized soul. He had no need to be emperor of the world. He simple wanted to
glorify Lord Krishna and surrender to His supreme will.

Lord Krishna again saved the Pandavas by instructing Bhima how to kill
Jarasandha. Jarasandha was undefeatable by a mortal being. Even Bhima, the son
of the Wind God, Vayu, had a difficult time killing Jarasandha. Lord Krishna
entered Bhima's body by His personal strength and empowered him to kill
Jarasandha, who was otherwise undefeatable. No one can thwart the will of the
Lord. Lord Krishna and Balarama had descended on a mission to kill those who
were opposed to religiosity. Jarasandha and demons like him were opposed to
Krishna's plan and thus destined to be destroyed.





Sabha Parva



Chapter Five



Lord Krishna Benedicts the Imprisoned Kings



The kings and the princes released by Lord Krishna after the death of
Jarasandha were rulers of different parts of the world. When they were released
by the grace of Lord Krishna, they all looked very unhappy; their garments were
dirty and torn, and their faces were almost dried up due to insufficient food
and water. They were very weak due to hunger, and their faces had lost all
beauty and luster. Because of the kings' long imprisonment, every part of their
bodies had become slackened and invalid. But although suffering in that
miserable condition of life, they had the opportunity to pray to the Supreme
Personality of Godhead, Vishnu.

Now before them they saw the color of the transcendental body of Lord Krishna,
exactly like the hue of a newly arrived cloud in the sky. He appeared before
them nicely covered with yellow colored silken garments, with four hands like
Vishnu, and carrying the different symbols of the club, the conchshell, the
disc and the lotus flower. There were marks of golden lines on His chest, and
the nipples of His breast appeared to be like the whorl of a lotus flower. His
eyes appeared to be spread like the petals of a lotus flower, and His smiling
face exhibited the symbol of eternal peace and prosperity. His glittering
earrings were set beautifully, and His helmet was bedecked with valuable
jewels. The Lord's necklace of pearls and the bangles and bracelets nicely
situated on His body all shone with a transcendental beauty. The Kaustubha
jewel hanging on His chest glittered with great luster, and the Lord wore a
beautiful flower garland.

After so much distress, when the kings and princes saw Lord Krishna, with His
beautiful transcendental features, they looked upon Him to their hearts'
content, as if they were drinking nectar through their eyes, licking His body
with their tongues, smelling the aroma of His body with their noses, and
embracing Him with their arms. Just by dint of their being in front of the
Supreme Personality of Godhead, all reactions to their sinful activities were
washed away. Therefore, without reservation, they surrendered themselves at the
lotus feet of the Lord. It is stated in the Bhagavad-gita that unless one is
freed from all kinds of sinful reactions, one cannot fully surrender unto the
lotus feet of the Lord. All the princes who saw Lord Krishna forgot all their
past tribulations. With joined palms and with great devotion, they began to
offer prayers to Lord Krishna, as follows.

"Dear Lord, O Supreme Godhead, master of all heavenly beings, You can
immediately remove all Your devotees' pangs because Your devotees are fully
surrendered unto You. O dear Lord Krishna, O eternal deity of transcendental
bliss and knowledge, You are imperishable, and we offer our respectful
obeisances unto Your lotus feet. It is by Your causeless mercy that we have
been released from the imprisonment of Jarasandha, but now we pray unto You to
release us from the imprisonment with the illusory energy of this material
existence. Please, therefore, stop our continuous cycle of birth and death. We
now have sufficient experience of the miserable material condition of life in
which we are fully absorbed, and having tasted its bitterness, we have come to
take shelter under Your lotus feet.

"Dear Lord, O killer of the demon Madhu, we can now clearly see that
Jarasandha was not at fault in the least; it is actually by Your causeless
mercy that we were bereft of our kingdoms because we were very proud of calling
ourselves rulers and kings. Any ruler or king who becomes too puffed up with
false prestige and power does not get the opportunity to understand his real
constitutional position and eternal life. Such foolish so-called rulers and
kings become falsely proud of their position under the influence of Your
illusory energy; they are like a foolish person who considers a mirage in the
desert to be a reservoir of water. Foolish persons think that their material
possessions will give them protection, and those who are engaged in sense
gratification falsely accept this material world as a place of eternal
enjoyment. O Lord, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, we must admit that, before
this, we were puffed up with our material opulences. Because we were all
envious of each other and wanted to conquer one another, we all engaged in
fighting for supremacy, even at the cost of sacrificing the lives of many
citizens."

The kings continued: "O Lord, we were simply engaged in the abominable task of
killing citizens and alluring them to be unnecessarily killed, just to satisfy
our political whims. We did not consider that Your Lordship is always present
before us in the form of cruel death. We were so fooled that we became the
cause of death for others, forgetting our own impending death. But, dear Lord,
the retaliation of the time element, which is Your representative, is certainly
insurmountable. The time element is so strong that no one can escape its
influence; therefore, we have received the reactions of our atrocious
activities, and we are now bereft of all opulences and stand before You like
street beggars. We consider our position to be Your causeless, unalloyed mercy
upon us because now we can understand that we were falsely proud and that our
material opulences could be withdrawn from us within a second by Your will.

"By Your causeless mercy only, we are now able to think of Your lotus feet.
This is our greatest gain. Dear Lord, it is known to everyone that the body is
a breeding ground of diseases. Now we are sufficiently aged, and instead of
being proud of our bodily strength, we are getting weaker day by day. We are no
longer interested in sense gratification or the false happiness derived through
the material body. By Your grace, we have now come to the conclusion that
hankering after such material happiness is just like searching for water in a
desert mirage. We are no longer interested in the results of our pious
activities, such as performing great sacrifices in order to be elevated to the
heavenly planets. We now understand that such elevation to a material standard
of life in the heavenly planets may sound very relishable, but actually there
cannot be any happiness within this material world.

"We pray for Your Lordship to favor us by instructing us how to engage in the
transcendental loving service of Your lotus feet so that we may never forget
our eternal relationship with Your Lordship. We do not want liberation from the
entanglement of material existence. By Your will we may take birth in any
species of life; it does not matter. We simply pray that we may never forget
Your lotus feet under any circumstances. Dear Lord, we now surrender unto Your
lotus feet by offering our respectful obeisances unto You because You are the
Supreme Lord, the Personality of Godhead, Krishna, the son of Vasudeva. You are
the Supersoul in everyone's heart, and You are Lord Hari, who can take away all
miserable conditions of material existence. Dear Lord, Your name is Govinda,
the reservoir of all pleasure. One who is engaged in satisfying Your senses
automatically satisfies his own senses also, and therefore You are known as
Govinda. Dear Lord, You are ever famous, for You can put an end to all miseries
of Your devotees. Please, therefore, accept us as Your surrendered servants."

After hearing the prayers of the kings, Lord Krishna, who is always the
protector of surrendered souls and the ocean of mercy for the devotees, replied
to them as follows in His sweetly transcendental voice, which was grave and
full of meaning. "My dear kings," He said, "I bestow upon you My blessings.
From this day forth you will have firm devotion to me, the Supreme Self and the
Lord of all that be. I assure you this will come to pass, just as you desire.
Fortunately you have come to the proper conclusion, my dear kings, and what you
have spoken is true. I can see that human beings' lack of self restraint, which
stems from their intoxication with opulence and power, simply leads to madness.
Haihaya, Nahusha, Vena, Ravana, Narakasura and many other rulers of demigods,
men, and demons fell from their elevated positions because of infatuation with
material opulence Understanding that this material body and everything
connected with it have a beginning and an end, worship Me by Vedic sacrifices,
and with clear intelligence protect your subjects in accordance with the
principles of religion. As you live your lives, begetting generations of
progeny and encountering happiness and distress, birth and death, always keep
your minds fixed on Me. Be detached from the body and everything connected to
it. Remaining self-satisfied, steadfastly keep your vows while concentrating
your minds fully on Me. In this way you will ultimately attain Me, the Supreme
Absolute Truth."

After delivering His instructions to the kings and princes, Lord Krishna
immediately arranged for their comfort and asked many servants and maidservants
to take care of them. Lord Krishna requested Sahadeva, the son of King
Jarasandha, to supply all necessities to the kings and also asked him to show
them all respect and honor. In pursuance of the order of Lord Krishna, Sahadeva
offered them all honor, and presented them with ornaments, garments, garlands,
and other paraphernalia. After taking their baths and dressing very nicely, the
kings appeared happy and gentle. Then they were supplied food fit for kings.
Lord Krishna supplied everything for their comfort, as was befitting their
royal positions.

Since the kings were so mercifully treated by Lord Krishna, they felt great
happiness, and all their bright faces appeared just like the stars in the sky
after the end of the rainy season. They were all nicely dressed and ornamented,
and their earrings glittered. Each one was then seated on a chariot bedecked
with gold and jewels and drawn by decorated horses. After seeing that each was
taken care of, Lord Krishna, in a sweet voice, asked them to return to their
respective kingdoms. By His very liberal behavior, unparalleled in the history
of the world, Lord Krishna released all the kings who had been in the clutches
of Jarasandha, and being fully satisfied, the kings began to engage in chanting
His holy name, thinking of His holy form, and glorifying His transcendental
pastimes as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

So engaged, they returned to their respective kingdoms. The citizens of their
kingdoms were very greatly pleased to see them return; and when they heard of
the kind dealings of Lord Krishna, they all became very happy. The kings began
to manage the affairs of their kingdoms in accordance with the instructions of
Lord Krishna, and all those kings and their subjects passed their days very
happily.

After thus causing the annihilation of Jarasandha by Bhimasena and after being
properly honored by Sahadeva, the son of Jarasandha, Lord Krishna, accompanied
by Bhimasena and Arjuna, returned to the city of Hastinapura. When they reached
the precincts of Hastinapura, they blew their respective conchshells; and by
hearing the sound vibrations and understanding who was arriving, everyone
immediately became cheerful. But upon hearing the conchshells, the enemies of
Krishna became very sorry. The citizens of Indraprastha felt their hearts
become joyful simply by hearing the vibration of Krishna's conchshell because
they could understand that Jarasandha had been killed. Now the performance of
the Rajasuya sacrifice by King Yudhisthira was almost certain. Bhimasena,
Arjuna, and Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, arrived before King
Yudhisthira and offered their respects to the King. King Yudhisthira
attentively heard the narration of the killing of Jarasandha and the setting
free of the kings. He also heard of the tactics which were adopted by Krishna
to kill Jarasandha. The king was naturally affectionate toward Krishna, but
after hearing the story, he became even more bound in love for Krishna; tears
of ecstasy glided from his eyes, and he became so stunned that he was almost
unable to speak.

After the slaying Jarasandha, King Yudhisthira sent his brothers to conquer
the other kings of the earth. He sent Arjuna to the north, Bhima to the east,
Sahadeva to the south and Nakula to the west. The intention of the brothers was
not to claim the thrones of these kings, but to defeat them, extract tribute
and make them agree to King Yudhisthira's domination. After being subjected,
the defeated kings were invited to Maharaja Yudhisthira's Rajasuya sacrifice.

Arjuna, the mighty bowman, first of all subjugated King Bhagadatta, who
accepted subordination under King Yudhisthira. Arjuna then marched against King
Vrihanta, and one kingdom after another was brought under the sway of Maharaja
Yudhisthira. Arjuna conquered Modapura, the Northern Ulukas, the kshatriyas of
Kashmira and the seven tribes called Utsava-sanketa. The mighty son of Kunti
then defeated King Viswagaswa of the Puru race. He then conquered the
Trigartas, the Daravas, the Kokonadas and various other kshatriyas. The prince
of the Kuru race then took the delightful town of Avisari, and then brought
under his sway the king of Uraga named Rochamana. The exalted son of Pandu then
defeated the Daradas along with the Kambhojas. In a terrible battle Arjuna
subjugated the Rishikas. At last having conquered all the land of the Himalayas
and the Nishkuta mountains, that bull among men encamped at the white
mountains.

Arjuna then subjugated the Kimpurushas ruled by Durmaputra. He then defeated
the Guhakas from a country called Harataka. The Kuru prince then beheld the
Manasa Ganga lake and other lakes sacred to the Rishis. At last the son of
Pandu arrived in the country north of Harivarsha and desired to conquer it.
Thereupon certain frontier guards endowed with huge bodies approached him with
gallant hearts and advised him, "O son of Pritha, this tract of land can never
be conquered by you. If you value your well being, please return to your
kingdom, for any human who enters this region, will surely perish. We are
satisfied with you prowess; O hero, your conquest must stop here. This is where
the northern Kurus live, and war does not exist here. Even if you were to enter
this region, you could not see anything for human eyes cannot perceive the
subtle forms that exist here. If, however, you desire something, please tell us
so that we may do your bidding."

"If your land cannot be seen by human beings," Arjuna said, "then I shall not
enter it. However, I desire that some offering be paid to King Yudhisthira as
tribute." Immediately, guards brought celestial cloths made of the finest silk,
and they also brought dazzling jeweled ornaments and skins. After conquering
all countries of the north and extracting tribute and subordination from those
kings, Arjuna brought back the enormous wealth to King Yudhisthira. The wealth
consisted of unseen jewels and gems, and horses from the species called Tittiri
and Kalmasha, whose color was like that of parrot wings and peacocks, and who
were endowed with the speed of the wind.

As ordered by King Yudhisthira, Bhima marched toward the east with a great
army. Within a short time that bull of the Bharata race conquered the Gandakas,
Videhas and the Dasarnas. The king of the Dasarnas was named Sudharman. He
fought a fierce battle with Bhima using only his mighty arms. Bhima was so
pleased with the King that he made him commander in chief of his forces. Bhima
then defeated Rochamana, the king of Aswamedha. Bhima then marched into Pulinda
and brought Sukumara and King Sumitra under his sway. Bhima then challenged
Shishupala and the Chedis. However, Shishupala treated Bhima with great respect
and offered him his kingdom. Bhima requested Shishupala to be present for the
Rajasuya sacrifice of Yudhisthira. Bhima then subjugated the Koshalas, the
northern Koshalas, and the king of Ayodhya. The mighty son of Kunti then
defeated the warriors from Vatsabhumi and the king of the Bhargas. He defeated
Janaka, the king of the Videhas, then the Kiratas, then the son of Jarasandha,
Sahadeva. Bhima encountered Karna and defeating him made him pay tribute to
Maharaja Yudhisthira. Paundraka, who was later killed by Lord Krishna, was also
subjugated by Bhima. After defeating innumerable monarches and exacting tribute
from them all of them, he marched back to Indraprastha. The illustrious son of
Kunti brought back a downpour of wealth consisting of coins and gems counted in
hundreds and millions. He offered the entire wealth at the feet of Yudhisthira,
the great.

Sahadeva, on the order of Maharaja Yudhisthira, marched toward the southern
countries. He defeated the Surasenas, the Matsyas and brought under his sway
Dantavakra, the mighty king of Adhirajas. He conquered the Nishadas and the
kings of Avanti, Vinda and Anuvinda. He brought under Maharaja Yudhisthira's
rule, King Bhishmaka and the king of the Koshalas. Sahadeva then fought with
Mainda and Dvivida, the kings of Kishkinda. Then Sahadeva encountered his
toughest challenge at Mahismati; he fought with king Nila, who was aided by
Agni, the fire god. The encounter between the two forces was fierce, terrible
and bloody, and before long Agni, the fire god, was scorching the front line of
chariots, elephants and soldiers in Sahadeva's army. Witnessing the possible
extinction of his army, Sahadeva did not know what to do.

Agni had taken the side of King Nila because of the King's beautiful daughter.
When the girl was young, she used to stay near the sacrificial fire causing it
to blaze forth. As it came to pass, King Nila's sacrificial fire, even if
fanned, would not blaze up till agitated by the gentle breath from the girl's
fair lips. It came to be known that Agni desired the beautiful young girl for
his wife. The girl also accepted a proposal from Agni. One day the deity
assuming the form of a brahmana was happily enjoying the company of the young
girl when he was discovered by the King. The King was enraged and ordered the
brahmana to be punished according to law. However, Agni flamed up in wrath, and
the King, struck with wonder, immediately offered his daughter to the fire god.
Accepting the King's daughter for his wife, Agni requested the king to take a
benediction. The King asked that his troops would never panic while engaged in
battle. From that time on any king who was foolish enough to attack Mahismati
had his troops consumed by fire. Now the same thing was happening to Sahadeva's
troops.

The mighty son of Pandu, however, stood his ground like an unmovable mountain.
He purified himself and touched water. He then pacified the fire god with sweet
words. Agni approached Sahadeva and gave him assurance, "O thou of the Kuru
race, cease from offering prayers. I was only testing you. I know your purpose
for subjugating the kings of the earth. However, O best of the Bharata race, as
long as there is a descendant of King Nila's line, I will protect this town of
Mahismati. I will, however, satisfy your desire." Agni then disappeared and
soon King Nila appeared at Agni's request and paid tribute to King
Yudhisthira.

Sahadeva then continued his conquest and soon received tribute from King Rukmi
of Bhojakata and conquered all the kings of the south. He even exacted tribute
from Vibhishana, the brother of Ravana and ruler of Lanka. Sahadeva, after
accumulating vast hordes of wealth, returned to King Yudhisthira and presented
all that he had collected.

Nakula, the heroic son of Pandu, went toward the east and collected tribute
from those monarches who accepted King Yudhisthira's rule. He conquered the
Dasarnas, the Karnatas, the Amvasthas, the Malavas and the Mlechcha tribes of
the East. When Nakula came to Dvaraka, Lord Krishna, the Supreme Lord, gladly
accepted the subjugation of King Yudhisthira, for the Lord is always conquered
by the devotion of devotees. He is known as Ajita, unconquerable, but He is
conquered by the love of His devotees. Nakula then approached his uncle, King
Salya, who gladly accepted subordination under King Yudhisthira. King Salya
bestowed upon Nakula large amounts of jewels and gold coins. So great was the
treasure that Nakula exacted from various kings that ten thousand camels could
carry it only with great difficulty. He entered Indraprastha and offered all
that wealth at the feet of his brother, the magnanimous King Yudhisthira.



Thus Ends the Mahabharata Summation to the Fifth Chapter of the Sabha Parva,
Entitled, Lord Krishna benedicts the Imprisoned Kings.



Chapter Commentary



The imprisoned kings could easily see the result of misusing political power.
As soon as a king or a nation becomes rich in material opulences, it wants to
dominate other nations by military aggression. Similarly, mercantile men want
to monopolize a certain type of business and control other mercantile groups.
Degraded by false prestige and infatuated by material opulences, human society,
instead of striving for Krishna consciousness, creates havoc and disrupts
peaceful living. Thus men naturally forget the real purpose of life: to attain
the favor of Lord Vishnu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. It is unfortunate
that living beings have to learn the hard way. If we simply by follow the
instructions of Lord Krishna, peaceful living automatically follows.

In Lord Krishna's instructions to the imprisoned kings, he gives the perfect
example of a Krishna conscious society. If the people of the world divide the
whole society, into four orders for material and spiritual progress, and
following the instructions of Krishna as stated in Bhagavad-gita, the entire
human society will undoubtedly be happy. Presently people don't know how to be
happy. Because, by ignoring the instructions of the Lord and guided by their
personal motivations, they have created hell on earth. Five thousand years ago
the earth needed a cleansing of evil kings, and so also, today, the earth needs
a thorough cleansing of the ungodly. Once this is done, the earth will again
begin to prosper under God conscious leadership.



Sabha Parva



Chapter Six



Shishupala's Liberation



The kingdom of Maharaja Yudhisthira continued to prosper, and he was able to
give full protection to his citizens, both materially and spiritually, because
he always spoke of the Absolute Truth. His humble nature and his devotion to
truth always kept his would be enemies in check. The citizens happily engaged
in their respective occupational duties. Due to the rule of the pious monarch,
there was as much rain in the kingdom as the citizens desired. All cities and
towns in Maharaja Yudhisthira's kingdom became highly prosperous. Indeed, cow
protection, farming and trading flourished beyond the expectations of the
vaishya class. During the reign of Maharaja Yudhisthira, robbers and thieves
never cheated anyone because there was plenty for all. There were no droughts,
floods, plagues, earthquakes, famine, fires, or premature deaths in the kingdom
of Maharaja Yudhisthira. In order to please Maharaja Yudhisthira, the kings of
the earth used to serve him, worship him or offer tribute to that king of
kings. The large treasure house of the emperor was so filled with hoards of
wealth that it could not be emptied by a hundred years of charity. Seeing the
state of his treasury, Maharaja Yudhisthira set his heart on performing the
Rajasuya sacrifice.

Maharaja Yudhisthira's friends, ministers and officers, separately and
together, approached him and advised, "The time has come, O exalted one, for
the performance of the Rajasuya sacrifice. All arrangements should be made as
soon as possible."

While these discussions were going on, Lord Hari (Krishna), the omniscient and
oldest person of all, arrived in the kingdom of Maharaja Yudhisthira. That
Supreme Lord has been described by those possessing knowledge as the omniscient
Supersoul of every being, as the soul of the Vedas, as the foremost of all
existences in the universe, as the origin of all things, as the cause of all
causes, as that in which all things come to be resolved, and as the lord of the
past, present and future. He has been called Keshava, the slayer of the Keshi
demon, the dispeller of all fear in times of distress and the annihilator of
all foes. That Supreme Personality of Godhead, being pleased by the devotion of
Maharaja Yudhisthira, entered the pious city of Indraprastha, bringing with Him
a large mass of treasure, including an inexhaustible ocean of gems that would
be the envy of any enemy.

The capital of the Bharata dynasty was gladdened by Lord Krishna's presence
just as a dark region becomes joyful by the sun's rising, or as one feels a
cool gentle breeze on a hot summer day. The citizens of Indraprastha greeted
that Lord of Lords with all the devotion in their hearts. Approaching Him
lovingly and with due respect, Maharaja Yudhisthira inquired of His welfare.
Offering Lord Krishna a seat of honor, Maharaja Yudhisthira, who was
accompanied by Dhaumya, Vyasadeva, the sacrificial priests and Bhima and
Arjuna, addressed Lord Krishna as follows, "My dear Lord Krishna, it is by your
grace that this entire earth has been brought under my sway. And it is through
your mercy that I have obtained the vast wealth in my treasury. I desire to
devote that wealth according to scripture unto the direction of superior
brahmanas and the carrier of the sacrificial libations. I am asking Your
permission, O thou of the Dasarha race, to perform this sacrifice along with my
brothers. My dear Krishna, O eternal form of bliss and knowledge, all the
exalted directors of the affairs of this material world, including Lord Brahma,
Lord Shiva and King Indra, are always anxious to receive and carry out orders
from You; and whenever they are fortunate enough to receive such orders, they
immediately obey them in their hearts. O Krishna, You are unlimited, and
although we sometimes think of ourselves as royal kings and rulers of the world
and become puffed up over our paltry positions, we are very poor in heart.
Actually, we are fit to be punished by You, but the wonder is that instead of
punishing us, You so kindly and mercifully accept our orders and carry them out
properly. Others are very surprised that Your Lordship can play the part of an
ordinary human, but we can understand that You are performing these activities
just like a stage actor. Your real position is always exalted, exactly like
that of the sun, which always remains at the same temperature both during the
time of its rising and the time of its setting. Although we feel the difference
in temperature between the rising and the setting sun, the temperature of the
sun never changes. You are always transcendentally equipoised, and thus You are
neither pleased nor disturbed by any condition of material affairs. You are the
Supreme Brahman, the Personality of Godhead, and for You there are no
relativities. My dear Madhava, You are never defeated by anyone. Material
distinctions - 'This is me.' 'This is you.' 'This is mine.' 'This is
yours.'--are all conspicuous by dint of their absence in You. Such distinctions
are visible in the lives of everyone, even the animals, but those who are pure
devotees are freed from these false distinctions. Since these distinctions are
absent in Your devotees, they cannot possibly be present in You."

After satisfying Lord Krishna in this way, King Yudhisthira arranged to
perform the Rajasuya sacrifice. He invited all the qualified brahmanas and
sages to take part and appointed them to different positions as priests in
charge of the sacrificial arena. He invited the most expert brahmanas and
sages, whose names are as follows: Krishna-dvaipayana Vyasadeva, Bharadvaja,
Sumantu, Gautama, Asita, Vashistha, Chyavana, Kanva, Maitreya, Kavasa, Trita,
Visvamitra, Vamadeva, Sumati, Jaimini, Kratu, Paila, Parasara, Garga,
Vaisampayana, Atharva, Kasyapa, Dhaumya, Parasurama, Sukracharya, Asuri,
Vitihotra, Madhucchanda, Virasena, and Akritavrana. Besides all these brahmanas
and sages, he invited such respectful senior members of the Kuru Dynasty as
Dronacharya, Bhishma, the grandfather of the Kurus, Kripacharya, and
Dhritarastra. He also invited all the sons of Dhritarastra, headed by
Duryodhana, and the great devotee Vidura was also invited. Kings from different
parts of the world, along with their ministers and secretaries, were also
invited to see the great sacrifice performed by King Yudhisthira, and the
citizens, comprising learned brahmanas, chivalrous kshatriyas, well-to-do
vaishyas, and faithful shudras, all visited the ceremony.

The kings who came for the Rajasuya sacrifice were received by Maharaja
Yudhisthira and treated to heavenly opulence. All those monarches were assigned
to mansions that equaled the abodes of the heavenly gods. The mansions were
white as clouds and high as mount Kailasa. There were beautifully designed and
filled with ornate furniture. They were enclosed with high boundary walls and
surrounded by gardens and water tanks filled with lotus flowers. The lattice
windows were covered with gold, and the walls were covered with rows of pearls
and other valuable gems. The floors, too, were made of gems, and some were
covered with costly carpets. Flower garlands hung here and there, and scented
perfumes filled the air. These mansions were covered in white marble and looked
like the the snow capped mountains of the Himalayas. The doors and entrances
were uniformly set and were wide enough to admit a crowd. Adorned with various
costly articles and built with various metals, they looked like the peaks of
Mount Himavat. The kings of the earth were very satisfied with the reception of
Maharaja Yudhisthira.

The brahmana priests and sages in charge of the sacrificial ceremony broke the
sacrificial ground with a golden plow, and they initiated King Yudhisthira as
the performer of the great sacrifice, in accordance with Vedic rituals. Long
years ago, when Varuna performed a similar sacrifice, all the sacrificial
utensils were made of gold. In the Rajasuya sacrifice of King Yudhisthira, all
the utensils required for the sacrifice were also golden.

In order to participate in the great sacrifice performed by King Yudhisthira,
all the exalted demigods like Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva, and Indra the King of
heaven, accompanied by their associates, as well as the predominating deities
of higher planetary systems like Gandharvaloka, Siddhaloka, Janaloka, Tapoloka,
Nagaloka, Yakshaloka, Rakshasaloka, Pakshiloka and Charanaloka, as well as
famous kings and their queens, were all present by the invitation of King
Yudhisthira. All the respectable sages, kings and demigods who assembled there
unanimously agreed that King Yudhisthira was quite competent to take the
responsibility of performing the Rajasuya sacrifice; no one was in disagreement
on this fact. All of them knew thoroughly the position of King Yudhisthira;
because he was a great devotee of Lord Krishna, no accomplishment was
extraordinary for him.

Maharaja Yudhisthira requested certain persons to help him with the sacrifice.
He appointed Bhima to superintend the food department and other enjoyable
things. He asked Ashvatthama to wait on and serve the needs of any brahmana who
came to the sacrifice. Sanjaya was appointed to serve and offer worship to all
kings who came to the sacrifice. Bhishma and Drona were appointed to see that
no detail of the reception was neglected. Kripa was appointed to look after the
diamonds, pearls, other gems and gold that was offered to King Yudhisthira. He
was also in charge of distribution of gifts to brahmanas. Balhika,
Dhritarastra, Somadatta, and Jayadratha went about enjoying themselves as lords
of the sacrifice. Duryodhana was requested to become the receiver of tributes
that were brought by kings. Whatever was offered to King Yudhisthira as gifts
was counted by Duryodhana and stored properly. Vidura was put in charge of
distributing charity at the right time and to proper persons. Lord Krishna, the
center of all worlds and round whom every creature moved, was engaged by His
own will in washing the feet of the brahmanas.

King Yudhisthira, himself, brought a large amount of wealth to the sacrificial
arena. Everyone honored Maharaja Yudhisthira with large presents of jewels. And
each king made a present of his wealth, flattering himself with the proud
belief that the jewels he gave would enable King Yudhisthira to complete his
sacrifice.

The learned brahmanas and priests saw to it that the sacrifice by Maharaja
Yudhisthira was performed in exactly the same way as in bygone ages by the
demigod Varuna. According to the Vedic system, whenever there is an arrangement
for sacrifice, the members participating in the sacrifice are offered the juice
of the soma plant. The juice of the soma plant is a kind of life-giving
beverage. On the day of extracting the soma juice, King Yudhisthira very
respectfully received the special priest who had been engaged to detect any
mistake in the formalities of sacrificial procedures. The Vedic mantras must be
enunciated perfectly and chanted with the proper accent; if the priests who are
engaged in this business commit any mistake, the referee priest immediately
corrects the procedure, and thus the ritualistic performances are perfectly
executed. Unless it is perfectly executed, a sacrifice cannot yield the desired
result.

Another important procedure is that the most exalted personality in the
assembly of such a sacrificial ceremony is first offered worship. After all
arrangements were made for Yudhisthira's sacrifice, the next consideration was
who should be worshipped first in the ceremony. This particular ceremony is
called Agrapuja. Agra means first, and puja means worship. In the sacrificial
assembly, all the members were very exalted. Some proposed to elect one person
as the perfect candidate for accepting Agrapuja, and others proposed someone
else.

Then Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, spoke giving his opinion, "As the sun is
the center of all luminescing objects, so Krishna is the center of all living
beings. Our sacrificial altar is illuminated and blessed by His presence as a
sunless region is blessed by the sun. Therefore, I feel that Krishna should be
the first worshiped in this assembly."

Bhishma, the great grandsire of the Kurus, then ordered Sahadeva to offer the
Agrapuja to Lord Krishna. However, Shishupala could not bear to see that
worship offered to Lord Krishna. He spoke up influenced by envy and hatred, "O
descendant of the Kuru race, this Krishna does not deserve royal worship as if
he were a king. You sons of Pandu are acting like children. Bhishma, the son of
Ganga, obviously, possesses little knowledge. He deserves to be censured
amongst the honest and wise. How does this one of the Yadu dynasty, who is not
even a king, deserve worship before all the exalted kings present? Krishna is
not certainly the oldest in age, for here is His father, Vasudeva. If you
regard Krishna as a well wisher, there is a greater well wisher present here as
King Drupada. When Drona is present, how could you regard Krishna as a greater
preceptor? Do you regard Krishna as greater in wisdom than Dvaipayana Vyasa?
Amongst the warriors present, the great Bhishma, who can die only at his will,
stand supreme. How could Krishna receive worship before him? When Ashvatthama,
the knower of every branch of knowledge is present, how could you worship
Krishna? When Duryodhana, the bull of the Bharata race, is present how could
Krishna be worshipped first? Passing over Kripa, the preceptor of the Bharata
princes, why have you worshiped Krishna? When Bhishmaka, Rukmi, Ekalavya, Salya
or Karna are present, how could you worship Krishna? This slayer of Madhu is
neither a sacrificial priest, nor a preceptor, nor a king. With what
understanding have you worshiped Krishna? O chief of the Kurus, you have
rejected qualified persons to be first worshiped from motives for gain. If you
had planned to worship this Krishna, then why have you brought all these kings
here to be insulted? This wretch born of the Vrishni race has caused the
slaying of King Jarasandha by unrighteous means. O Yudhisthira, you have
abandoned righteousness today."

Then turning to Lord Krishna, Shishupala, who was bringing death upon his
head, spoke the following death knell of words, "O Janardana, why have You
accepted the position of being first worshiped? You have acted like a dog that
laps up clarified butter stolen from the sacrifice. O slayer of Madhu, as a
wife is to one without virile power, as a fine play is to one who is blind, so
this royal worship is to thee who are not even a king."

Having spoken these words, Shishupala rose from his seat, and accompanied by
many kings, attempted to leave the assembly. King Yudhisthira hastily ran after
Shishupala and tried to correct his wayward mentality, "O Lord of the earth,
what you have said is scarcely proper for you. It is improper and highly
sinful. Do not insult Bhishma by saying that he does not know what virtue is.
Behold these many kings, older than you, who approve of the worship of Krishna.
It behoves you to follow their example. O ruler of Chedi, Bhishma knows Lord
Krishna in truth. You must learn from him the glory of Krishna."

Bhishma then spoke up in the assembly of kings, "He who does not approve of
the worship of Krishna, the oldest person in the universe, deserves no soft
words of conciliation. Any warrior of the Kshatriya race, who defeats all other
warriors in battle and then sets his opponent free, becomes the preceptor of
his opponent. I do not behold in this assembly of kings even one ruler who has
not been subdued in battle by Krishna. The whole universe without limit can be
found in Krishna. He deserves, not only the worship of all kings here, but of
every living being. Therefore we worship Krishna as the oldest, but who remains
ever fresh and as the foremost of all living beings. I have, O Shishupala,
waited upon many sages experienced in knowledge. These wise men have explained
to me in detail the glory of Krishna. I have heard many times the divine acts
performed by Janardana since His birth. We do not, O King of Chedi, worship
Krishna in hope of obtaining material benefits. All good men on earth worship
that one who has no origin and who is the source of happiness for every
creature. We have offered to Him the first worship because in Him resides all
beauty, knowledge, power, renunciation, fame and glory.

"There is none in this assembly who we have not taken into consideration. Lord
Krishna is the foremost among the brahmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas and shudras.
As far as knowledgeable persons are concerned, He is the most learned in Vedas;
indeed, He is the source of all Vedic knowledge. In this eminent person resides
liberality, cleverness, knowledge of the Vedas, bravery, modesty, achievements,
infinite intelligence, humility, beauty, firmness, contentment and prosperity.
All these dwell in Achyuta, the infallible one. Therefore, O Kings, it behooves
you to offer first worship to Krishna, the Lord of all beings.

"Hrishikesha is the sacrificial priest, the guru, the king, the best friend;
and therefore He has been offered first worship. Krishna is the source of this
universe and into who this universe will dissolve. Indeed this universe of
mobile and immobile creatures has sprung into existence by the grace of Krishna
only. He is the unmanifest primal cause, the creator, the eternal Lord and
protector of all creatures. Therefore, why doesn't He of unfading glory deserve
to be worshiped first. This Shishupala is a mere child, because he doesn't not
know this Supreme Lord of all lords."

When Bhishma had stopped speaking, Sahadeva responded to the offensive words
of Shishupala, "If there be any king amongst you who cannot bear to see
Keshava, the killer of the Keshi demon, as the first person worshiped, I will
place my foot on his head." When Sahadeva lifted his foot, no king challenged
him. Suddenly, a shower of flowers fell on Sahadeva and an unembodied voice
exclaimed, "Excellent! Excellent!"

Then Narada, clad in black deerskin and speaking of both the past and future,
spoke the following words with the clearest import, "Those men who will not
worship the lotus-eyed Krishna should be regarded as dead although life may
reside in the body. In fact, one who does not regard Krishna as the first
person to be worshiped should not be seen or spoken to."

When their was grumbling among the followers of Shishupala and the matter
remained undecided, Sahadeva again began to speak in favor of Lord Krishna. He
said, "Lord Krishna, the best amongst the members of the Yadu dynasty and the
protector of His devotees, is the most exalted personality in this assembly.
Therefore I think that He should without any objection be offered the honor of
being worshiped first. Although demigods such as Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva,
Indra, the King of the heavenly planets, and many other exalted personalities
are present in this assembly, no one can be equal to or greater than Krishna in
terms of time, space, riches, strength, reputation, wisdom, renunciation or any
other consideration. Anything which is considered opulent is present originally
in Krishna. As an individual soul is the basic principle of the growth of his
material body, similarly Krishna is the Supersoul of this cosmic manifestation.
All kinds of Vedic ritualistic ceremonies, such as the performance of
sacrifices, the offering of oblations in the fire, the chanting of the Vedic
hymns and the practice of mystic yoga--all are meant for realizing Krishna.
Whether one follows the path of fruitive activities or the path of
philosophical speculation, the ultimate destination is Krishna; all bona fide
methods of self-realization are meant for understanding Krishna. O respectable
persons present, it is superfluous to speak about Krishna, because every one of
you exalted personalities know the Supreme Brahman, Lord Krishna, for whom
there are no material differences between body and soul, between energy and the
energetic, or between one part of the body and another. Since everyone is a
part and parcel of Krishna, there is no qualitative difference between Krishna
and all living entities. Everything is an emanation of Krishna's energies, the
material and spiritual energies. Krishna's energies are like the heat and light
of the fire; there is no difference between the quality of heat and light of
the fire itself.

"Also, Krishna can do anything He likes with any part of His body. We can
execute a particular action with the help of a particular part of our body, but
He can do anything and everything with any part of His body. And because His
transcendental body is full of knowledge and bliss in eternity, he doesn't
undergo the six kinds of material changes--birth, existence, growth, fruitive
action, dwindling and vanishing. Unforced by any external energy, He is the
supreme cause of the creation, maintenance and dissolution of everything that
be. By the grace of Krishna only, everyone is engaged in the practice of
religiousness, the development of economic conditions, the satisfaction of the
senses and, ultimately, the achievement of liberation from material bondage.
These four principles of progressive life can be executed by the mercy of
Krishna only. He should therefore be offered the first worship of this great
sacrifice, and no one should disagree. As by watering the root, the watering of
the branches, twigs, leaves and flowers is automatically accomplished, or as by
supplying food to the stomach, the nutrition and metabolism of all parts of the
body are automatically established, so by offering the first worship to
Krishna, everyone present in this meeting--including the great demigods--will
be satisfied. If anyone is charitably disposed, it will be very good for him to
give in charity only to Krishna, who is the Supersoul of everyone, regardless
of his particular body or individual personality. Krishna is present as the
Supersoul in every living being; and if we can satisfy Him, then automatically
every living being becomes satisfied."

After this speech was delivered, all the members present in that great
sacrificial assembly applauded, confirming his words continuously by saying,
"Everything that you have said is completely perfect. Everything that you have
said is completely perfect." King Yudhisthira, after hearing the confirmation
of all present, especially of the brahmanas and learned sages, finished
worshiping Lord Krishna according to the regulative principles of the Vedic
injunctions. First of all, King Yudhisthira--along with his brothers, wives,
children, other relatives and ministers-washed the lotus feet of Lord Krishna
and sprinkled the water on their heads. After this, Lord Krishna was offered
various kinds of silken garments of yellow color, and heaps of jewelry and
ornaments were presented before Him for His use.

King Yudhisthira felt such ecstasy by honoring Krishna, who was his only
lovable object, that tears glided down from his eyes; and although He wanted
to, he could not see Lord Krishna very well. Lord Krishna was thus worshiped by
King Yudhisthira. At that time all the members present in that assembly stood
up with folded hands and began to chant, "Jaya! Namah! Namah!" When all joined
together to offer their respectful obeisances to Krishna, there were showers of
flowers from the sky.

After the Agrapuja had been completed, King Shishupala could not tolerate such
honor being offered to Krishna nor hear the glorification of His qualities.
Instead of being happy to hear the glories of the Lord, he became very angry.
When everyone offered respect to Krishna by standing up, Shishupala remained in
his seat; but when he became angry at Krishna's being honored, Shishupala stood
up suddenly, and raising his hand, began to speak very strongly and fearlessly
against Lord Krishna. He spoke in such a way that Lord Krishna could hear him
very distinctly.

 "Ladies and gentlemen, I can appreciate now the statement of the Vedas that,
after all, time is the predominating factor. In spite of all endeavors to the
contrary, the time element executes its own plan without opposition. For
example, one may try his best to live, but when the time for death comes, no
one can check it. I see here that although there are many stalwart
personalities present in this assembly, the influence of time is so strong that
they have been misled by the statement of a boy who has foolishly spoken about
Krishna. There are many learned sages and elderly persons present, but still
they have accepted the statement of a foolish boy. This means that by the
influence of time, even the intelligence of such honored persons as are present
in this meeting can be misdirected. I fully agree with the respectable persons
present here that they are competent enough to select the personality who can
be first worshiped, but I cannot agree with the statement of a boy like
Sahadeva, who has spoken so highly about Krishna and has recommended that
Krishna is fit to accept the first worship in the sacrifice. I can see that in
this meeting there are many personalities who have undergone great austerities,
who are highly learned and who have performed many penances. By their knowledge
and direction, they can deliver many persons who are suffering from the pangs
of material existence. There are great rishis here whose knowledge has no
bounds, as well as many self- realized persons and brahmanas also; and
therefore, I think that any one of them could have been selected for the first
worship because they are worshipable even by the great demigods, kings and
emperors. I cannot understand how you could have selected this cowherd boy,
Krishna, and have left aside all these other great personalities. I think
Krishna to be no better than a crow! How can He be fit to accept the first
worship in this great sacrifice?

"We cannot even ascertain as yet to which caste this Krishna belongs or what
His actual occupational duty is. Krishna does not belong to a respectable
family. He is so independent that no one knows His principles of religious
life. It appears that He is outside the jurisdiction of all religious
principles. He always acts independently, not caring for the Vedic injunctions
and regulative principles. Therefore He is devoid of all good qualities."
Shishupala indirectly praised Krishna by saying that He is not within the
jurisdiction of Vedic injunction. This is true because He is the Supreme
Personality of Godhead. That He has no qualities means that Krishna has no
material qualities; and because He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, He
acts independently, not caring for conventions or social or religious
principles.

Shishupala continued: "Under these circumstances, how can He be fit to accept
the first worship in the sacrifice? Krishna is so foolish that He has left
Mathura, which is inhabited by highly elevated persons following the Vedic
culture, and He has taken shelter in the ocean, where there is not even talk of
the Vedas. Instead of living openly, He has constructed a fort within the water
and is living in an atmosphere where there is no discussion of Vedic knowledge.
And whenever He comes out of the fort, He simply harasses the citizens like a
dacoit, thief or rogue."

Shishupala went crazy because Krishna was elected the supreme first- worshiped
person in that meeting, and he spoke so irresponsibly that it appeared that he
had lost all his good fortune. Being overcast with misfortune, Shishupala
continued to insult Krishna further, and Lord Krishna patiently heard him
without protest. Just as a lion does not care when a flock of jackals howl,
Lord Krishna remained silent and unprovoked. Krishna did not reply to even a
single accusation made by Shishupala, but all the members present in the
meeting, except for a few who agreed with Shishupala, became very agitated
because it is the duty of any respectable person not to tolerate blasphemy
against God or His devotee. Some of them, who thought that they could not
properly take action against Shishupala, left the assembly in protest, covering
their ears with their hands in order not to hear further accusations. Thus they
left the meeting condemning the action of Shishupala. It is the Vedic
injunction that whenever there is blasphemy of the Supreme Personality of
Godhead, one must immediately leave. If he does not do so, he becomes bereft of
pious activities and is degraded to the lower condition of life.

All the kings present, belonging to the Kuru dynasty, Matsya dynasty, Kekaya
dynasty and Srinjaya dynasty, became very angry and immediately took up their
swords and shields to kill Shishupala. Bhimasena became overwhelmed with rage
and stood up to fight with Shishupala. However, Bhishma grabbed him and would
not let him proceed further. Bhishma then spoke to Bhima to pacify his anger,
"This Shishupala in not destined to be killed by you. The force, under which
the King of Chedi boasts so foolishly, is scarcely of his own, but the Lord of
the universe. O Bhima, what king is there who would dare abuse me as this
wretch, already possessed by death, has done today. This king of Chedi is
without doubt under the influence of Lord Hari's energy. And surely the Lord
desires to take him back to Vaikuntha. Due to the Lord's influence, Shishupala
roars like a lion caring little for all kings present.

"Listen as I relate his history. Shishupala was born with four hands and three
eyes, and upon his birth, he screamed like an ass. His parents were intently
thinking of abandoning him for fear that he was a demon. Just when they were
about to rid themselves of the child, a voice from the heavens spoke, 'Do not
abandon this child. He will prove to be a powerful warrior and will obtain all
good fortune. He is not destined to die in his childhood. The person that will
kill him has been born into this world already.'

Bhishma continued, "Hearing the unembodied voice, the mother inquired, 'Who
will be the slayer of my son?' The invisible being replied, 'The child will
lose his two extra arms and eye when he is placed on the lap of a certain
guest, and it will be that person who will slay your son.' Although the child
was placed upon the lap of thousands of kings and princes, still the prophecy
did not come true. One day Lord Krishna and Balarama came to the kingdom of the
Chedis. They worshipped Their aunt and were given a fitting reception. When
They took their seats, the queen brought the child to Krishna and placed it in
His lap. The child immediately lost his two extra arms and the third eye. The
queen in great anxiety then begged a benediction from Lord Krishna, 'O mighty
armed Krishna, please grant me that You will excuse the offences of my son
Shishupala.' Lord Krishna replied, 'O my aunt, I say that I will pardon one
hundred offences committed by your son. Do not grieve for his life.' O Bhima,
this King is not destined to be killed by you. He has already committed over
one hundred offences, and he will soon be killed by the Lord of the universe,
Himself."

Shishupala did not become even slightly agitated by Bhishma's words. Many of
the kings present were ready to kill him for his offenses to Lord Krishna and
others. He did not care to think of the pros and cons of his foolish talking;
and when he saw that all the kings were ready to kill him, instead of stopping,
he stood to fight with them and took up his sword and shield. When Lord Krishna
saw that they were going to engage in fighting in the arena of the auspicious
Rajasuya yajna, He personally pacified them. Out of His causeless mercy He
Himself decided to kill Shishupala. When Shishupala was abusing the kings who
were about to attack him, Lord Krishna took up His disc, which was as sharp as
the blade of a razor, and immediately separated the head of Shishupala from his
body.

When Shishupala was thus killed, a great roar and howl went up from the crowd
of that assembly. Taking advantage of that disturbance, the few kings who were
supporters of Shishupala quickly left the assembly out of fear of their lives.
But despite all this, the fortunate Shishupala's spirit soul went to Krishna
and worshiped him and then immediately merged into the body of Lord Krishna in
the presence of all members, exactly as a burning meteor falls to the surface
of the globe. Shishupala's soul merging into the transcendental body of Krishna
fulfilled the the four Kumara's curse of Jaya and Vijaya, who fell to the
material world from the Vaikuntha planets. For their return to the Vaikuntha
world, it was arranged that both Jaya and Vijaya for three consecutive births
would act as deadly enemies of the Lord, and at the end of these lives they
would again return to the Vaikuntha world and serve the Lord as His
associates.

After the salvation of Shishupala, King Yudhisthira rewarded all the members
present in the sacrificial assembly. He sufficiently remunerated the priests
and the learned sages for their engagement in the sacrifice. After the
sacrifice, King Yudhisthira stood in the midst of all the learned sages and
brahmanas, and he seemed exactly like the King of heaven and thus looked very
beautiful. King Yudhisthira sufficiently rewarded all the demigods who
participated in the sacrifice, and being greatly satisfied, all of them left
praising the King's activities and glorifying Lord Krishna.

Lord Krishna thus enabled the performance of the Rajasuya yajna arranged by
King Yudhisthira to be successfully completed, and, being requested by His
cousins and relatives, He remained in Hastinapura for a few months more.

Thus Ends the Mahabharata Summation to the Sixth Chapter of the Sabha Parva,
Entitled, Shishupala's Liberation.





Chapter Commentary



In this day and age it is not possible to perform the Rajasuya sacrifice. No
one has sufficient wealth nor does anyone have complete sovereignty of the
world. The demigods will not attend a sacrifice in Kali yuga, and there are no
learned brahmanas or priests available; therefore, all such sacrifices are
forbidden by the shastras. The only sacrifice recommended in the shastras is
the chanting of the Holy Names of God, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna
Krishna, Hare Hare\ Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. This simple
sacrifice has been enunciated by the incarnation for this age of Kali, Shree
Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He is non different from Lord Krishna Himself.
The Lord has given this easy process to the fallen people of this age, because
no one can perform sacrifices like the Rajasuya or ashvamedha. This easy
sacrifice of chanitng the holy names can be performed by anyone; and when the
Holy Names are chanted without offense, the Supreme Lord becomes as pleased as
when opulent sacrifices were performed in previous ages.

We should try to better understand the position of Shishupala. Although
Shishupala acted as the enemy of Krishna, he was not for a single moment out of
Krishna consciousness. He was always absorbed in thought of Krishna, and thus
he got first the salvation of sayujya-mukti, merging into the existence of the
Supreme, and finally became reinstated in his original position of personal
service. The Bhagavad-gita corroborates the fact that if one is absorbed in the
thought of the Supreme Lord at the time of death, he immediately enters the
kingdom of God after quitting his material body. The story of the fall of Jaya
and Vijaya from the Vaikuntha planets to the material world is described in the
Seventh Canto of the Srimad-Bhagavatam. The killing of Shishupala has a direct
link with that narration of jaya and Vijaya, but the most important instruction
that we get from this incident is that the Supreme Personality of Godhead,
being absolute, can give salvation to everyone, whether one acts as His enemy
or as His friend. It is, therefore, a misconception that the Lord acts with
someone in the relationship of a friend and with someone else in the
relationship of an enemy. His being an enemy or friend is always on the
absolute platform. There is no material distinction.

Another point to be found in this chapter is that Shishupala's blasphemy of
Lord Krishna was actually glorification. Shishupala made the statement that
Lord Krishna does not belong to any caste. Actually, Krishna does not belong to
any caste, nor does He have to perform any occupational duty. It is stated in
the Vedas that the Supreme Lord has nothing to do as His prescribed duty.
Whatever has to be done on His behalf is executed by His different energies. He
is transcendental to the caste system. Indeed, he is the cause of the
Varnashrama system as stated in Bhagavad-gita, "The four orders of occupation
were created by Me according to quality and work." (B.g. 3.14) Since Krishna is
the creator of this system, He is not subject to it. Therefore, Shishupala was
correct when he said, "We do not know to what caste this Krishna belongs."

Shishupala was also correct when he said that Krishna was not a king of this
world. Krishna is much greater than a worldly king. He is the Supreme Godhead.
There is no need for Him to become a worldly king in order to show His
divinity. His kingdom is not of this world, but of the kingdom of God. The
president of the United States very rarely visits a prison, although he
controls it, because of the rebelliousness of the inmates. The Supreme Lord is
very kind in that He sometimes visits this world to encourage the living beings
to come back to the kingdom of God. Some of the inhabitants of this world of
birth and death do not recognize the Lord and rebel against Him.





Sabha Parva



Chapter seven



Duryodhana Embarassed at the Palace of King Yudhisthira



King Yudhisthira was known as Ajatrashatru, or a person who has no enemy.
Therefore, when all men, all demigods, all kings, sages and saints saw the
successful termination of the Rajasuya sacrifice performed by King Yudhisthira,
they became very happy. King Yudhisthira, was a great soul. His congenial
disposition attracted everyone as his friend, and therefore he was known as
Ajatrashatru, one who never created an enemy.

After Shishupala had died by the mercy of Lord Krishna and had become merged
in the spiritual existence, and after the end of the Rajasuya sacrifice, when
all friends, guests and well-wishers had been sufficiently honored and
rewarded, King Yudhisthira went to bathe in the Ganges. While traveling in
procession, different musical instruments, such as mridangas, conchshells,
drums, kettledrums and bugles, vibrated. In addition, the ankle bells of the
dancing girls jingled. Many groups of professional singers played vinas,
flutes, gongs and cymbals, and thus a tumultuous sound vibrated in the sky. The
princely guests from many kingdoms, like Srinjaya, Kambhoja, Kuru, Kekaya and
Kosala, were present with their different flags and gorgeously decorated
elephants, chariots, horses and soldiers. All were passing in a procession to
the Ganges, and King Yudhisthira was in the forefront.

The sacrificial heads, such as the priests, religious ministers and brahmanas,
were all were loudly chanting the Vedic hymns. The demigods, the inhabitants of
the Pitriloka and Gandharvaloka, as well as many sages, showered flowers from
the sky. The men and women of Indraprastha, their bodies smeared with scents
and floral oils, were nicely dressed in colorful garments and decorated with
garlands, jewels and ornaments. They were all enjoying the ceremony, and they
threw other liquid substances like water, oil, milk, butter and yogurt. Some
even smeared these on each other's bodies. In this way, they were enjoying the
occasion. The professional prostitutes were also engaged by jubilantly smearing
these liquid substances on the bodies of the men, and the men reciprocated in
the same way. All the liquid substances had been mixed with turmeric and
saffron, and their color was lustrous yellow.

In order to witness the avabhrita bath of King Yudhisthira, many wives of the
demigods had come in different airplanes, and they were visible in the sky.
Similarly, the queens of the royal family arrived on different palanquins.
There were gorgeously decorated and protected by bodyguards. During this time,
Lord Krishna, the maternal cousin of the Pandavas, and His special friend
Arjuna, were both throwing the liquid substances on the bodies of the queens.
The queens became bashful, but at the same time their beautiful smiling
brightened their faces. Because of the liquid substances thrown on their
bodies, the saris covering them became completely wet. The different parts of
their beautiful bodies, particularly their breasts and waists, became partially
visible because of the wet cloth. The queens also brought in buckets of liquid
substances and sprinkled them on the bodies of their husbands. As they engaged
in such jubilant activities, their hair fell loose, and the flowers decorating
their bodies began to fall. When Lord Krishna, Arjuna and the queens were thus
engaged in these jubilant activities, persons who were not clean in heart
became agitated by lustful desires. Such behavior between pure males and
females is enjoyable, but persons who are materially contaminated become
lustful.

King Yudhisthira, in a gorgeous chariot yoked by excellent horses, was present
with his queens, including Draupadi and others. The festivities of the
sacrifice were so beautiful that it appeared as if Rajasuya was standing there
in person with the functions of the sacrifice.

Following the Rajasuya sacrifice, there was the Vedic ritualistic duty known
as patnisamyaja. This sacrifice was performed along with one's wife, and it was
also performed by the priests of King Yudhisthira. When Queen Draupadi and King
Yudhisthira were taking their avabhrita bath, the citizens of Hastinapura as
well as the demigods began to beat on drums and blow trumpets out of feelings
of happiness, and there was a shower of flowers from the sky. When the King and
the Queen finished their bath in the Ganges, all the other citizens, consisting
of all the varnas or castes--the brahmanas, the kshatriyas, the vaishyas, and
the shudras--took their baths in the Ganges. Bathing in the Ganges is
recommended in the Vedic literature because by such bathing one becomes freed
from all sinful reactions.

After taking his bath, King Yudhisthira dressed in a new silken cloth and
chaddar and decorated himself with valuable jewelry. The King not only dressed
himself and decorated himself, but he also gave clothing and ornaments to all
the priests and to the others who had participated in the yajnas. In this way,
they were all worshiped by King Yudhisthira. He constantly worshiped his
friends, his family members, his relatives, his well-wishers and everyone
present, and because he was a great devotee of Lord Narayana, or because he was
a Vaishnava, he therefore knew how to treat everyone well.

When everyone was refreshed after bathing and was dressed in silken clothing
with jeweled earrings, flower garlands, turbans, long chaddars and pearl
necklaces, they looked, altogether, like the denizens from heaven. This was
especially true of the women who were very nicely dressed. Each wore a golden
belt around the waist. They were all smiling. Spots of tilaka and curling hair
were scattered here and there. This combination was very attractive.

Persons who had participated in the Rajasuya sacrifice--including the most
cultured priests, the brahmanas who had assisted in the performance of the
sacrifice, the citizens of all varnas, kings, demigods, sages, saints and
citizens of the Pitriloka--were all very much satisfied by the dealings of King
Yudhisthira, and at the end they happily departed for their residences. While
returning to their homes, they talked of the dealings of King Yudhisthira, and
even after continuous talk of his greatness they were not satiated, just as one
may drink nectar over and over again and never be satisfied. After the
departure of all others, Maharaja Yudhisthira restrained the inner circle of
his friends, including Lord Krishna, by not allowing them to leave. Lord
Krishna could not refuse the request of the King. He therefore sent back all
the heroes of the Yadu dynasty, like Samba and others. All of them returned to
Dvaraka, and Lord Krishna personally remained in order to give pleasure to the
King.

In the material world, everyone has a particular type of desire to be
fulfilled, but one is never able to fulfill his desire to his full
satisfaction. But King Yudhisthira, because of his unflinching devotion to
Krishna, could fulfill all his desires successfully by the performance of the
Rajasuya yajna. From the description of the execution of the Rajasuya yajna, it
appears that such a function is a great ocean of opulent desires. It is not
possible for an ordinary man to cross over such an ocean; nevertheless, by the
grace of Lord Krishna, King Yudhisthira was able to cross over it very easily,
and thus he became freed from all anxieties.

When Duryodhana saw that Maharaja Yudhisthira had become very famous after
performance of the Rajasuya yajna and was fully satisfied in every respect, he
began to burn with the fire of envy because his mind was always poisonous. For
one thing, he envied the imperial court which had been constructed by the demon
Maya for the Pandavas. The court was excellent in its puzzling artistic
workmanship and was befitting the position of great princes, kings or leaders
of the demons. In that great palace, the Pandavas were living with their family
members, and Queen Draupadi was serving her husbands very peacefully. And
because in those days Lord Krishna was also there, the palace was also
decorated by His thousands of queens. When the queens, with their heavy breasts
and thin waists, moved within the palace, and their ankle bells rang very
melodiously with their movement, the whole palace appeared to be more opulent
than the heavenly kingdoms. Because a portion of their breasts was sprinkled
with saffron powder, the pearl necklaces on their breast appeared to be
reddish. With their full earrings and flowing hair, the queens appeared very
beautiful.

After looking at such beauties in the palace of King Yudhisthira, Duryodhana
became envious. He became especially envious and lustful upon seeing the beauty
of Draupadi because he had cherished a special attraction for her from the very
beginning of her marriage with the Pandavas. In the marriage selection assembly
of Draupadi, Duryodhana had also been present, and with other princes he had
been very much captivated by Draupadi's beauty, but he had failed to achieve
her.

Shortly after the completion of the Rajasuya sacrifice, King Yudhisthira was
sitting on the golden throne in the palace constructed by the demon Maya. His
four brothers and other relatives, as well as his great well-wisher, the
Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, were present and the material opulence
of King Yudhisthira seemed no less than that of Lord Brahma.

While he was sitting on the imperial throne surrounded by his friends, and the
reciters were offering prayers to him in the form of nice songs, Duryodhana,
and his younger brother were marveling over the opulence of the palace created
by the demon Maya. While wandering through the palace they came upon a crystal
floor. The king mistaking it for a pool of water lifted up his royal robes. He
appeared foolish for doing so, and when he learned the floor was not actually
water, he appeared embarrassed and angry. Nonetheless, he continued to inspect
the palace and suddenly came upon a crystal pool adorned with lotus flowers
with crystal petals. This time he was convinced it was land; and as he walked
forward, he fell into the lake and all his clothes became wet.

By the craftsmanship of the demon Maya, the palace was so decorated in
different places that one who did not know the tricks would consider water to
be land and land to be water. Duryodhana was also illusioned by this
craftsmanship; and when he was crossing water thinking it to be land, he fell
down. When Duryodhana, out of his foolishness, had thus fallen, Lord Krishna's
queens enjoyed the incident by laughing. King Yudhisthira could understand the
feelings of Duryodhana, and he tried to restrain the queens from laughing, but
Lord Krishna indicated that King Yudhisthira should not restrain them from
enjoying the incident. Krishna desired that Duryodhana might be fooled in that
way and that all of them might enjoy his foolish behavior. Seeing Duryodhana
fallen into the lake, Bhima laughed loudly. Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva also
laughed at the foolishness of Duryodhana. When everyone laughed, Duryodhana
felt very insulted, and his hair stood up in anger. Being thus insulted, he
started to leave the palace, bowing his head. He was silent and did not
protest. He again lifted up his clothes to pass over what he thought was water.
Again it was only land and everyone laughed. Becoming more and more indignant,
the king attempted to leave through a crystal door that he thought was open.
When he bumped into the crystal door, he backed off with his brain reeling. He
then went to another door and thinking it was a crystal door attempted to open
it with his outstretched hands. The door was actually open and he fell down in
his attempt. And coming upon another door that was really open, Duryodhana
thought it was closed and went away from it.

When Duryodhana left in such an angry mood, King Yudhisthira regretted the
incident, and became very sorry. But despite all occurrences, Krishna was
silent. He did not say anything against or in favor of the incident. It
appeared that Duryodhana had been put into illusion by the supreme will of Lord
Krishna, and this incident increased the enmity between the two sects of the
Kuru dynasty. It appeared that it was a part of Krishna's plan in His mission
to decrease the burden of the world.



Thus Ends Mahabharata Summation to Chapter Seven of the Sabha Parva, Entitled,
Duryodhana Embarrassed at the Palace of King Yudhisthira.



Chapter Commentary



Maharaja Yudhisthira was able to treat everyone equally. The Mayavadi
philosophers' endeavor to see everyone as God is an artificial way towards
oneness, but a Vaishnava or a devotee of Lord Narayana sees every living entity
as part and parcel of the Supreme Lord. Therefore, a Vaishnava's treatment of
other living entities is on the absolute platform. Since one cannot treat one
part of his body differently from another part because they all belong to the
same body, so a Vaishnava does not see a human being as distinct from an animal
because in both of them he sees the soul and the Supersoul seated
simultaneously. Maharaja Yudhisthira was endowed with such a spiritual vision,
and, therefore, seeing Lord Krishna in everyone's heart, he treated everyone
kindly.

One may wonder why Lord Krishna allowed everyone to laugh at Duryodhana's
foolishness if the Lord is equal to everyone. Although Duryodhana is also part
and parcel of Krishna, he was acting enviously of the Pandavas. The Lord had
descended to protect His devotees and to kill the envious. However, both groups
got liberation. The Pandavas and other devotees got liberation by favorable
devotion. Shishupala, Duryodhana, Kamsa and others got liberation by being
envious of the Lord and thus being killed by the Lord. When the demons are
killed by the Lord, they attain to favorable devotion and enter the kingdom of
God. Thus the Lord is truly equal to all.







Sabha Parva



Chapter Eight



The Evil Plan



After Duryodhana left Indraprastha, he was burning with envy. He could not
stand to see the opulence of the Pandavas. After the incident of falling into
the pond and hearing Bhima laugh at him, Duryodhana was determined to destroy
the Pandavas. He confided in his uncle Shakuni, "O uncle, the Kings of the
earth are now subordinate to Yudhisthira due to the strength of Arjuna's
Gandiva bow, given to him by Agni, the fire god. After completing the Rajasuya
sacrifice, the Pandavas have brought all the kings of the world under their
sway. This envy is burning my heart day and night. Did you see how Shishupala
was killed by Krishna? Shishupala had no one to support him in that fight. The
Pandavas are supported by Krishna and Balarama, and the whole Yadu and Vrishni
dynasties. King Drupada and his sons have also taken their side. I cannot live
seeing the Pandavas prosper. I will take poison or throw myself in fire, but I
will not maintain my life while the Pandavas grow in opulence. With Karna,
Drona, Bhishma, Kripa, and my brothers, I will attack them and take away their
wealth. Let us quickly organize our troops and exterminate them."

Shakuni, who was evil from birth, then gave the following foolish advice,
"Krishna, Arjuna, Yudhisthira, Bhima, Nakula, Sahadeva and Drupada and his sons
can never be subjugated in battle even by the heavenly gods themselves.
However, listen, O King, to the means by which Yudhisthira may be defeated. The
son of Kunti, Yudhisthira, is very fond of playing dice, although he does not
play well. If he is challenged, he will not refuse. I am skillful at dice, and
there is no one on earth who is my equal. If I play for you, I can win the
kingdom of the Pandavas with out shedding any blood. The dice will prove to be
more deadly than the sword."

"Let us present our plan to my father," Duryodhana joyfully responded, "and
then take the necessary action."

When Duryodhana returned to Hastinapura, he informed his father through
Shakuni that he was very morose and unhappy. Dhritarastra then called for
Duryodhana and inquired from him, "My dear son, why are you so unhappy. This
vast wealth of mine is under your control. No one in this court opposes your
desires. You have an opulent treasury, the finest food, the finest bed, the
fastest horses and all these servants wait at your command. Therefore, do not
be unhappy."

Duryodhana replied to his father, "I eat the finest foods and dress in the
most opulent clothes, but these do not satisfy me for my heart is full of
jealousy. Having seen Yudhisthira's prosperity, whatever I enjoy brings me no
happiness. The opulence of Pandu's sons diminishes my pride, and I have become
pale. Yudhisthira is supporting 88,000 brahmanas, and at his palace he is
feeding them daily off golden plates. The King of Kambhoja has sent to him
hundreds and thousands of she elephants and thirty thousand she-camels. O my
father, the lords of the earth brought for Yudhisthira's pleasure heaps of
jewels and gems, and unlimited amounts of gold. Thousands of chariots and
horses of the finest quality were brought to the Rajasuya sacrifice. Never
before have I seen or heard of such wealth. Even the heavenly gods do not
possess such wealth. I think that Lord Brahma and Yudhisthira are now equal in
their opulence. There was so much wealth brought to the Rajasuya sacrifice that
it could not be brought into the Palace. It was left outside the palace to be
dealt with at a later time. Seeing the great opulence of Yudhisthira, my heart
burns and I cannot enjoy peace."

At this time Shakuni, who possessed a wicked heart, offered ill advice to the
King, "My dear King, I know a way by which Duryodhana's heart may be pacified.
I am very expert in gambling and throwing dice. Yudhisthira also likes to play,
but doesn't play well. If Duryodhana challenges him to play at dice, I will
throw the dice and secure their kingdom from them. Without any bloodshed the
kingdom of the Pandavas will belong to Duryodhana."

"I will consult Vidura, the possessor of great wisdom," Dhritarastra replied.
"After talking with him, I will inform you of the judgement in respect to this
affair. However, I warn you not to be jealous of the Pandavas. He who becomes
envious of anothers' wealth suffers the pangs of death. Yudhisthira does not
know about deception, and therefore, always treats you as a friend. If he is
not jealous of you, why should you be jealous of him? One who covets the
possessions of others is never remembered in the records of history, but on
other hand, one who strives to acquire his own wealth by honest means attains
lasting fame. I look on both of you as my own sons, therefore give up this
jealousy."

"The Kings of Hastinapura are the Kings of the world," Duryodhana angrily
replied. "Is it not right to bring every direction under our rule? Isn't one
who gives pain to another considered to be one's enemy? While I was walking in
the assembly hall built by the demon Maya, I slipped and fell into the water.
At that time Bhima laughed at me, and anger sprung up in my heart; and if
Krishna had not been there, I would have slain Vrikodara. It is natural to have
enemies and friends. They have been chosen by providence. The Pandavas are my
determined enemies, and I will destroy them. I will not be content until I have
accomplished this, O Bharata; do not let the opulence of the enemy increase. If
you consult with Vidura, he will advise you to desist. And if you do not carry
out this plan, I will kill myself. And when I am dead, you and Vidura can be
happy without me."

Hearing these painful words, Dhritarastra, through affectionate weakness for
his son, gave the following order, "Let an assembly house be constructed at
Jayanta immediately. It must be built of the finest quality. The columns must
be made of gold and the walls studded with the most precious gems. Report to me
when it is complete."

Dhritarastra then sent for Vidura and in private informed him of the deceptive
scheme. The intelligent Vidura, when he heard of Shakuni's plan, knew that the
age of Kali had arrived. He tried to persuade the blind King, "O exalted King,
I do not approve of this idea of a gambling match. You should act in such a way
that no quarrels arise between your sons and the sons of your brother."

"O Vidura," Dhritarastra replied, "if the demigods are merciful to us nothing
will happen in the gambling match. Besides it is a friendly gesture between
cousins. As long as I am there along with Bhishma, Drona and Yourself, what
harm can come? Therefore, go to Indraprastha and invite the Pandavas to
Hastinapura. This is my resolution, and I do not want to hear anything more. I
regard fate as supreme." Hearing the words of the blind King, Vidura concluded
that his dynasty was doomed and in great sorrow went to Bhishma to inform him
of the affair.

Following Dhritarastra's order, Vidura went to Indraprastha, where he was
received warmly by Yudhisthira and the others. After being given a comfortable
seat, Yudhisthira inquired, "You do not seem to be very happy. Are you not
well? Is there someone in Hastinapura who is not in good health? Please tell us
what is within your mind." Vidura repeated the order given by Dhritarastra, the
order to come and visit the new assembly hall built in Jayanta and to engage in
game of dice.

"If we engage in a game of dice," Yudhisthira replied, "we might quarrel. What
do you think is the best policy for us to follow? We will pursue the counsel
that you offer."

"I know that gambling is the root of all evil," Vidura said. "I tried to
persuade the King to desist from this action, but he would not heed my advice.
Shakuni, the King of Gandhara, is ready to play for Duryodhana. He is a great
wizard at this game, and you will certainly lose. Knowing all this, judge for
yourself what action to take."

"It would seem" Yudhisthira replied, "that Duryodhana is determined to win our
wealth by deceitful means. This whole cosmic manifestation is under the the
control of higher authorities. No one is free to act in the way he pleases. I
do not desire to gamble; however, it is the duty of a kshatriya to accept
challenges in the matter of gambling and fighting. I cannot refuse them."

After making his decision, Yudhisthira made arrangements for their journey to
Hastinapura. The next day Yudhisthira, along with his brothers, set out for the
capital of the Kurus, taking with them their queens and servants.



Thus Ends the Mahabharata Summation to the Eighth Chapter of the Sabha Parva,
Entitled, The Evil Plan.





Chapter Commentary



Duryodhana could not be satisfied even with the immense wealth of his father.
This is the nature of materialistic persons. The heart burns with lust and
greed, and they are never satisfied. Duryodhana thought Yudhisthira to be his
enemy, but the actual enemy was in his heart. In the third chapter of
Bhagavad-gita Lord Krishna told Arjuna, "It is lust only, Arjuna, born out of
the mode of passion, and later transformed into wrath, which is the all
devouring sinful enemy of this world." (B.g. 3.37) Lusty desires can never be
satisfied. Once one desire is fulfilled, another arises like a blazing fire.
These desires whip the living being and don't allow him to be content. Only
when this enemy is defeated within can there be real peace.

In this age the way to conquer the internal enemy is to slay him with the
chanting of the Holy Names of God. This process will stop the blazing fire of
lust within the heart and conquer the real foe. Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has
given us this sublime process to stop the repetition of birth and death. He has
requested everyone to chant the Maha-mantra, Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna,
Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. The
translation of this is, "O energy of the Lord, O my Lord, please engage me in
Thy loving service." Lord Chaitanya left no hard and fast rules on which name
of God you may chant for the Lord has hundreds and thousands of names. However,
everyone He met He requested them to chant the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra, for
this great mantra would deliver everyone in the age. The important point is to
chant the holy name dear to you and conquer the enemy within.

At present nations are forming peace conferences to pacify the waring factions
of the world, but until there is internal peace, there can be no external
peace. In the name of God and religion, people perform greedy and lusty acts,
because they have not subdued the real enemy within--lust and greed. Duryodhana
could never be contented as long as he could not recognize his real enemy.
Yudhisthira had conquered this enemy, and because he was at peace within, he
was at peace without. His name is Ajatrashatru, one whose enemy was never born.
That means that he never saw anyone as an enemy, even though others looked at
him differently. His heart was completely situated on the transcendental
platform of love for God.

When Vidura heard the evil plan to steal the wealth of the Pandavas, he knew
the age of Kali had arrived. Kali Yuga means the age of quarrel and hypocrisy.
Before the age of Kali, kings were rajarshis, godly men in the dress of kings.
Duryodhana was the first king to exhibit the qualities of Kali Yuga: envy,
lust, greed, anger, etc. Therefore, Vidura, due to his vast knowledge and
realization, could immediately understand that the age of Kali was here because
Duryodhana envied the godly and pious Pandavas. Although Kali Yuga is an iron
age of bad qualities, where the people are sunk in ignorance, still there is
great mercy in this age. Just by chanting the Holy Names of God, one can stop
the repetition of birth and death and go back to the kingdom of God.



Sabha Parva



Chapter Nine



The Gambling Match



The Pandavas soon arrived at Hastinapura, the Kuru capital, where they were
offered a superficial welcome by Dhritarastra and supplied rooms that were
beautifully furnished. They spent the night in those apartments, and the next
day they were taken by Dhritarastra to the new imperial court at Jayanta.
Following them were Duryodhana and his one hundred brothers, Shakuni and the
other members of the Kuru race such as Bhishma, Somadatta and Bhurishravas. The
Pandavas were shown the assembly hall, and out of courtesy the Pandavas
expressed appreciation for the beauty of the royal assembly court. However, it
did not measure up to the beauty of the imperial court built by the demon Maya.
Duryodhana and his followers were indifferent to the assembly house; their
minds were fixed on the gambling match.

After the hall had been inspected, Shakuni suggested that they sit down and
play a game of dice. However, Yudhisthira advised, "Gambling is deceitful,
sinful, and there is no kshatriya prowess in it. When there is no morality in
such action, why do you praise gambling in this way? The wise do not advise
playing with one who is expert in dice. O Shakuni, do not try to subjugate us
by deceitful means. Victory in battle without deception and wickedness is the
mark of a true warrior."

"It is from a desire to be victorious" Shakuni replied, "that one person
approaches another for gambling. But such a desire is not really dishonest. One
who is expert in gambling approaches another to defeat that person. Similarly,
one who is the expert in the use of weapons approaches a weaker enemy with the
idea of defeating him. This is the practice in every contest. The motive is
victory. If you think that my intentions are deceptive, then you may desist
from play."

"Since you have challenged me," Yudhisthira said, "I will not withdraw. This
is my established vow. We are all under the control of destiny. Who in this
assembly shall be my opponent? Who will match their skill against mine? Let the
play begin."

The scheming Duryodhana joyfully suggested, "O monarch, I shall supply gems
and jewels and every kind of wealth. However, my uncle Shakuni shall roll the
dice for me."

Not agreeing with the terms, Yudhisthira replied, "Gambling for one's own sake
is allowed, but a substitute is never sanctioned."

"I see nothing wrong in this arrangement," Shakuni spoke up. "It is evident
that you want to avoid playing by offering some excuse. If you do not want to
play, then tell us frankly." Yudhisthira could not reply, and the game of dice
began.

When the gambling match commenced, the hall filled up with princes and kings.
Bhishma, Drona, Kripa and Vidura took their seats, but their hearts were not in
this game. It was unprincipled and started with a sinsiter intention. King
Dhritarastra also took his seat along with many others. They were anxious for
the game to begin.

"O King," Yudhisthira said, "here I have an excellent wealth of pearls,
originated from the churning of the milk ocean. They are set in gold and
radiant in beauty. What will you wager?"

"I have many jewels and own a great fortune," Duryodhana replied, "but I am
not proud of it. Throw the dice, and we will see who is the winner."

Then Shakuni, a past master in the art of gambling, took up the dice and threw
them exclaiming, "Look, I have won!"

Yudhisthira then wagered, "I have many dazzling jars of jewelry in my
treasury, inexhaustible gold, and a mountain of silver and other minerals.
This, O King, is the wealth that I will wager."

Shakuni threw the dice and exclaimed, "Look I have won!" Time after time
Yudhisthira would stake his wealth, and time after time Shakuni would win, and
the only sound that could be heard was, "Look I have won!" Yudhisthira lost his
jewels, his gold, his silver, his army, his chariots, his horses, his slaves
and his kingdom. Yudhisthira kept losing steadily watching everything being
devoured by the demon Shakuni.

During the course of the gambling, Vidura could see that the Pandavas were
about to lose everything. He, therefore, tried to advise Dhritarastra, "Dear
brother, listen to my words, even if they are not pleasing to your ears. A sick
man will not relish the medicine the doctor prescribes. Do you remember the
time when this son of yours was born and brayed like a jackal. A jackal is
living in your house in the form of Duryodhana. He will bring about the
destruction of the Bharata race. At the time of his birth, I told you to cast
him aside and save the Kuru dynasty, but you did not take my advice, and now
you will have to pay heavily. This injustice in the form of a gambling match
will not go unpunished. You will suffer greatly in old age because of the
deaths of your sons at the hands of the Pandavas. Gambling is the foundation of
all sin, and leads one to hellish life. Your son does not have the strength to
fight with the Pandavas in a manly war. He is cheating them with the help of
this prince of the cheaters. Please do not allow gambling match to continue, or
it will have gruesome results. I urgently request you to stop this game." This
advice was bitter medicine the King did not want to take, and, therefore, he
did not respond to Vidura.

However, Duryodhana heard Vidura's advice and responded harshly, "O Vidura,
you are always glorifying the sons of Pandu and neglecting us. You do not
regard us as your children. Your tongue and mind are reflecting what is in your
heart. You have been maintained by us like a serpent in our lap. The wise have
said that there is no greater vice than to injure one's master. Why do you not
fear this sin? We are now prevailing over our enemies, and we have now acquired
great riches. Therefore, O parasite, why do you try to obstruct us? Do not
imagine that you are our master. We did not ask you for your counsel, so why
give it? One should not give shelter to another who is the friend of foes."

Vidura then tried again to persuade his brother, "I have always been a well
wishing friend to you and your family, but this injustice will not be
tolerated. I am not partial to any section of the family-either the sons of
Pandu or your sons. However, I am partial to those who are honest and just, and
indifferent to those who are dishonest and crooked. Your son, O King, is
dishonest, and his actions are proving it. If you allow impious actions to
continue, you will have to reap the impious repercussions that will come in the
future. We have never seen in the history of the world honest kings acting like
your son. On the contrary, only the most vindictive of wicked kings act in the
way Duryodhana is acting. He is an enemy in your own camp. Therefore, at your
command, O King, allow Arjuna to kill this unscrupulous person." Again these
words of wisdom fell on deaf ears and the gambling match continued.

By this time Shakuni had exploited everything and inquired of Yudhisthira,
"What now will you wager?"

"Here is my brother Nakula" Yudhisthira replied, "who is a powerful warrior.
He is what I shall now stake in this gambling match."

Saying this much Shakuni rolled the dice and said, "Look, I have won. Now what
will you bet?"

"Here is my brother Sahadeva," Yudhisthira replied, "who knows all the
principles of morality. He is my wager in this gambling match."

Shakuni then rolled the dice exclaiming, "Look Yudhisthira, I have won. Now
what will be your wager? You still have Arjuna and Bhimasena."

"O wretched person," Yudhisthira replied, "you are cheating by playing a game
of crooked dice. You are trying to create disunion between us who are of one
heart. However, I am not the controller of destiny, and, therefore, I will
wager this brother of mine Arjuna, who is the foremost archer in the world."

Shakuni then rolled the dice and laughingly exclaimed, "Look, I have won! Now
what will you wager?"

"I have Bhima," Yudhisthira replied, "who is capable of subduing all warriors
on the field of battle. I will wager this brother of mine."

Shakuni then pitched the dice and said, "Look Yudhisthira, I have won. Now
what is there left to wager?"

Yudhisthira then replied to the sinful Shakuni, "I have myself who am the
oldest of my brothers and who is the King of Indraprastha. I will wager
myself."

After saying this much, Shakuni rolled the dice and exclaimed, "You have
permitted yourself to be won, O King. Is there anything left for you to wager?
I think you still have one thing left in your possession. Why don't you stake
Draupadi in this gambling match. By her you can win yourself back."

"The beautiful Draupadi" Yudhisthira replied, "is still in my possession.
Making her as my wager, I will play with you, O best of the charlatans."

When King Yudhisthira had made this last wager, there was a cry of anguish
among the elders present. Bhishma, Drona and Kripa were covered with
perspiration, and Vidura, holding his head between his hands, sat like one who
had lost all reason. He sat with his face downward and was breathing heavily
like a snake. Dhritarastra was the only one of the elders who was elated at
heart. He repeatedly asked, "What has been won? What now has been won?" He
could not conceal his emotions. Karna and Duhshasana were laughing loudly, but
others were crying in the assembly. Picking up the dice that were loaded in his
favor, Shakuni rolled them and exclaimed, "Look, I have won everything!" With
these words the entire assembly hall was shocked into silence.



Thus Ends the Mahabharata Summation to the Ninth Chapter of the Sabha Parva,
Entitled, The Gambling Match.



Chapter Commentary



Those who are demoniac by nature are always envious of those who are godly.
The Pandavas were great devotees of the Lord and possessed divine qualities.
They appeared to be temporarily defeated in the wicked gambling match arranged
by the sinful son of Dhritarastra. Because the cause of the Pandavas was just
and because they were always taking shelter of Lord Krishna, they were destined
to have their wealth returned and the offenders were to be punished. As stated
in the final verse of Bhagavad-gita, "Wherever there is Krishna, the master of
all mystics, and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer, there will
certainly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power, and morality. That is my
opinion." (B.g. 18.78) In summary, one who has taken shelter of the lotus feet
of the Lord can never be vanquished in his struggle for existence in this
material world.

As stated by Vidura, gambling is the root of all evil. There are four pillars
of sinful life: illicit sex, gambling, meat eating and intoxication. When
living beings take shelter of these four sinful activities, they are under the
influence of Kali yuga. At the time of Maharaja Yudhisthira, there was no
adultery, no gambling casinos, no slaughter houses and no LSD, cocaine, crack,
whiskey, beer or other forms of intoxication. These types of sinful activities
are indulged in by persons in the modes of passion and ignorance, but were
unknown in Maharaja Yudhisthira's kingdom.

When Vidura heard of the plan for the gambling match, he knew that Kali yuga
had begun. This type of cheating was just unheard of amongst the royal order.
Before the age of Kali, the monarchial regimes were anxious to be known in the
history books for their morality and honesty. Dishonest rulers were marked down
and cursed. The only reason this sinister gambling match didn't succeed was
because of the presence of Lord Krishna on Earth. However, the day Lord Krishna
left this world, Kali began his nefarious work with full force. We are only
5,000 years into the Kali yuga and already the four sinful pillars are taken
for granted and are in full swing. No one is shocked by them. Practically every
corner has a bar; adultry is no longer looked upon as sinful; 99% of the
population eats meat; and a vast majority of people drink intoxicating
beverages. Vidura told Dhritarastra that there would be a heavy reaction to
cheating at dice. However, Dhritarastra was blind to what was right and what
was wrong. Similarly, saintly persons have repeatedly warned human society of
the reactions to sinful life. Nonetheless, people do not listen. When there are
earthquakes, world wars, incurable diseases, famine, floods, depressions,
tornadoes, hurricanes, and other disturbances, people cannot understand that
these are reactions to sinful life. However, human beings are too absorbed in
sinful life to want to renounce it and be happy. Sinful life and their
concomitment reactions are destined to increase as the Kali yuga progresses.



Sabha Parva



Chapter Ten



Lord Krishna Protects Draupada



After obtaining Draupadi in the crooked game of dice, Duryodhana turned to
Vidura and proudly said, "Come, Vidura, bring Draupadi, the dear wife of the
Pandavas. Let her enter the chambers meant for the serving maids. She must now
sweep the palace floors and take the position suited for a menial servant."

Outraged, Vidura replied, "Do you not know, O fiend, that by speaking such
words, you are strangling yourself with a rope? Do you not understand that you
are standing on the edge of a cliff? You are like a deer trying to provoke
tigers to rage. If you provoke the Pandavas further, you will certainly enter
the regions of Yamaraja. It is my judgement that you cannot take Draupadi as a
slave, for she has been won after Yudhisthira ceased to be his own master.
Draupadi is not your slave, and you should not insult her. Yudhisthira had no
right to use Draupadi as a wager when he had already lost himself. I am warning
you against the terrible wrath of the Pandavas. If you do not heed my words,
you will experience your demise, along with all your brothers and friends. Hell
is already preparing to receive the host of the Kuru House."

These words which were well spoken fell on deaf ears, and in unhappiness,
Vidura said, "What can I do? There is none so blind as one who will not see,
and there is none so deaf as he who refuses to hear." Vidura said no more.

Intoxicated with pride Duryodhana, the lowest among men ordered, "We have
heard enough from Vidura. Bring Draupadi here immediately!"

He then commanded the door guard, "Bring Draupadi here. You have nothing to
fear from the Pandavas. It is just Vidura who speaks like a madman, but who has
no power. He is not in truth our well wisher."

The doorguard then went to the chambers of Draupadi and informed her of the
events that transpired, "My dear queen of the Pandavas, your husband
Yudhisthira, in the fever of gambling, has lost you in a bet with Duryodhana.
You have now become the slave of Dhritarastra's son, and he wishes to see you
in court to be put to work as a menial maidservant."

Draupadi anxiously inquired, "What kind of folly are you speaking? What King
is there that would wager his own wife. He must certainly have been intoxicated
with gambling or else how could he have done such a thing!"

"Yudhisthira, while gambling with Shakuni, lost all his wealth and kingdom,"
The doorguard replied. "He then lost his brothers and then himself, and finally
he lost you in the gambling match."

"Go to the assembly hall," Draupadi requested, "and ask Yudhisthira whom he
lost first, himself or me. After finding this out, you may take me to the
assembly hall."

The messenger then came back to the assembly hall and repeated what Draupadi
had said. He then addressed Yudhisthira, "Draupadi has asked, 'Whose lord were
you when you lost me in the gambling match? Did you lose yourself first or
me?'" Yudhisthira simply lowered his head and could not say anything like a
person who had lost all reason.

"Let the princess of Panchala," Duryodhana ordered, "come here and ask the
question herself. Let everyone hear the words that are spoken between the queen
and her husband."

The doorkeeper then went again to Krishna (Draupadi) and told her all that was
said. She then requested the guard, "Go back again to the court and ask my
husband what I should do. I will obey him and no one else."

The servant then went to the assembly and repeated the request to Yudhisthira.
Yudhisthira then ordered, "Tell Draupadi that she should come here and ask her
question to the elders present."

Duryodhana then commanded the servant to go to the quarters and bring the
princess at once. The doorkeeper, however, was afraid of Draupadi's wrath and
was hesitant to go. Duryodhana then turned to Duhshasana and ordered him, "O
Duhshasana, this servant is afraid of these orders. Therefore, go yourself and
forcibly bring her to our presence."

Hearing the command of his brother, which was unknowingly meant for his death,
Duhshasana went to chambers of the queen and taunted her, "Come, come, O
Krishna, princess of Panchala, you have been won by us. Come and accept the
Kurus for your lords. You have been won fairly in a gambling match."

Draupadi was distraught by the words of Duhshasana, and rising from her seat,
she ran towards Gandhari's quarters. Duhshasana ran after her and grabbed her
by her long black curly hair that had been sanctified by the Rajasuya
sacrificial waters. He then forcibly dragged Draupadi by her hair into the
assembly hall while she was crying out, "My dear Lord Krishna, please save me!
O my Lord, there is no shelter other than You!"

Duhshasana brought her into the assembly. Her clothes had been loosened, and
her hair was no longer braided. She was terribly angry and screamed at
Duhshasana, "In this assembly there are persons who are conversant with all the
branches of the Vedas and are equal to Indra. I cannot stand before them in
this state. O wretched person, do not drag me before them. My husbands will not
pardon you. The others in this assembly will not rebuke you, and therefore,
they possess the same mentality. Surely there is no more virtue in the Bharata
dynasty, nor are the codes of kshatriya practice any longer in use or else how
could these so-called kshatriyas tolerate this action. Both Drona and Bhishma
have lost their prowess, for this crime is going unpunished."

Thus Draupadi cried in distress in the assembly, and casting a glance upon her
enraged husbands, inflamed their hearts further. The Pandavas were not so
distressed by the loss of there kingdom or wealth, as by that glance of
Draupadi that was filled with anger and helplessness. And seeing Draupadi
looking at her lords, Duhshasana dragged her more forcibly and addressed her,
"slave!, slave!" and laughed aloud. Duryodhana, Karna and Shakuni also laughed
to see Draupadi being pulled into the assembly.

Looking in the direction of the Kuru elders, she addressed Bhishma in the
following words, "You are the residence of learning and morality. They say
there is none wiser that you. Can you tell me whether or not I am a slave?"

"I am, indeed, at a loss to give you a proper answer," Bhishma replied.
"Morality is very difficult to understand, and its laws are subtle. A man
cannot wager something once he has lost himself. Therefore, Yudhisthira had no
right to lose you. But then again a woman is always under the orders of her
husband in all circumstances. He can call her his property even after he has
lost himself. Accordingly, I can not surely say that you are free. Yudhisthira
knew that Shakuni was a pastmaster in the art of gambling, and yet he played
with him willingly enough. Though he was being defeated, Yudhisthira continued
to play, and he used you as the wager. I am not able, therefore, to answer your
question."

Draupadi's eyes were red with anger, and she angrily said to Shantanu's son,
"The King was ordered to come to this charlatan's assembly, and he was made to
play with this vicious, spineless Shakuni. How can it be said that he
voluntarily chose to play? The chief of the Pandavas was deprived of his wealth
by deceitful conduct. Here is this assembly are the elders of the Kurus. Let
them decide what is to be done in this connection."

Looking at Draupadi whose words were like fire, Duhshasana laughed loudly and
called her names. He bellowed, "You are the slave of Duryodhana; there is no
need to consider the laws of Dharma. Your Dharma is to please your master
Duryodhana."

Seeing the Pandavas in such a distraught condition, Vikarna, one of
Dhritarastra's sons, said to all assembled, "Why is it that no one can answer
Draupadi's question? If we do not judge the matter properly then we shall
surely go to hell for our wrongdoing. How is it that Bhishma and Dhritarastra,
who are the elders of the Kurus, do not say anything about this injustice? Why
is it that Kripa and the son of Bharadvaja, Drona, do not say anything? If you
will not say anything, then I will give my opinion in this regard. It is a well
known fact that there are four vices of kings. That is hunting, drinking,
gambling and too much attachment for women. The man that is addicted to these
lives a life forsaking virtue. And people do not respect a King who is attached
to sinful life. This son of Pandu, while forced to engage in one of these
sinful acts, made Draupadi a wager. The King, having lost himself first, made
Draupadi a wager, and the unscrupulous Shakuni with wicked intentions said that
she could be made a wager. Reflecting on all these circumstances, I regard
Draupadi a free woman and not a slave."

Hearing these truthful words, a loud roar rose from those present in the
assembly, and they applauded Vikarna for his clear thinking. However, Karna,
deprived of his senses through anger, rebuked Vikarna as follows, "Vikarna, you
are only a boy, and your wisdom is childish. All the elders here are in
agreement that Draupadi is a slave of the Kurus. If she were not a slave, do
you think that her husbands would allow her to be brought into the royal court.
You say that it is not right to call her a slave, but there is no need to
consider Dharma in the case of the Pandavas. O son of the Kuru race, the sages
have ordained only one husband for one woman. This Draupadi, however, has many
husbands, and is certainly considered unchaste. Therefore, to bring her into
this assembly in front of many men and see her stripped naked will not
embarrass her. She is a slave just like her lords. They do not deserve the
clothes they are wearing. Duhshasana, take off the upper garments of these men
and also those of Draupadi." Hearing the order of Karna, the Pandavas took off
their upper garments and threw them on the floor.

The shameless Duhshasana then began to pull at the upper garments of Draupadi,
and Draupadi tried to stop him while looking in the direction of her husbands.
When she saw that they could do nothing to help her, she took shelter of the
Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is the only one who can give shelter in all
circumstances. She threw her hands into the air praying, "O Govinda, O all
pervading Lord of the universe, O Krishna, O Keshava, do You not see that I am
being humiliated by the Kauravas. O husband of the goddess of fortune, O Lord
of Vraja, You are present wherever Your devotees are singing Your glories. I
surrender myself unto you! Please save me!" Upon hearing the words of Draupadi,
Lord Krishna, the Supersoul in everyone's heart, immediately offered protection
to His devotee.

Draupadi stopped trying to resist the advances of Duhshasana and fixed her
mind at the lotus feet of Lord Krishna. As Duhshasana pulled on the upper
portion of her sari, the horrified audience looked on. The sinful demon was
pulling at her clothes, but each time he pulled, the cloth was getting longer.
The more he pulled, the more cloth there was, and soon there was a huge pile of
cloth on the floor, enough for hundreds of saris. The kings present in the
assembly began to applaud Draupadi and chastised the son of Dhritarastra with
harsh words.

Seeing Draupadi in this humiliated condition, Bhima addressed the assembled
kings, "Please hear the words I have to say. I shall in battle tear open by
force the chest of this sinful Duhshasana and drink his life blood. I take this
oath, and if not accomplished, I shall not attain the regions of my ancestors."
All the warriors present acclaimed Bhima's vow and began to condemn Duryodhana
and his followers. At that time Vidura spoke to those present in the assembly.
He tried to convince them that the Vikarna's statements were truthful and that
Draupadi was not a slave. No one responded to the words of Vidura for fear of
Duryodhana.

When there was again silence in the assembly hall, Karna ordered Duhshasana,
"Take away this maidservant to the inner chambers." Duhshasana forcibly grabbed
Draupadi and began dragging her on the ground while she was crying and
trembling. Draupadi broke away from him and addressed Bhishma again with the
same question, "I am the wedded wife of the Pandavas. Please answer my
question. Am I a servant maid or otherwise? This cruel Duhshasana is treating
me harshly. I cannot bear this any longer. I will accept your decision,
whatever it may be."

Hearing these lamentable words, Bhishma answered, "I have already said, O
blessed lady, that the answer to this question of morality is equivocal. I am
unable to answer the question that you have put forward. However, it is certain
that all the Kauravas have become slaves to greed and deceitfulness. Because of
this offensive act, the end of the Kuru race is close at hand. The other Kuru
elders who sit with their heads down, like persons who have left their bodies,
cannot answer your question. However, if you ask Yudhisthira, he will answer
your question about whether you are a slave or not."

With a smirk on his face Duryodhana addressed Draupadi, "The answer to your
question depends on your husbands. Let them declare in the midst of respectable
persons whether Yudhisthira is their lord."

Bhima then spoke to the assembled warriors of the earth, "If this great King
of the earth, Yudhisthira, were not our lord, we would never have forgiven the
Kuru race for this incident. If he says that he has become a slave, then we too
have become slaves. If this were not so, then I would have already crushed to
death the one who has touched the hair of the princess Draupadi. I am
restraining myself due to respect for my older brother and the requests of
Arjuna. However, If Yudhisthira commands me, I will kill all of Dhritarastra's
sons immediately."

Hearing the anger of Bhimasena, Duryodhana began to make fun of him. Laughing
all the while, Duryodhana said to Yudhisthira, "O King, your brothers and
Draupadi are waiting for an answer to this question. Please state whether
Draupadi is my slave or still your wife."

After taunting him with these words and not receiving a reply, Duryodhana
said, "Draupadi, I will answer your question. You are free and you may chose
any amongst the great warriors for your husband." Duryodhana then laughed
loudly; and when he saw that he had the attention of Bhima, he lifted his cloth
and showed his naked thigh to Draupadi.

Seeing this, Bhima was overcome with an animosity that resembled universal
devastation. He expanded his red eyes and declared to all assembled, "I say to
all present that I shall break the thighs of Duryodhana, or else I shall never
attain the higher regions after this life!"

Karna laughed at Bhima and said to Duhshasana, "Do not wait any longer. Take
this maidservant Draupadi to the inner chambers." Duhshasana began to drag her
away while she appealed to all the elders in the Kuru house, but it was no
use.

Then Bhima again took a vow, "I am going to kill this sinful Duryodhana, and
my brother Arjuna is going to kill Karna. This deceitful Shakuni will be killed
by my brother Sahadeva. I take a vow that this will happen. I will kill
Duryodhana and place my foot upon his head. I will also surely drink the blood
of Duhshasana."

Arjuna then confirmed Bhima's vow, "Bhima, those who are living secure in
their homes can never understand the danger that awaits them outside. Your
words will come true. The earth will drink the blood of these four: Duryodhana,
Duhshasana, Shakuni and Karna. There is no doubt about it."

Arjuna then took an oath, "I declare in the presence of all the kings
assembled: I will kill this Karna and all his followers in a future war. I will
kill all who are foolish enough to support him. The Himalayan mountains may
move from their place, or the sun may fall out of its orbit, or the moon may
lose its coolness, but I will never give up this vow until it is
accomplished."

Sahadeva then addressed the assembly with his vow, "Shakuni, you are the
lowest of men and a disgrace to the good name of the Gandharas. Because of your
deception at dice, I swear that I will kill you and all your kinsmen. I hope
that you will have the same courage on the battlefield that you have exhibited
here in this gambling match."

Nakula then made his vow, "My brothers have sworn to kill their opponents. I
promise in the presence of all assembled that I will kill the son of Shakuni,
Uluka. All these persons mentioned will die on the battlefield."

After the Pandavas said this much, a jackal began to cry loudly in the
assembly hall of Dhritarastra's palace. And when the jackal howled, the asses
began to bray in response, indicating the loss of all good fortune to the
Kauravas. All the elders present understood the meaning of those evil omens. To
late in the day Dhritarastra, realizing the seriousness of the situation,
admonished his son, "You have a wicked mind Duryodhana, and your downfall is
sooner than you think. You have insulted the Pandava's wife, and certainly
there is no hope for you."

Dhritarastra then spoke to Draupadi, hoping to console her and save the life
of his relatives, "Please ask of me, O princess of Panchala, any benediction
that you desire."

Draupadi replied, "I ask that my husband Yudhisthira be freed from slavery."

Dhritarastra granted the request and said, "You may take another benediction
from me."

Draupadi said, "Please grant me that my husbands: Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and
Sahadeva be freed from their bondage and their kingdom returned."

Dhritarastra granted the benediction and asked Draupadi to take a third
benediction. Draupadi replied, "I will not ask for a third benediction. It has
been said that a vaishya may ask one boon, a warrior two, and a brahmana may
ask a hundred. Now that my husbands have been released from their bondage, they
will be able to achieve prosperity by their own virtuous acts."

Karna then snickered and said to all assembled, "Fortunately for the Pandavas,
Draupadi has become like a boat to save them from drowning in the ocean. They
are indeed fortunate to be saved by a woman."

Ignoring the taunts of Karna, Yudhisthira approached Dhritarastra with joined
palms requesting, "O King, you are our master. Command us as to what we should
do. We desire to remain always obedient to you."

"O Ajatrashatru," Dhritarastra replied, "you are a blessed person. Go in peace
to your kingdom and be happy. Take with you all your wealth. I am pleased with
you humility and meekness. Where there is intelligence, there is tolerance.
They are the best of men who do not remember the hostility of their enemies,
that see the merits and not the faults of their foe. O child, do not remember
the harsh words of Duryodhana. It was for seeing who were my friends and
examining the weaknesses of my sons, that I allowed this gambling match to go
on. O King, those among the Kurus, who have you for their ruler and Vidura for
their counsellor, have, indeed, nothing to grieve for. Please, return now to
Indraprastha, and let their be brotherly love between yourself and my sons."

After receiving permission from King Dhritarastra, that crest jewel of the
Bharatas, King Yudhisthira, took leave of the Kuru elders and left the city of
Hastinapura. He was accompanied by his brothers and the beautiful Draupadi.



Thus Ends the Mahabharata Summation to the Tenth Chapter of the Sabha Parva,
Entitled, Lord Krishna Protects Draupadi.



Chapter Commentary



Offences against devotees never go unpunished. When one offends great souls,
one loses his opulence, life span and family, and he suffers greatly. The seed
of the offense was planted during the gambling match. That seed later sprouted
and bore its fruit on the Kurukshetra plain. Duryodhana lost everything because
of his hatred for the Pandavas. All actions bear their fruit in due course. As
stated in all scriptures, "Pride cometh before a fall." Duryodhana was full of
false pride and not fit to rule. His downfall was only a matter of time.

A pious action will bear a pious result; an impious action will bring forth
suffering. Sometimes people criticize God for allowing one person to be born in
a suffering condition and another in an affluent condition. Actually, God has
nothing to do with it. The Supreme Lord sends the holy scriptures and holy
people to request everyone to follow His law. If people do not follow His law,
they must suffer. The living being creates his own happiness and distress. God
has stated, "Thou shalt not kill." Still people open slaughter houses and kill
innocent animals. Jesus Christ opened the cages of the doves and lambs, and
turned over the tables of the money changers declaring, "My father's house
shall not be made a den of thieves." If he didn't allow animals to be
sacrificed before God, then surely a slaughter house would be condemned. We
have to learn to take seriously what the Lord wants of us. If we don't then we
have to suffer.

One may rightly ask why Bhishma and Drona did not defend the Pandavas while
the offenses were being committed. Bhishma could have stopped the whole affair
at that moment. He could have killed Duryodhana and anyone else who opposed
religiosity. For his failure to defend the Pandavas, he had to die during the
Kurukshetra war. Was it because he was dependent on Duryodhana that he didn't
speak out? No, the answer is that it was actually the Lord's desire. Many
purposes were served by this one incident. One, Krishna wanted to show Draupadi
and the world that He is the only shelter. If Bhishma had spoken out, then
Draupadi could not have realized this, but would have become dependent on
Bhishma instead of Lord Krishna. Secondly, because Bhishma ultimately chose the
side of Duryodhana, Lord Krishna wanted to show the world that if even you are
the greatest warrior in the world, if you oppose religious principles, you are
destined to die.

Yudhisthira did not have to engage in gambling. He was intelligent and knew
what was right and what was wrong. He was a pure devotee of the Lord. However,
he felt the situation to be the desire of the Lord for a higher purpose. Pure
devotees know the will of the Lord and act accordingly in all circumstances. He
could have challenged Duryodhana to battle or he could have just refused to
gamble with Shakuni. These things all seem the logical thing to do. However,
Lord Krishna is not under the law of logic. We cannot figure out His divine
plan. We can only submit to His divine will. No one will argue that the
Pandavas or Bhishma were not pure devotees. Bhishma is one of the twelve
mahajanas or authorities on devotional service. That is a rarely attained
position. Therefore, it is concluded that Bhishma was bewildered by Lord
Krishna's internal potency so that he could not take action to defend the
Pandavas.



Sabha Parva



Chapter Eleven



The Pandavas Lose Their Kingdom



After the sons of Pandu had returned to their kingdom, Duhshasana went to his
brother Duryodhana and complained, "After we had won the kingdom and made
slaves of the Pandavas, our father has thrown it away. Call them back for
another dice game and take their kingdom, before they have time to organize
their forces and challenge us." Hearing Duhshasana agreeable words, Duryodhana,
Shakuni and Karna, who were guided by lust and greed, united together and went
to Dhritarastra with another dice match in mind.

Sitting respectfully before his father, Duryodhana spoke, "If, with the wealth
of the Pandavas, we satisfy the Kings of the earth, then the Pandavas cannot
harm us. The Pandavas are now like hot-tempered venomous serpents, and they are
surely arranging to challenge us to battle. Upon leaving Hastinapura, Arjuna
was grasping his bow, fiercely looking in all directions. Vikrodara, after
ascending his chariot, was seen leaving the city whirling his mace. Nakula was
holding a sword and shield and was prepared for war. Sahadeva and Yudhisthira
have ascended their chariots with an anger like that of Yamaraja. Having been
persecuted, they will not forgive us. Who among them can forget the insult to
Draupadi? Therefore, before they become too powerful, we should again call them
for a gambling match and exile them to the forest. Whoever wins at the game of
dice must enter the forest for twelve years, and the thirteenth year must be
spent in concealment. If they are recognized in the thirteenth year, they must
again go to the forest for another twelve years. Either we or they shall live
so. Shakuni will again throw the dice and win for us. Even if they succeed in
observing the vow, we shall, in the meantime, have won the citizen's favor and
the respect of the worldly kings. Having gathered a vast army, we will defeat
them in battle. This plan we present before you, O King."

Dhritarastra, under the influence of all-devouring time, agreed with their
proposal, and said, "Call back the Pandavas and let them again play for the
sake of the kingdom."

Upon hearing Duryodhana's plan, Drona, Bhishma, Somadatta, Bahlika, Vidura,
Bhurishravas and the son of Dhritarastra, Vikarna all said, "Do not agree with
this plan, O King. Let their be peace between your sons and the sons of Pandu."
Dhritarastra did not listen to their wisdom and summoned Pandu's sons to again
gamble at dice.

It was at this time that the virtuous Gandhari approached her husband
pleading, "When Duryodhana was born, the wise Vidura advised you, 'It would be
better to kill this child than let him live, for he will spoil the whole Kuru
race.' This son of ours cried upon his birth just like a jackal. It is not too
late, even now, to cast him aside. The kingdom that you will obtain by crooked
means will soon be wrenched from you."

When addressed in truthful words by his queen, Dhritarastra replied to her,
"If the devastation of our dynasty has come, let it take place. I have not the
power to control providence. Rather destiny is my master, and I am its servant.
Let the Pandavas return and again gamble with my sons."

A messenger then approached Indraprastha, and in the presence of the Pandavas,
gave the command of Dhritarastra. Yudhisthira could not refuse the order and
again prepared to go to Hastinapura, knowing well the outcome of the gambling
match. They again entered Hastinapura and sat down in the assembly hall to play
another game of dice. The conniving Shakuni then said, "The King has given back
your property and that is all well. But this time, O bull of the Bharata race,
we will wager in the following manner. Who ever wins at one throw of the dice
will see his opponent enter the forest for twelve years and a final year spent
in disguise. If discovered in the thirteenth year, one has to again enter the
forest for another twelve years. O Yudhisthira, with this as the wager, play
with us at dice."

Yudhisthira, knowing well that a great karmic destruction of the Kuru dynasty
was at hand, agreed with the proposal saying, "O Shakuni, how can a King like
myself refuse when challenged to play dice? Therefore, let the play begin."
Shakuni then took up the dice and cast them saying, "I have won."

When the Pandavas were defeated, they took off their royal dress and were
given deer-skins as their garments. Duhshasana was very pleased with Shakuni's
victory and announced to all assembled, "The absolute sovereignty of King
Duryodhana has now begun. The sons of Pandu have been defeated and our goal has
now been achieved. O Draupadi, what will you gain by following these men into
the forest. Now is the time to pick a husband from among those heroes of the
Kuru race. Why wait upon these poor men any longer?"

Upon hearing Duhshasana's distasteful words, Bhima approached him like a tiger
chasing a deer and boldly said, "As you are piercing my ears with these arrow
like words, I will pierce your heart on the field of battle and drink your
blood. O spineless person, you have won only by the cheating methods of the
Gandhara King. When I return from the forest, I will make good my vow."

Duhshasana laughed at Bhima's anger and began to dance around him saying, "O
cow! O cow!" Bhima was forced to hold back his fury, but he did so being bound
by the cord on proper behavior.

Yudhisthira then approached the blind King and said, "I bid farewell to you as
well as Bhishma, Drona, Kripa and the others. I will again return after the
thirteen year exile is finished."

Overcome with shame, none of those men could look at Yudhisthira or say
anything to him. However, within their hearts they prayed for his welfare.
Vidura then said, "Kunti is a princess by birth, and she should not go to the
forest. I will keep her here in Hastinapura and protect her from any harm just
as if she were my mother. O Yudhisthira, know that one who has been vanquished
by sinful means need not be pained by such defeat. You also know every law of
morality. Dhananjaya will be victorious in battle; Bhimasena will kill his
enemies; Nakula will gain great wealth; and Sahadeva will obtain his goals.
With learned brahmanas accompanying you to the forest, you need not fear
anything. Draupadi will also assist you in your exile. You are all attached to
one another and feel happiness in each others association. Go now, and we will
again see you returned here safely and crowned with success." The Pandavas then
left Hastinapura much to the distress of the citizens and those relatives who
loved them very much.

Now that the Pandavas has had left for the forest, Dhritarastra could not find
peace of mind. He called for Vidura and questioned him, "Please tell me in what
state of mind the Pandavas left Hastinapura. I desire to hear everything, O
Ksatta [Vidura]."

Vidura then replied to the King, "Yudhisthira, though robbed of his kingdom
and wealth, he has not deviated from the path of virtuous kings. He has left
Hastinapura blindfolded, or else with the anger of his eyes, he would have
burned the whole city to ashes. Bhima has left the city stretching his mighty
arms indicating to everyone that upon his return he will destroy your sons with
his prowess. And Arjuna, the son of Kunti, has left Hastinapura scattering
grains of sand indicating that upon his return he will rain arrows from the
might of his Gandiva bow. Sahadeva has left the city smearing his body with
dirt so that none will recognize his plight and take action against your sons,
O King. Nakula has left the city in the same way. Draupadi has left the city
Hastinapura dressed in one cloth and her hair unbraided indicating that upon
her return, her husbands will destroy the Kuru host, and the wives of those who
insulted her will have to dress in the same way. The learned Dhaumya has left
the city walking in front of the Pandavas holding kusha grass and chanting
mantras from the Sama Veda which relate to Yamaraja. This indicates that when
the host of the Kurus are slain in battle, the priests of the Kurus will chant
the Soma mantras for the benefit of the deceased. And also, O King, the
citizens seeing the Pandavas leaving are cursing you and your family. Upon
their leaving many evil omens appeared: flashes of lightning in the cloudless
sky, the earth trembled, and Rahu began to devour the sun. Meteors fell from
the firmament, and jackals began to howl. Birds like the crows began to shriek,
indicating the destruction of the Kuru house."

While Dhritarastra and Vidura were thus talking with one another, the great
sage Narada Muni appeared on the scene. He appeared in the Kuru's imperial
court and spoke the following omen, "On the thirteenth year from today, on
account of Duryodhana's offenses, the Kauravas will be crushed by the prowess
of Bhima and Arjuna." Having said this much, the great sage Narada ascended by
the airways; and the Kurus, who were left speechless, contemplated the awesome
words of the rishi.

Fearful upon hearing the prophecy of Narada, Duryodhana along with Shakuni and
Karna approached Drona and offered him the kingdom, considering him their
protector. Drona then instructed them, "The brahmanas have said that the
Pandavas, being of celestial origin, are incapable of being slain. However,
because you have sought my shelter, I will act as your protector, but know that
the cause is doomed. I have formerly deprived Drupada of his kingdom, and in
revenge he has performed a sacrifice with the help of the brahmanas, Yaja and
Upayaja, and thus he has received a son who will kill me. It is already known
that the fire-born Dhristadyumna will slay me in battle. His birth is
celestial, and he was born with golden armor and weapons. I am but a mortal of
this world. Drupada and his followers have taken up the Pandava's cause. Enjoy
your kingdom for a short while, O Duryodhana. When the Pandavas return from the
forest, a great catastrophe will befall you."



Thus Ends the Mahabharata Summation to the Eleventh Chapter of the Sabha
Parva, Entitled, The Pandavas Loose Their Kingdom.



Thus Ends the Sabha Parva section to the Summary Study of the Mahabharata.



Chapter Commentary



From the day Dhritarastra exiled the Pandavas, the blind King knew no peace.
He spent his days and nights in anxiety thinking about the day when the
Pandavas would return from the forest. When he turned his back on the ways of
righteousness, he came face to face with anxiety and grief. Those who are
attached to material possessions can never be happy. Here we see that although
Dhritarastra was the king of the world, he was not content. He was worried that
some day the Pandavas would come back from the forest and take his wealth and
kill his sons. This is the nature of material attachment; it can never bring
peace.

The only peaceful person is a devotee of Lord Krishna. In the Chaitanya
Charitamrita, it is stated, "Because a devotee of Lord Krishna is desireless,
he is peaceful. Fruitive workers desire material enjoyment, jnanis desire
liberation, and yogis desire material opulence; therefore, they are all lusty
and cannot be peaceful." Although the Pandavas were robbed of their wealth and
had to reside in the forest for so many years, still they were quite happy
because they had the association of Lord Krishna. They accepted Him as their
friend, guide, spiritual master, and their only protector. They did not desire
an opulent kingdom or great riches. They were perfectly satisfied in their
friendship with the Supreme Lord Krishna. Thus the forest became like the
spiritual world, and the court in Hastinapura became like a hellish planet
because of offences committed against the pure devotees of the Lord.

Peace can only be found inwardly. Material possessions can never bring one
peace. We come into this world with nothing, and we leave with nothing.
Material possessions, if not used in the service of the Lord, simply are a
source of anxiety. We constantly worry about who is going to take our material
possessions. A rich person must constantly worry about the motivations of
persons who try to become his friends. Real peace must be found by cleansing
the heart. Lord Krishna tells Arjuna, "One whose happiness is within, who is
active within, who rejoices within and is illumined within, is actually the
perfect mystic. he is liberated in the Supreme, and ultimately he attains the
Supreme." (B.g. 5.24) In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy, the only means to
attain peace is to chant the Holy Names of God, Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna,
Krishna, Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Because
Dhritarastra tried to find peace in material wealth, friends and family, he was
in constant anxiety. The real wealth is hidden inside the heart.